Arts & Crafts Jewelry
During the second half of the nineteenth century, to counteract the overly mechanized world of the Industrial Revolution and its perceived lack of any notable aesthetic, guilds of artisans began to emerge. Basing themselves on the guilds of old, they proceeded to teach handmade methods and philosophies to their followers. A resurgence of artisan-designed and created jewelry was sparked by this Arts & Crafts movement and it showered its adherents with a legacy of truly original jewels. The Arts & Crafts pictorial glossary below invites you to read more.
Historic Overview
In a distinctive departure from the Industrial Revolution in Europe, the guild revival movement, known as Arts & Crafts, breathed new life into the business of designing and making jewelry....
Vignettes
Is the jewelry often labeled “Suffragist (Suffragette) Jewelry” simply indicative of the fashion of the period or was it symbolic of a cause women (and some men) fought for passionately?...
Diamonds are the gemstone most commonly associated with engagement rings, but that has not always been the case. They first made their appearance in betrothal rings circa the fifteenth century but...
A signet ring features an intaglio gem, or decorative carving that is engraved with a monogram, coat of arms or, other heraldic or personal symbol. Throughout history, signets were used as...
Earrings are much more than just decorative jewelry for the ear. Gods and goddesses, symbols, talismans and amulets have all been depicted in the designs fastened to or suspended from the ear...
A necklace can be defined simply as an adornment designed to encircle the neck. Upon closer examination, they are actually so much more. Having existed ever since our ancestors began...
Brooches and Pins are the original form and function jewelry items. At their origin, they served a purpose beyond adornment. In the dark days before zippers, buttons, buckles, snaps, and...
Terms & Definitions
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Arts & Crafts Amethyst Ring. Arts & Crafts Moonstone Ring, Allsopp Bros. Arts & Crafts Garnet Ring, Larter & Sons. Arts & Crafts Opal, Sapphire, and Pearl Dinner Ring. Arts...
The Arts & Crafts Movement rejected opulence and industrialism in favor of the simplicity of good craftsmanship and design. Handmade, high-quality, functional items were its hallmarks.
The Wiener Werkstätte had its roots in a combination of key events in the lives of its founders, Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, and the storm of change that was sweeping through the field of...