The many styles of Victorian jewelry presented in this volume are
selected from the best collections in the United States and abroad, and
shown here in specially commissioned, exclusive color photographs. The
photographs showcase the glorious color and style of the rich variety of
materials, including Scottish Agate, malachite, and granite, the
amazingly modern niello, and the stark black beauty of Whitby jet.
For more than half a century, during the reign of Queen Victoria,
England and Europe produced some of the most delightful flights of fancy
that jewelry has ever taken. Long ignored because of the intrinsic
worthlessness of its various materials, today these pieces are
increasingly prized for their beauty and workmanship. Surprisingly, this
period in jewelry-making did not follow the fussy, overly ornate style
that characterized the Victorian era, but rather promoted bold, playful,
romantic and "modern" styles. Some of the most unusual pieces were
constructed with materials including hair, lava, coal iron, and
aluminum. The text gives authoritative and fascinating historical
context to the uses of these materials and designs. Many of the most
sought-after pieces are made of silver, and popular designs include
stars, anchors, hearts, bows and outstretched hands.
