Aigrette
from the Antique Jewelry University
An aigrette is a hair ornament depicting a theme of feathers. It is usually jewel encrusted and can either be in the shape of feathers or made to support actual feathers.
The name comes from Egret as the feathers of this particular bird were very popular adornments in the hair and on hats. This fashion reached it's peak at the end of the 19th century when hats were often made entirely of feathers and occasionally even whole birds.
The Audubon society was actually founded to combat the extinction of birds sacrificed for the purposes or ornamentation.
Generally, feather motifs were popular during the Georgian period (17th century to early 1800s) and during the latter part of the Victorian period.[1].
Notes
- ↑ Feather motifs continue to be used even today as birds still hold a fascination for many