Isn’t this Victorian silver, turquoise, seed pearl and ruby (or paste glass) bracelet truly stunning and utterly pretty?
If you love the design of this bangle, you may enjoy reading about the Victorian Aesthetic Period (1885-1901).
Please click on the image below to see the bracelet in the shop.
Below, you will seven styles of earrings commonly found in antique and vintage jewellery. (In a previous article, I discussed how to age earrings by the findings. )
Stud earrings became popular in the late 1800s but fell out of use when ears stopped being pierced in the early 1900s. They became popular again in the early 1960s and continue in popularity to this day.
Gold, diamond and silver stud earrings. England, late 18th century. V&A Museum
Note: Some stud earrings have threaded posts which can be indicative of a finer piece.
3.50 Carat European Cut Diamond Stud Earrings, c. 1900. Photo courtesy of LangAntiques.com (Note the ‘threaded posts’)
This type of round or domed earring with no dangling element first became popular in the 1930s. Earlier examples tend to have screw backs whereas those from the 1950s and 1960s tend to be clip-ons. From the mid-1960s onwards some button earrings were also produced for pierced ears.
Vintage Angel Skin Coral clip on button earrings. Elder and Bloom
This is a style of earrings which has two sections, usually round or oval. The two sections normally match and the bottom section is normally the largest. The top section usually hangs just below the lobe except when there is a pierced post and then it might sit on the lobe itself. The style has been around for centuries but is associated with the Georgian era as it was so popular in that era.
When the bottom section is detachable, these are known as day to night earrings as they can be converted for daytime or evening attire.
Antique gold and coral ‘Top and Drop’ earrings. Elder and Bloom.
This is a style which began in the 1800s. It is similar to the Top and Drop earring style, but the two sections are connected by a third central section, designed as a bow.
Pendeloque gold filigree and pearl earrings. Salamanca 1800-1870. V&A Museum.
This is a style which has three dangling elements with the central element usually being the largest or hanging lower than the other two elements. The style first appeared around 1700 in France but is often associated with the decade of 1870 as it experienced enormous popularity during the Rococo Revival of that period.
Antique gold and coral Spanish Girandole earrings.
This is a very popular style which consists of a single element attached to the finding.
Victorian drop earrings with À jour settings. Elder and Bloom.
This is a style of earring which has tiers of dangling elements, resembling a chandelier. They are often associated with the Mid-Victorian era.
Queen Letizia of Spain wearing chandelier style earrings.
© Pippa Gaubert Bear and Elder and Bloom LLC, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pippa Bear and Elder and Bloom with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
I thought you may enjoy seeing this absolutely gorgeous gilded 800 silver cloisonné enamelled filigree pendant just in the Elder and Bloom Store.
If you are interested in learning more about enamel techniques in antique jewellery, you may enjoy these articles here.
À jour is a term used in jewellery manufacturing which describes an open backed setting that allows the light to shine through the gemstone, enhancing the scintillation, brightness and colour. À jour settings are not found prior to 1800 when nearly all gems were mounted with closed backs.
The term à jour is from the French word for ‘day’.
Victorian earrings with À jour settings. Elder and Bloom.
Please note: Plique à jour is a type of enamelling that incorporates an open background which is filled with transparent enamel.
© Pippa Gaubert Bear and Elder and Bloom LLC, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pippa Bear and Elder and Bloom with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Lapis Lazuli has been loved since antiquity for its intense, vibrant cobalt blue colour. It can be flecked with either white or gold (calcite or pyrite).
A metamorphic rock, mainly composed of the mineral Lazurite, it usually originates from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia or Chile. It is also mined, to a lesser extent, in Italy, Mongolia, the United States and Canada.
Below you will find some of the many applications for Lapis Lazuli in antique and vintage jewellery:
Pietre Dure
Lapis Lazuli is also one of the principal stones used on Italian Pietre Dure (micro-mosaics).
Necklace, 1808, Pietra dure, lapis lazuli, chalcedony, gold. The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Acrostic
The Georgians and the Victorians, with their passion for acrostic jewellery (‘The Language of Stones’) used Lapis Lazuli to represent the letter ‘L’ for ‘Love’.
Acrostic Pendant. 1830. V&A Museum.
Cameo and Intaglio
Many beautiful examples can be found of Lapis Lazuli used in cameo and intaglio.
Lapis Lazuli Cameo. 1580-1600. Italy. V&A Museum.
Arts & Crafts
The Arts & Crafts movement designers favoured Lapis Lazuli as the stone fitted in with their ‘beauty before perceived value’ philosophy.
Arts and Crafts Pendant 1903. May Morris. Set with variety of stones, including lapis lazuli. V&A Museum.
Art Deco
Art Deco Jewellery designers prized Lapis Lazuli as it suited their vibrant, bold styles.
Art Deco Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Earrings. Elder and Bloom.
Cartier stands out as a design company who loved to use Lapis Lazuli during the Art Deco era.
Lapis Lazuli Brooch. Cartier 1920-1930. V&A Museum.
Imitations
There are four other stones that can be mistaken for Lapis Lazuli. These are:
Tip: To see if a stone has been dyed, try removing the colour with acetone.
Final note:
Lapis Lazuli has, of course, been used as a paint pigment since the late Middle Ages and has been a favourite of many of the great artists. This beautiful painting by Vermeer showcases not only Lapis Lazuli as a paint pigment but also a style of pearl earring from the era.
‘The Girl With a Pearl Earring’. Vermeer.
© Pippa Gaubert Bear and Elder and Bloom LLC, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pippa Bear and Elder and Bloom with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Sources / Further Reading:
http://www.langantiques.com/university/Lapis_Lazuli
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapis_lazuli
https://hyperallergic.com/315564/lapis-lazuli-a-blue-more-precious-than-gold/
The ‘Greek Key’ motif in jewellery can also be known as the ‘Running Dog’, the ‘Greek Fret’, the ‘Maze Pattern’, the ‘Labyrinth Pattern’ or the ‘Meander Motif’. The name is derived from the River Meander, the historical name for the Büyük Menderes River in contemporary Turkey. The River Meander had many twists and was mentioned by Homer in the Iliad. There is also said to be a connection between the motif and the Cretan labyrinth.
The earliest examples of the motif have been found in the farming communities in Anatolia, 6000 BC and it was a common pottery design throughout Neolithic Europe. It was the most important symbol in ancient Greece, decorating many temples and objects. Interestingly, the Ancient Chinese developed a similar design known as ‘Chinese Fretwork’. Variations of the motif are also found in African, South American and Native American design. It is also reminiscent of many Celtic design elements.
To the Ancient Greeks, the design symbolised infinity or the ‘eternal flow of things’. It is also said to symbolise friendship, love and devotion and is given as a marriage gift to this day. It is also thought to represent the four cardinal points or the four seasons.
Most of us will recognise this ubiquitous motif even if we are not aware of the name or the origin. There are many variations – sometimes the pattern is rectangular and sometimes it is rounded, sometimes there is a simple geometric design and other times is is more elaborate and complex. It may boarder an object or cover a larger area. (If the decoration forms interlaced patterns, it is known as Guilloche.) However, two elements remain consistent – the design is maze-like and repetitive.
Georgian and early Victorian Neo-Classical and Architectural Revival
The Georgian era was distinguished by several great archeological discoveries greatly influencing Georgian jewelry motifs. When the ruins of Pompeii were excavated from 1706 to 1814 a wave of Neo-classical design influenced almost every area of manufacturing, art and craft. In the 1760s in particular, Roman and Greek motifs, such as Greek Keys and laurel and grape leaves, abounded. The Greek Keys motif was particularly popular on the mountings of cameo. The Greek Keys motif continued in popularity through the Victorian era and remains popular to this day.
Fine Antique Coral Cameo Brooch within a Frame Accented By Greek Key Motifs And Applied Ropetwist Borders, With Pendant Hook, Mounted in Gold c.1801-1908 Prices4Antiques
Art Deco
The Greek Keys Motif experienced another wave of popularity during the Art Deco era. However, many have said that the designers of the Art Deco era were in fact deriving their ‘Greek Key’ Motifs from the Egyptian designs that were being uncovered during the great archeological discoveries of the era. This makes a certain amount of sense as the Art Deco era is not known for it’s neo-classical styles, besides the Greek Key, but is of course renowned for it’s Egyptian Revival styles. Regardless of the inspiration, the motif is still referred to as ‘Greek Keys.
Art Deco Greek Keys bangle. Elder and Bloom.
© Pippa Gaubert Bear and Elder and Bloom LLC, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pippa Bear and Elder and Bloom with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Sources / further reading:
http://orderofsplendor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/tiara-thursday-romanian-greek-key-tiara.html
https://www.gemsociety.org/article/georgian-period-jewelry/
Onyx, with its sleek and glossy beauty, has long been sought after for use in jewellery. It is often thought of as being pure black but in reality it is usually banded white and black or banded white and brown. It can come in a variety of other colours, such as shades of white, green and red, but these colours are not generally found in jewellery usage.
Onyx is a variety of chalcedony. It can be differentiated from agate because the bands in onyx are parallel whereas in agate they are curved. Onyx is cool to the touch, quite heavy and has a highly polished and glossy finish. For this reason, it can sometimes be confused with French Jet.
The demand for pure black onyx has traditionally outstripped the supply so most all black onyx is dyed. This is why most black onyx has such an even finish. A trained eye can tell the difference between dyed and natural onyx under a loupe by looking for uneven surface colour.
Victorian Era
Black onyx was particularly revered by the Victorians, especially during the Grand Era 1861-1880. The Victorians of this era loved all black materials and the fashion of wearing mourning styles went far beyond that which was necessary. They created a wide variety of jewellery items from all black onyx, including lockets, pendants, brooches and earrings. They also mixed it with coral, turquoise, seed pearls and rubies.
Victorian onyx and rose gold earrings. Elder and Bloom.
Art Deco Era
Black onyx was also especially beloved in the Art Deco era as the stone lent itself to the bold and stark minimalism of the Machine Aesthetic. Jewellery designers used contrasting materials such as coral, jade or diamonds to further accentuate the beauty of the black.
Art Deco Diamond, Jade, Platinum and Onyx earrings. 1stdibs
Theodor Fahrner was a well known Art Deco designer who used onyx in many designs.
Onyx is also one of the most popular materials for cameo as the bands are ideal for creating contrasting relief images. Sardonyx is the name for the brown and white banded variety of onyx that is often used for cameo and intaglio.
Sardonyx cameo portrait of the Emperor Augustus. British Museum.
© Pippa Gaubert Bear and Elder and Bloom LLC, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pippa Bear and Elder and Bloom with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Sources / further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onyx
http://www.langantiques.com/university/Onyx
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/fine-jewelry/onyx
These gems have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of. ~George Eliot
A birthstone is a gemstone that is said to represent a specific birth month. Gemstones have long been thought to contain meaning and power and these properties are said to be accentuated when worn by someone born in the corresponding month.
The idea of birthstones is thought to have been inspired by the story of Aaron in Exodus who wore twelve gemstones in his breastplate representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These twelve gemstones came later to represent the twelve months of the year in popular culture.
The allocations of birthstones have fluctuated throughout history and vary according to region, country and source. There is also debate concerning the names of gemstones throughout history and how these relate to the gems we know today (obviously, there are no lab records so we cannot always verify which precise gemstone was being referred to).
According to the American Gemological Association, the following are the agreed upon birthstones. These allocations have been consistent since 1912, with Tanzanite being recently added for December. In brackets beneath some of these, I have put some other even more traditional correlating stones.
Aquamarine
(Bloodstone or Red, Yellow, Orange or Brown Zircon possibly referred to as Jacinth or Hyacinth in ancient times).
Diamond
Emerald
(Agate or Cat’s Eye)
Ruby
Peridot
Sardonyx
Spinel
(Moonstone)
Sapphire
(Chrysolite)
Tourmaline
Opal
Topaz
Citrine
Turquoise
Tanzanite
Zircon
Please also see my previous post ‘The Language of Stones’ where I discuss the tradition of ‘acrostic’ jewellery.
© Pippa Gaubert Bear and Elder and Bloom LLC, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pippa Bear and Elder and Bloom with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Thank you for your patience everyone! The brand new Elder and Bloom Etsy Shop is now officially open and I am in business once again. (Many of you will remember my company’s previous incarnation – Pippa Tree Vintage. I hope you like the new branding and the new name!)
Here is a taste of what we have for sale so far. Only ten things thus far but they are beautiful things… and there will be hundreds more beautiful treasures being listed in the coming days and weeks. This is only a small beginning. Click on the images below to be taken through to the shop.
Let the fun begin!
Overview
Theodor Fahrner was a renowned German costume jewellery company who rose to prominence as a manufacturer of Jugendstil, Celtic Revival, Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts designs. They also produced Art Moderne and Contemporary styles. However, they are probably best known today for their Art Deco jewellery.
The company, in common with the philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement, believed that design and workmanship was more important than the value of the materials used. As well as one off pieces, they mass produced affordable yet very stylish jewellery. They became well known for use of low karat gold, gilt silver and cut steel pieces, the use of gems such as amethyst, chalcedony, quartz, citrine, turquoise, rock crystal and coral. Opals and pearls were also utilised. They also incorporated enamel work, filigree, granulation and a great deal of marcasite (iron pyrite).
Theodor Fahrner pieces are considered highly collectible and have broad appeal.
Offered by Tadema Gallery.
Important dates
1855
Theodor Fahrner founded in 1855 in Pforzheim, Germany, by Theodor Fahrner and Georg Seeger. The company’s focus was on producing rings.
1883
In 1883, the company was taken over by Fahrner’s son, also named Theodor.
1900
In 1900, the company was awarded a a silver medal at the Paris Exposition.
1900 to 1919.
The company became known for its simple steel pieces.
1901
TF trademark registered.
Began to export to Britain.
Collaborated with Murrie, Bennett & Co.
1919
Theodor Fahrner junior died in 1919 and the company was then bought by Gustav Braendle. After this point, it used the trademark Fahrner Schmuck and was known as Gustav Braendle – Theodor Fahrner Nachfolger.
1922
They began to create Art Deco designs in 1922.
1932
In 1932 they began to produce their signature filigree and granulation collection.
1945
Factory destroyed by bomb and many designs were lost.
1952
Gustav Braendle died and the firm was taken over by his son Herbert.
1960s
Produced modern silver pieces with stones and Roman and Egyptian Revival motifs.
1979
Herbert Braendle died and the company closed.
Designers
Darmstadt Artists Colony Artists 1899 –
Others
Trademarks
Mark: Original Farhner 925 Photo courtesy Cathy Gordon.
Mark: “TF & Germany Photo courtesy Cathy Gordon.
Mark: Fahrner made some jewelry for Murrle, Bennett and Co. which was signed with both their marks Courtesy Cathy Gordon
Mark: TF 935 Depose Courtesy Cathy Gordon
Mark: TF & 935 Photo courtesy Cathy Gordon.
Mark: Fahrner, TF, 925 Courtesy Ron Maranto
Artist Marks (often used alongside Trademark).
Courtesy of Lang’s Jewellery University.
Paul Burck
Max Josef Gradl
Ludwig Habich
Patriz Huber
Josef Maria Olbrich
H.C. van de Velde
Useful information for evaluation
1) It cannot be older than 1855 but must be from before 1979.
2) If it is Art Deco in style, it must be at least from 1922.
3) If it has filigree and granulation, it was probably created after 1932.
4) Unsigned pieces were produced. These are worth considerably less than signed pieces but can still be beautiful.
Further reading / sources:
Theodor Fahrner Jewelry between Avantgarde and Tradition, by Ulrike von Hase-Schmundt, Christianne Weber and Ingeborg Becker.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darmstadt_Artists’_Colony
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodor_Fahrner
http://www.langantiques.com/university/Fahrner,_Theodor_Jewelry_Maker’s_Mark
Copyright © 2017 by Pippa Gaubert Bear and Elder & Bloom. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this website’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Pippa Bear and Elder & Bloom with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
