Victorian Necklaces

The Victorian era was filled with new techniques and styles in jewellery design. When the high-necked ruffs and collars of previous times fell out of fashion, Victorians found a preference for exposed necks and shoulders, allowing for a lot of necklace styles to evolve. One such style is the collarette necklace. Also referred to as the riviere necklace, this is a style where the necklace sits just at the base of the neck. Usually, the gemstones in these necklaces are all of the same kind, and they graduate in size. The largest stone in a riviere necklace is at the very front, with the smallest stones around the fastening.

Another Victorian necklace style is the cameo pendant. The archaeological discoveries of the Victorian era led to an increased interest in ancient cultures. The Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman practise of the cameo found new life in the Victorian period. Cameos make use of materials like shell and hardstone. The cameo is the act of carving into these materials to create a portrait or a scene with figures included. Victorian cameo jewellery was popular as both a romantic gift and a platonic one. The style of the Ancient Greek portraiture was used in the Victorian period, often imitating the aesthetics of Ancient Greek fashion and even hairstyles.

The cross pendant is also a style that found increased popularity during the Victorian era. Cross pendants have an enduring popularity that extends beyond the 19th century. In the Victorian period, however, they evolved to be more ornate and ostentatious than they had been previously. The advancement of jewellery-making led to larger gemstones being used in pieces like this. Owning a genuine antique Victorian cross pendant is a precious thing, and we are pleased to offer only the finest examples of this style.

Love heart pendants are another style that began before the Victorian period, but came into their own in the 19th century. The famed love heart shape was created with greater precision in the late Victorian period. The exaggerated heart form was as popular a romantic sentiment as it remains today. This is an ideal style of antique jewellery to give as an anniversary gift or Valentine's Day gift.

To preserve Victorian necklaces, store them in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. Clean them gently with a soft cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage delicate materials.

When identifying genuine Victorian necklaces, it's important to focus on certain key features, including the materials used (like gold, jet, and turquoise), the level of craftsmanship, and unique hallmarks. Look closely at the intricate details, as Victorian jewellery typically showcased hand-crafted elements that are challenging to reproduce in contemporary versions.

Examine the wear and patina that develop naturally over time, along with the weight and texture of the piece. Genuine Victorian necklaces typically exhibit signs of age while still showcasing their beauty and craftsmanship. Seek advice from a trusted jeweller or antique expert to help confirm authenticity.

Symbolism was an important aspect of Victorian jewellery. Popular motifs such as hearts (symbolising love), crosses (representing faith), anchors (denoting hope), and crescents (embodying femininity) carried profound meanings for the wearer, transforming necklaces into items that were not only decorative but also deeply expressive.

Queen Victoria's personal preferences had a significant impact on the jewellery trends of her time. She brought attention to snake motifs, representing eternal love, along with lockets and other sentimental items. Notably, her mourning jewellery made a lasting impression on the styles of Victorian necklaces.

Victorian necklaces make exceptional gifts for a wide range of occasions thanks to their timeless elegance and historic charm. Popular gifting moments include:

- Milestone birthdays (such as 30th, 40th or 60th)

- Anniversaries, particularly silver (25th), ruby (40th), or diamond-themed celebrations

- Weddings, as "something old" or a meaningful gift for the bride

- Birthstone gifts, with sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds being common Victorian choices

- Retirement or personal achievements, offering a sophisticated and lasting token of appreciation

These antique necklaces are also perfect for collectors or those who simply love the beauty of fine period jewellery.