Victorian era 5.36 carat old cushion-cut diamond with amethyst border . An antique ring is more than a ring – it’s a living, gleaming timepiece.  Its stone, setting and design aesthetic are lasting testaments to the people and lifestyle of a bygone era. Brushing up on jewelry history can clue you into the techniques and materials that give a period piece the glamour it has today. For unparalleled elegance, start your lesson with the Victorian and Edwardian jewelry periods. Victorian Brooch With Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires and Rubies Old-European cut diamond brooch with natural rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Early Victorian Era (1837-1879) With Queen Victoria’s marital bliss as inspiration, Early Victorian jewelry shines with romance. Flowers, hearts, lovebirds and other natural motifs often couple with gemstones and delicate ornamentation in these feminine pieces. The queen’s love for her family is reflected in timeless sentimental items such as keepsake lockets or jewelry decorated with a lock of a loved one’s hair. Opals, seed pearls and corals were stylish choices for Early Victorian women. With the death of Queen Victoria’s husband in 1861, jewelry took on a markedly somber tone. Dark onyx and garnets dominate designs for the next two decades, an era often called the Grand Period. Late Victorian (1880-1900) With the mourning period over, the Late Victorian era boasted a renewed celebratory energy and love for glamour. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa made these glistening stones abundant, and Late Victorian jewelry reflects that bounty: Brooches feature diamond-studded creatures and flowers with elegant, diamond dew drops. Edwardian (1901-1920) The exuberance continues into the Edwardian Era, during which platinum and diamond accents flourished. Delicate filigree work gives Edwardian jewelry its characteristic lacy look. Tiaras, pearls and choker necklaces reflect the sophistication of Queen Alexandria, while King Edward VII’s favorite stone, the peridot, and beloved pastime, sporting, are common in jewelry.  Calibrated sapphires pair with ornate settings in pieces that reflect the Edwardian period’s jewelry-loving wealthy class. Victorian Cameo Brooch A Victorian carved-shell cameo with 14K gold setting and diamond necklace detailing.  Whether you want the subtle romance of the Early Victorian era or ornate Edwardian filigree, let Diamond and Estate Trust be your guide. The perfect antique accent awaits you! View original post here: D&ET Jewelry 101: The Victorian and Edwardian Jewelry Eras