| iv id="body"> | | | | brief period of change in jewelry design, known as the |
| The sixty-four year period between 1837 to 1901 is | | | | Art Noveau - marked by jewelry inspired by nature |
| known as the Victorian era, and this period was | | | | and themes mythological in origin - and the Edwardian |
| marked by the ascension of a young Victoria to the | | | | period characterized by jewelry of airy lightness and |
| throne of England. This was a time of great romance, | | | | cool elegance reflective of British aristocracy and |
| epic tragedies (especially with the death of Victoria's | | | | wealthy American industrialists. |
| husband Prince Albert in 1861) and unparalleled | | | | The designs of the era - marked by an abundance of |
| prosperity. | | | | small but brilliant stones (especially during the Late |
| Jewelry designs of the era fell into three broad | | | | Victorian era and the Art Noveau/Edwardian period) |
| categories: the Romantic period (1837 to 1860) which | | | | inlaid in silver and other precious metals - are |
| was marked by jewelry with complex engravings, | | | | experiencing a revival today. Modern Victorian-era |
| subtle enamel work and serpentine designs; the Grand | | | | inspired jewelry, however, are making use of a mineral |
| Period (1861 to 1888) which coincided with Victoria's | | | | called marcasite or white pyrite instead of the usual |
| bereavement and therefore was marked by jewelry | | | | stones. Marcasite (sometimes called white pyrite or |
| reflecting dark, somber themes; and the Late Victorian | | | | white iron pyrite) are actually pyrite crystals that are |
| period (1889 to 1901) where diamonds ruled and | | | | made into jewelry. |
| jewelry pieces were decidedly whimsical and | | | | The use of Marcasite has ensured a popular choice |
| spectacular. | | | | for jewelry of all types. |
| Immediately after Queen Victoria's death, there was a | | | | |