The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a period renowned for its opulent fashion and exquisite craftsmanship. Among the many elements that contributed to the era's lavish aesthetic, Victorian jewellery stood out as a symbol of status, sentimentality, and style. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of Victorian jewellery catalogues, which served as invaluable resources for both merchants and customers alike, offering a glimpse into the era's remarkable adornments. The catalogues provide rich pickings for the social historian.
The Emergence of Jewellery Catalogues: As consumer culture flourished during the Victorian era, jewellery catalogues became indispensable tools for jewellers and customers. These meticulously curated publications showcased the latest designs, trends, and techniques of the time. Illustrated with intricate engravings and detailed descriptions, they provided a visual and textual narrative, capturing the essence of Victorian jewellery. The illustrations were very important as they had to be meticulous, detailed and accurate at a time when photography is not what it is today.
A Window into Victorian Fashion: Victorian jewellery catalogues not only exhibited exquisite pieces but also reflected the prevailing fashion trends of the era. From the early Romantic period to the later Grand and Aesthetic periods, these catalogues mirrored the changing tastes and preferences of society. Whether it was the delicate filigree work of the Rococo Revival or the bold gemstone combinations of the Renaissance Revival, these catalogues unveiled the evolving aesthetic sensibilities of the Victorian era. The great value of these catalogues is that they show fashion trends at a glance. For example; fashionable women wore a ring on every finger and sometimes even more than one. And reveal new styles emerged such as the navette ring or boat shaped cluster ring. Another important factor to note that in general during the Victorian period men wore more jewellery than they do today; cufflinks, dress-studs, tie pins, seals and watch-chains. Below is an illustration depicting Men's Jewellery and novelties from the book "Victorian Jewellery" by Peter Hinks.
Symbolism and Sentimentality: Victorian jewellery is laden with symbolism and sentimentality, and catalogues played a pivotal role in conveying these intricate meanings. Pieces such as mourning jewellery, lover's knots, or lockets with hidden compartments held deep personal significance. Catalogues provided detailed explanations of the symbolism behind each design, empowering customers to make choices that resonated with their emotions and beliefs.
Another important fact we can glean from the pages of these catalogues is that small brooches were very popular. They were seen as functional as well as decorative. A woman’s blouse or dress front was often trimmed with deep falls of lace and kittle brooches of this kind were designed to keep it in order. Notably this is where the term “Lace Pin” comes from. Below is an illustration of some Lace Pins from the S.F Myers jewellery catalogue.
The Jewellers and their Mastery: Behind the alluring pages of Victorian jewellery catalogues were the skilled craftsmen and jewellers who brought these designs to life. These catalogues were not only a platform for marketing their creations but also a testament to their artistic prowess. By featuring their names and signatures, these jewellers established their reputation and showcased their mastery of techniques like enamelling, gem-setting, and intricate metalwork. Competition was also intense. Not only from UK rivals but from manufacturers overseas in Germany and the United States. Jewellery makers had to think up new ideas for every season to appeal to the masses and this is reflected in the eccentricity of some of the jewels that were produced at the time. For example the expanding snake ring or the gold bracelets with pencil concealed in a little scabbard. Below we can see a detailed example of a Gold Pencil Case Bracelet which was manufactured by the reputable Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Ltd.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Victorian jewellery catalogues were not solely limited to the upper echelons of society. They aimed to reach a wider audience by catering to various budgets and tastes. These catalogues often featured pieces ranging from modest designs for everyday wear to lavish statement pieces for special occasions. By doing so, they made Victorian jewellery accessible to a broader clientele, enabling individuals from different social strata to partake in the era's fashionable adornments. It is possible to ascertain an individual’s social standing from the jewels they would wear. A British working class male might wear a watch chain if traditional pattern, made of silver or gilt rather that 18ct gold.
Collecting and Preserving the Past: In addition to their original purpose, Victorian jewellery catalogues have become valuable artifacts for collectors and historians. These catalogues provide insights into the design evolution, pricing, and popularity of jewellery during the era. Their preservation allows us to study the intricate details, trace the lineage of designs, and understand the historical context surrounding the Victorian jewellery trade.
Victorian jewellery catalogues are a testament to the exuberance and artistry of the era. By meticulously documenting and showcasing the finest examples of Victorian jewellery, these catalogues bridged the gap between the jewellers and their clientele, creating a lasting legacy of elegance and craftsmanship. As we explore these captivating publications, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role they played in shaping the fashion sensibilities of the Victorian era and their enduring influence on the world of jewellery today.