pearl jewelry

Jewelry designs of the era fell into three broad categories: the Romantic period (1837 to 1860) which was marked by jewelry with complex engravings, subtle enamel work and serpentine designs; the Grand Period (1861 to 1888) which coincided with Victoria’s bereavement and therefore was marked by jewelry reflecting dark, somber themes; and the Late Victorian period (1889 to 1901) where diamonds ruled and jewelry pieces were decidedly whimsical and spectacular.

Immediately after Queen Victoria’s death, there was a brief period of change in jewelry design, known as the Art Noveau – marked by jewelry inspired by nature and themes mythological in origin – and the Edwardian period characterized by jewelry of airy lightness and cool elegance reflective of British aristocracy and wealthy American industrialists.

The designs of the era – marked by an abundance of small but brilliant stones (especially during the Late Victorian era and the Art Noveau/Edwardian period) inlaid in silver and other precious metals – are experiencing a revival today. Modern Victorian-era inspired jewelry, however, are making use of a mineral called marcasite or white pyrite instead of the usual stones. Marcasite (sometimes called white pyrite or white iron pyrite) are actually pyrite crystals that are made into jewelry.

Cultured pearls are typically identical to natural pearls except for how they begin. In cultured pearls, instead of the pearl forming by chance, a pearl farmer inserts an irritant into a pearl bearing mollusk, causing the formation of the pearl. The rest of the process of the actual formation of the pearl is the same as a natural pearl. Of course, by controlling the irritant, the pearl farmer can influence the shape, size, and color of the pearl created.

Freshwater pearls are pearls that are grown in freshwater rivers and lakes. These pearls are popular because there are an inexpensive genuine pearl that is extremely durable. Freshwater pearls can be either natural or cultured, although the majority of the market is cultured. The only weakness of freshwater pearls is that they typically do not share the same luster or perfect roundness as the saltwater pearls.

Saltwater pearls are pearls that are grown in saltwater seas and oceans. These pearls are typically more valuable than most other types of pearls because of their luster and beauty. Popular saltwater pearls include Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls. Saltwater pearls can be either natural or cultured, although nearly all of the market is cultured.