Victorian Jewelry Paperback by Corinne Davidov; Ginny Redington Dawes

Product Details

• Publisher: Abbeville Publishing Group (2005-11-01)
• Language: English
• Paperback: 156 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780789208682
• Item Weight: 368.55 grams
• Dimensions: 0.0 x 0.0 x 0.0 cm

An authoritative and gorgeously illustrated survey of Victorian jewelry that focuses on “secondary” jewelry, characterized by bold, playful, romantic, and modern designs.

The many styles of Victorian jewelry presented in this volume are selected from the best collections in the United States and abroad, and shown here in specially commissioned, exclusive color photographs. The photographs showcase the glorious color and style of the rich variety of materials, including Scottish Agate, malachite, and granite, the amazingly modern niello, and the stark black beauty of Whitby jet.

For more than half a century, during the reign of Queen Victoria, England and Europe produced some of the most delightful flights of fancy that jewelry has ever taken. Long ignored because of the intrinsic worthlessness of its various materials, today these pieces are increasingly prized for their beauty and workmanship. Surprisingly, this period in jewelry–making did not follow the fussy, overly ornate style that characterized the Victorian era, but rather promoted bold, playful, romantic and “modern” styles. Some of the most unusual pieces were constructed with materials including hair, lava, coal iron, and aluminum. The text gives authoritative and fascinating historical context to the uses of these materials and designs. Many of the most sought–after pieces are made of silver, and popular designs include stars, anchors, hearts, bows and outstretched hands.

About the Author

Corinne Davidov was an artist and collector. Educated in the fine art master's degree program at American University, her writings appeared in The Washington Post and Lucire magazine. She also designed sets for the Washington Ballet.

Ginny Reddington Dawes, formerly a singer with a rock and roll band, is an accomplished songwriter and the composer of many well-known advertising jingles.