Georgian Era (1714-1830)

The Georgian era was dominated by intricate and elaborate jewellery styles such as chandelier earrings and riviere necklaces with ‘flowing rivers' of gems or paste set in silver or gold.

Antique paste (glass) was frequently used as a substitute for precious gems, particularly by members of society who could not afford expensive jewellery.

Diamonds, emeralds and rubies were favoured gemstones, as were garnets and pink topaz.  Bows, ribbons and naturalistic symbols such as stars and sprays of flowers were very popular, as were cannetille settings of tightly wound gold wire which resembled spun gold (as shown on the right).

It was during the Georgian period that parures or matched sets of jewellery including necklace, earrings, bracelet and tiara were first designed; and shoe buckles became an essential jewellery item.