Victorian Era (1820 - 1914)

Victorian (1820 – 1914)

The Victorian era refers to the period in British history from around 1820 to 1914, which generally corresponds to the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. It was a time of social hierarchy, increasing voter participation, economic growth, and the expansion of the British Empire, which made it the world's most powerful nation.

The Victorian period was characterized by a stable government, a growing state, and an expanding franchise, allowing more people to participate in the political process. Despite being a wealthy and industrialized nation with a large empire, the majority of the population was working-class. Towards the end of the era, Britain's global political and economic power declined in comparison to other major powers like the United States, though this decline was not immediately noticeable until after World War II.

The Victorian Age gifted the world jewellery which embodies our strongest human emotions, from our deepest feelings of love to heart-wrenching grief. The long rule of British Monarch Queen Victoria, was the greatest influence on fashion and art during this time and in many ways, jewellery from this era reflected the events of her life.

Victorian jewellery has its roots in England and was created during the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. As a highly influential figure, Queen Victoria played a significant role in setting the trends for Victorian jewellery. During the Victorian era, a person's identity and social status were often established by the amount and quality of jewellery they owned. Jewellery during this time was characterized by a diverse range of styles and fashions, which can be broadly categorized into three distinct periods: the Romantic period, the Grand period, and the Aesthetic period.