Jewellery has been used to complement and enhance outfits for centuries. Many of us buy jewels to add interest to our wardrobes, but have you ever thought about what influences your individual style? Over the course of history, trends have changed and evolved, and it’s incredibly interesting to see what people wore through the ages, and how historical trends impact us today.
This infographic shows popular styles from the early 1700’s to the 1950’s.
If you travelled back in time to the Georgian era, you’d be greeted with the sight of stunning, simple pieces, usually made from silver and embellished with gems. Ladies who wore diamonds tended to opt for Rose or Old Mine cuts. The British jewellery industry boomed during the reign of Queen Victoria, and pieces featuring elaborate designs and exotic materials became a common symbol of wealth and affluence. At this time, hearts, flowers, and animals were popular design options. The Arts and Crafts era (1860’s-1890’s) provided an intriguing contrast to styles of previous periods. Natural design features, such as leaves and foliage, became very popular and hammered metal was commonplace.
At the turn of the 19th century, jewellery trends echoed a counter-cultural movement within society, and women opted for sensuous pieces that carried a meaning and enabled them to express their emotions and beliefs. Shortly after the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, pomp and ceremony returned, the mood lightened, and styles became more elegant and intricate. The Edwardian era also heralded the arrival of platinum. During the 1920’s and 1930’s Art Deco themes, which were influenced by the cultural scene in Paris, were all the rage, and this was followed by a nod to American styling in 1935 to 1955. Pieces were bold and brash and accessorising was all about stepping up the glamour and stealing the show.
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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