Monthly Archives: August 2012

Iron, steel antique jewellery

The Berlin iron antique jewellery: These are typically chunky with a coal black surface. They are characterized by intricate lacy and very delicate designs. They are a rarity and have become collectibles.
Cut steel antique jewellery: Cut steel was faceted and made into beads to imitate diamonds. The beads were then set into desired designs. This was alluring. At certain angles steel caught light and gave a remarkably brilliant shimmer. As they imitated diamonds, they served a similar purpose. They were used to grace shoe buckles, hair ornaments, necklaces, bracelets etc. This style was popular through the 18th and 19th centuries. Dame fashion however turned her back on these in the 20th century. The earlier pieces are more priced because of the better quality of workmanship.
There were other types that were labor intensive and more expensive. The Victorian Essex Crystal jewellery being a case in point.

Antique Jewellery

What exactly is antique jewellery? You could say- jewellery which is at least a hundred years old. But more recent definitions put jewellery75 years old or even 50 years old under the label antique. This was the period when the industrial age was at its infancy. Technology was in gestation. Art had rich patrons willing to pay for the most unique works of art. People had the time to create and enjoy their crafts. Mass production was practically unheard of. Naturally, the jewellery of this period is of exquisite and unparalleled beauty.
Here are some of the types of jewellery that were crafted with the kind of skill and patience that is mind-boggling. The making of these were almost always labor intensive.The Napoleonic wars were chiefly funded by people’s jewellery and tableware. With all their exquisite baubles gone to fund a cause they believed in, people turned to cheaper alternatives like Berlin iron and steel for adornments.