Victorian Revival Jewelry Eras 1980S

The Victorian Revival Jewelry Eras of the 1980s were a period of time heavily inspired by the designs, styles, and motifs from preceding jewelry periods from the 1800s. During this era, a resurgence of antique jewelry with neo-Victorian influences was popular among young adults. This new aesthetic appealed to both classic yet edgy fashion trends for those who appreciated and sought out brand new pieces with old-world charm.

During the Victorian Revival Jewelry Eras of the 1980s, there were several influential designers that played a major role in defining the style aesthetic and setting out trends for other pieces to follow. Megan Thorne was one of these trendsetters.

Her works featured highly detailed designs that would draw inspiration from symbolic and mythical motifs such as angels and dragons as well as handcrafted elements like cabochons, faceted stones, enveloping wirework, and rocaille loops. Designer Elsa Peretti also played an important role in these eras.

Her intricate works had an unparalleled sense of femininity portrayed through abstract curves which mimicked wave patterns amongst nature. Her precious cutouts were also a popular motif used during this time. Lastly, David Yurman was observed by many as a pioneer of cable bracelets and wire selections which is what he is known for today.

In conclusion, throughout the Victorian Revival eras From the 1980’s, there were plenty of iconic designers influencing what was considered fashionable for jewelry lovers everywhere at that time. Their works celebrated classic opulence ensconced in modernity to offer something fresh yet deeply familiar to whom it held significance to many as well created something unlike anything previously seen before. It’s interesting to assume where these trends will take us next.

Popular Colors and Materials Used During this Era

The Victorian Revival jewelry Era of the 1980s was primarily characterized by intricate filigree designs and an abundance of creative color combinations. Gold filled and sterling silver were two popular metal choices as they provided a durable and luxurious platform for experimentation with paints, gemstones, crystals, glass enameling and beadwork.

Virtually every color imaginable was used during this era; from vivid primary shades to more subdued pastels. Gemstones such as freshwater pearls, pink coral and authentic turquoise became central motifs in many pieces since their natural hues complimented the enamel embellishments so well.

Brooches, earrings, necklaces and rings were all heavily layered with soft cascading romances built up from these colorful components creating a whimsical bohemian appeal that was inspired by many past eras fashions including the 19th century Baroque style.

The use of vibrant teals or delicate pinks often provided the perfect accent to the underlying metallic base while important engravings added a strong narrative element to some pieces giving them an astonishing antique feel. Other notable materials included Murano glass which allowed artisans to craft bolder designs that truly captured the essence of this era.

The vast array of different materials used during this time exemplifies how creative designers could be when producing lush works of wearable art that people still cherish today as prized family heirlooms.

Overview of the Inspirations for Victorian Revival Jewelry Designs

The Victorian era was considered a period of ornate beauty and romantic elegance. It’s no wonder that the look has continued to be so inspiring for jewelry designers throughout history, particularly during the 1980s when the world of high fashion first became saturated with the revival style.

As a trend, it was often seen as something fresh and new, an alternative to contemporary fashion that still stayed true to classic themes and silhouettes. Although traditional elements like lace and pearls were often seen on Victorian pieces, there were also bolder statement pieces from this era as well.

Many designers began reimagining these traditional designs with updated materials such as crystals, gold-plated metal, or colored stones to create unique looks-which popularized this time period for modern-day fashion enthusiasts.

The reinterpretations never strayed far from the original vision though; designers kept many of the same shapes and features present in vintage pieces but simply updated them for the times. This gave jewelry lovers the chance to express their individual style by selectively incorporating parts of historical designs into their personal style.

From featuring delicate filigree patterns to showcasing asymmetrical art-deco motifs, Victorian Revival Jewelry was undeniably beautiful, singularly boasting playful combinations of old meets ultra-modern glamour. This is just one reason why both runway stars and everyday fortune hunters are still drawn to incorporate this timeless aesthetic into modern wardrobes today, creating luxurious looks with a hint of nostalgia that continues to transcend time itself.

The Transition From Original to Updated Pieces

The 1980s saw a surge in the popularity of Victorian Revival jewelry. This is attributed to the revivalist worldwide trend in interior and exterior design, which sought to recreate the beauty of yesteryear with updated materials and motifs. This era was characterized by highly detailed pieces, often featuring lacy filigree designs with precious stones in a variety of shapes and cuts.

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Victorian Era Jewelry History

Furthermore, delicate scrolls and bows were often tucked into the intricate designs. When crafted skillfully, this combination of traditional techniques and modern artistry created beautiful pieces that were appreciated by enthusiasts around the world.

The goal of Victorian Revival jewelry was to create quality pieces that remained timeless enough to last for years without appearing outdated or gauche. As such, designers worked hard to sequence elements from different eras tastefully together so aesthetic would not be an issue for collectors or buyers alike.



To that end, Victorian Revival pieces featured both contemporariness through new stones set amidst vintage touches – rococo curves mixed with mid-Victorian aesthetics – as well as Renaissance-style wings as accompaniment, creating balance between ancient charm and modern sparkle.

Today, there is no shortage of places one can find quality Victorian Revival jewelry items for sale. Online stores frequently feature collections for sale, though brick-and-mortar antique shops may still hold some gems if one knows where to look.

Regardless of the source, these items will rarely come cheaply since they are usually finely crafted out of high quality metals like gold and silver with various gemstones included in their design work. The longevity offered by such incredible craftsmanship more than makes up for their initial cost however; they may not come inexpensively but they are sure to remain timeless classics far into the future.

Common Trends During the Era

The 1980s saw a resurgence in the popularity of Victorian Revival jewelry. This classic style was brought to life again due to the ever-growing desire for Big Bold jewelry during this era, with more intricate carvings and embellishments being added to pieces.

Necklaces became thicker featuring multiple layers of metal and gems, while earrings were big, dangling and often finished off with a cluster of flowers or feathers. Brooches and lockets were also popular and featured detailed engravings, cameos and opulent jewels such as rubies and sapphires.

In addition to bold designs with intricate details, many pieces incorporated symbols of love such as hearts, bows, cupid’s arrows or crescent moons which harked back to their Victorian origins while keeping in step with the era’s glamour themes. Another notable trend of the era was the use of simulated stones as an alternative or accent to real gemstones. These ‘reproductions’ allowed for even more color choices for people looking for something unique yet affordable.

The impact that Victorian Revival jewelry brought about was immense both on fashion trends at the time but also within the world of fine jewelry design elements that are still seen today. By bringing classic Victoriana back into the limelight it introduced people not only to bold new styles associated with vintage glamour but also a nostalgia element that many designers are now incorporating into contemporary collections today influenced directly from this era.

As these items began popping up in millions of households throughout history it not only served its purpose as an expression of individuality but has since become a symbol that spans generations connecting us all through a shared appreciation timeless design elements.

Notable Jewelers and Designers Of this Time

The Victorian Revival jewelry era of the 1980s was a highly influential era, that brought back to life timeless pieces. Designers and jewelers were eager to bring back this iconic style and make it as fashionable as it had been in the past. One of the notable jewelers who made a lasting impression during this time was David Webb.

Webb’s jewelry often incorporates bold geometrics and beautiful stones such as the emerald, sapphire, and garnet. He often reverted to incorporating animal elements in his ornamental works, including snakes which finely wrap around precious metal rings and earrings. His intricate designs have been sported by many celebrities in various events throughout the years.

Another very well-known designer for this revival period is Jean Schlumberger. Schlumberger’s work also consists of animal motifs but with a more refined aesthetic compared to other designs at the time.

His antique replicas leverage gold, silver and ruby stones to create exceptional pieces known for their signature details like charming clasps and flowing loops that remind one of an elegant mermaid tale, reminiscent of those found on Greek and Roman coins centuries ago. Like Webb’s pieces they eventually grew more popular over time due to celebrities wearing them in important events in addition to magazine covers.

Nicholas Varney is arguably one of the most renowned designers when it comes to Victorian Revival jewelry. Varney’s exquisite formal jewels are especially celebrated for their meticulous level of detail, he intelligently fuses unique ornamentation with modern details that tie in perfectly together making his pieces timelessly recognizable till present day. His acclaimed works have been seen prominently on celebrities spotted attending many important red-carpet events from Cannes movie fest to the Golden Globe Awards.

Explanation of How To Clean and Care For This Jewelry

Victorian revival jewelry gained popularity in the 1980s due to its intricate appearance and design. This antique jewelry is iconic, often featuring intricate designs, vibrant colors and craftsmanship from the era. While many pieces of this jewelry still exist today, it is important to keep up proper maintenance and preservation if you have any of these pieces.

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Jewelry Of The Victorian Era

For starters, it is important to store this jewelry away from areas that could potentially damage the metals or gemstones such as extreme temperatures, humidity, dust and sunlight. An air-tight storage box or a more stylish storage solution in velvet lined compartments may be necessary if you’d like to preserve the original quality of your pieces. It can also be helpful to use anti-tarnish strips placed alongside your pieces while they are being stored.

The cleaning process should be done with gentle care as some of these Victorian revival pieces are delicate, so it’s important to handle them carefully during polishing or buffing using a clean soft cloth or brush. Also avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning this jewelry as they can cause harm to some of the materials used in making them such as gold and silver.

If you are dealing with pearls or opal then it is especially important that the cleaning process is not too extensive or vigorous as these materials are more prone to wear and damage over time.

For dirt particles that aren’t easily removable, warm soapy water can often do the trick but make sure you rinse everything off completely afterwards with fresh water before drying for best results. By properly taking care of these beautiful vintage items you can ensure that their prestige will remain for years to come.

How To Style and Wear This Jewelry Today

The 1980s marked an important time in jewelry history with the introduction of Victorian Revival pieces. This iconic style combined traditional lacy designs and delicate craftsmanship for a timeless look that could be worn for any occasion. Popular pieces featured ornate engravings, stones, and intricate detailing in classic shapes like hearts and cathedrals. Today, these pieces remain just as popular and provide an excellent opportunity to give looks a touch of Victorian charm.

When styling your wardrobe around a piece of Victorian Revival jewelry from the 80s, it’s important to create balance. The intricate details can easily overwhelm any look, so make sure to pick pieces that complement its delicate silhouette. Start by pairing the statement piece with a simple white blouse or dress for a classic look that never goes out of style.

To take things up a notch, opt for contemporary cuts in bold hues to make the jewelry pop. Adding unexpected touches like graphic prints and chunky boots will ensure you stand out from the rest.

To modernize your look even further, put together eclectic combinations with strange bedfellows like edgy leather jackets paired with flowing skirts or slouchy biker jackets layered over romantic print dresses. Balance is still key here – pair bright colors with more neutral tones and elevate your Adidas tracksuit with some sophisticated Victorian Revival jewels.

Finish off the look by adding accessories that pick up on different elements of your outfit like mirror sunglasses, scarves or statement handbags. With these ideas for modern looks and unconventional combinations in mind, you’ll be ready to rock your Vintage Revival pieces from the 80s – no matter what decade.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, the 1980s saw a revival of Victorian-era jewelry styles which have continued to offer popular designs for today’s fashion. These beautiful pieces are often crafted with fine materials and rich history, making them some of the most coveted jewelry on the market. From pendants and rings to necklaces and earrings, there is something for every taste.

If you’re in the market for a piece of fine jewelry, consider getting something with a unique look inspired by the Victorian era. Browsing through antique stores or local craft fairs can give you an insight into what kind of jewelry was popular during this period, so look around and compare a variety of pieces to find something that speaks to your personal style.

Additionally, consider investing in quality metal pieces such as gold or silver over cheaper metals like copper or steel; this way your piece will last longer, retaining its beauty from decade to decade.

Finally, embrace the charm and beauty of authentic vintage Victorian-era jewelry designs and start piecing together an exquisite collection for yourself. The classic stylings can be both contemporary yet timeless in their aesthetic.

Whether you’re donning an engagement ring featuring Victorian filigree details at an upcoming wedding or just accessorizing your outfit with a pair of delicate drop earrings, these pieces will add interest and character to any look. So don’t wait – explore the timeless charm of Victorian Revival Jewelry today.