A Brief History of Eras

Throughout history, jewellery has served as a reflection of its time, capturing the changing tastes, values, and craftsmanship of each era. From the ornate elegance of earlier centuries to the refined designs of the twentieth century, every piece tells a story of the world in which it was created.

As society evolved, so too did jewellery, mirroring shifts in culture, artistry, and personal expression. These creations were never simply adornments, but lasting expressions of history, design, and the people who wore them.

At Keshett, our team specialises in antique and vintage jewellery from across these remarkable periods, carefully sourcing rare and significant pieces from history’s most captivating eras.

Georgian - 1714 to 1837

The Georgian era marks the beginning of what we now recognise as the earliest surviving period of antique jewellery. Created entirely by hand, these pieces were crafted long before modern jewellery tools existed, making them exceptionally rare today. Each jewel carries subtle irregularities that reveal the touch of the artisan who made it.

Jewellery from this period was often inspired by nature, featuring delicate motifs such as flowers, ribbons, leaves, and bows. Diamonds were typically set in closed-back settings with foil behind the stones to enhance their glow in candlelight, as jewellery during this time was designed to be worn in softly lit interiors rather than bright daylight.

Gold and silver were the dominant metals, and many pieces were created to mark significant personal moments such as love, mourning, and status. Due to the age and fragility of Georgian jewellery, surviving examples are highly sought after and represent some of the most treasured pieces in antique collections today.

Victorian - 1837 to 1901

The Victorian era is one of the most significant periods in antique jewellery, defined by both remarkable creativity and deep sentiment. Spanning more than sixty years, this era reflects the cultural and emotional shifts of the nineteenth century, with jewellery often carrying personal meaning for the wearer.

Early Victorian jewellery, sometimes referred to as the Romantic period, celebrated love and nature through intricate designs featuring hearts, flowers, serpents, and symbolic motifs. As the era progressed, jewellery became more elaborate, with richly detailed gold work, coloured gemstones, and ornate craftsmanship that highlighted the skill of the maker.

Following periods of national mourning, darker and more solemn pieces also became prominent. Mourning jewellery, often crafted from jet or set with hairwork, served as a tribute to loved ones and remains one of the most distinctive aspects of the Victorian period.

Today, Victorian jewellery is cherished for its character, symbolism, and the sense of history each piece carries. Many designs from this era continue to inspire collectors and remain a cornerstone of antique jewellery collections.

Edwardian - 1901 to 1915

The Edwardian era is celebrated for its refinement, delicacy, and remarkable craftsmanship. Jewellery from this period reflects a lighter and more graceful aesthetic, made possible by the introduction of platinum, which allowed jewellers to create intricate and finely detailed designs that had not been achievable before.

Designs often featured flowing lines, garland motifs, bows, and lace-like patterns set with diamonds and pearls. The use of platinum gave jewellery a soft, airy appearance while still providing strength, allowing stones to be set in elegant, open settings that enhanced their brilliance.

This period was also shaped by a sense of sophistication and optimism at the beginning of the twentieth century. Jewellery was designed to complement the lighter fashions of the time, resulting in pieces that appear delicate yet highly detailed.

Today, Edwardian jewellery is admired for its elegance and technical mastery, representing a pivotal moment in jewellery history when craftsmanship and innovation came together to create some of the most graceful designs ever made.

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Art Nouveau - 1890 to 1910

The Art Nouveau era introduced a completely new artistic direction in jewellery design, moving away from traditional forms and embracing creativity, symbolism, and the beauty of nature. Inspired by the natural world, jewellers created flowing, organic designs featuring flowers, insects, leaves, and the graceful forms of the female figure.

Unlike earlier periods that emphasised precious gemstones alone, Art Nouveau jewellery focused strongly on artistry and craftsmanship. Techniques such as enamel work, including the delicate plique-à-jour style, allowed jewellers to introduce colour and movement into their designs. Pieces from this era often feel expressive and almost dreamlike, reflecting the broader artistic movement that influenced architecture, art, and design at the time.

Art Nouveau jewellery was created in smaller quantities and for a more artistic audience, which makes surviving pieces especially distinctive today. These jewels represent a moment when jewellery became a true form of wearable art, valued as much for its design as for the materials used.

Art Deco - 1920 to 1939

The Art Deco era marked a bold and modern shift in jewellery design, reflecting the energy, innovation, and optimism of the early twentieth century. Following the delicate styles of the Edwardian period, Art Deco introduced strong geometry, clean lines, and striking contrasts that continue to define the era today.

Jewellery designs became more structured and architectural, often featuring symmetrical patterns, step-cut gemstones, and precise craftsmanship. Diamonds remained central to many pieces, frequently paired with vivid gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires, and rubies to create dramatic colour combinations. Platinum was widely used during this time, allowing jewellers to craft intricate yet balanced designs that emphasised both strength and elegance.

This era was heavily influenced by global travel, technological progress, and artistic movements of the time. The result was jewellery that felt modern, confident, and forward-looking. Art Deco pieces are among the most sought-after antique jewels, admired for their timeless sophistication and distinctive design.

Mid-Century - 1940 to 1970

The Mid-Century era brought a confident and modern direction to jewellery design. Following the geometric precision of Art Deco, jewellery from the 1940s through the 1960s embraced sculptural forms, warm gold tones, and designs that reflected the optimism of the post-war period.

During this time, yellow and rose gold became especially prominent, often shaped into bold yet elegant forms that highlighted volume and texture. Diamonds continued to play an important role, while cocktail rings and distinctive statement pieces grew in popularity as social life and fashion evolved.

Designs from the 1950s and 1960s also began to balance classic craftsmanship with a more contemporary aesthetic. Jewellery was created to be worn with the structured silhouettes and refined styles of the era, resulting in pieces that feel both timeless and expressive.

Mid-Century jewellery is admired for its character and versatility. These designs bridge the world of antique jewellery and modern taste, making them a meaningful addition to many collections.

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