Cut Steel Faceted Leaf drop earrings

Bold Victorian cut steel cuff bracelet is an unusual and amazing example of the popular cut steel jewelry of the Victorian era. Cut steel was developed as a substitute for diamonds w...

Fabulous cut steel brooch with three lyre shaped drops will sparkle day or night. Cut steel jewelry is said to have started in Woodstock, England wher...

Enchanting brooch of cut steel and mother of pearl with carved image of a faithful dog standing at attention as his human companion peacefully angles for a catch under the shade of a tree. The scene is carved from Mother of Pearl and mounted in cut steel. The brooch’s long bar hinge with curved "C" catch helps authenticate indicate its age. Mother of pearl is the iridescent inner shell of mollusks that produce pearls. It has been used to carve decorative objects since ancient times and is the most precious part of the shell. Cut steel was a jewelry form crafted by a cottage industry of men and women (and likely child labor as well) in the 18th and 19th century England. Cut steel was also made in France. Using found materials, this enterprising group of artisans fashioned jewelry from nails which after pounding and polishing and setting, imitated the sparkle of diamonds in the light. Cut steel achieved great popularity as it appealed to people of more moderate means and was the only jewelry form in history that was made by steel workers...

The Georgians and Victorians were fond of symbolism in their jewelry and crafted jewelry to commemorate important life experiences such as birth, love, betrothal, and mourning or death. Events such as Halley’s Comet sightings, which occur about every 75 years, served as inspiration for such jewelry forms. Georgian jewelers were the first to create Halley’s comet brooches...

Lovely soft gray rare lava beads mined from the ruins of Pompeii in Italy. Pineapples were a symbol of luxury in the 1700's and were brought to Europe from Asia in the 1600's. Lava jewelry was made from the lava of Mt. Vesuvius, probably as souvenir jewelry...

In this stunning suite, almandine garnets set in gilt metal are fashioned into a striking pair of earrings and choker with drop, which can be removed....

Victorian Cut Steel Tassel Earrings from the 19th Century. Tiny cut steel beads are strung into twists under a cut steel faceted cap. Ear wires lat...

Rare Victorian Cut Steel Earrings in graduated hoop motifs with fringed edges. Exceptional quality, scale and design in original condition with scr...

Crescent moons, dragon flies and diamond forms make these earrings a geometric delight. They sparkle even with low light at night. All bits of steel were cut and polished by hand the...

Faceted luminescent heart-shaped labradorite drop earrings with a round, faceted diamond at the top. 18K gold wire for pierced ears.

A lovely pair of drop earrings with large, faceted oval peridot gemstones with round, brilliant cut diamonds in a pave` 8..setting in sterling silver. 18K gold post for pierced ears...

Berlin iron jewelry was produced in Germany by the Berlin Royal Foundry beginning in 1804. Previously, iron jewelry had been worn primarily during periods of mourning due to the dark color of its black lacquer finish. However, it reached a high point of popularity between 1813 and 1830. To fund the War of Liberation against Napolean, citizens were asked to donate their precious gold in exchange for iron jewelry. The Berlin iron jewelry was sometimes inscribed with a portrait of Frederick William III of Prussia, or with the words "Gold gab ich für Eisen" (meaning "I gave gold for iron") or "Für das Wohl des Vaterlands" ("For the welfare of our country/fatherland"). Almost overnight, Berlin iron jewelry became a symbol of patriotism. Its beautiful fabrication and lacy appearance gave it widespread appeal, eventually reaching popularity in numerous European countries. Authentic Berlin iron jewelry is now very rare, and well-preserved pieces have become very collectible! Cut steel jewelry originated in England in the 17th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe, eventually becoming a popular style of jewelry worn by members of high society during the Victorian era. Made of polished faceted steel studs, the pieces were cut by hand and then assembled and riveted onto a metal back. The faceted steel elements give this type of jewelry a subtle, metallic glitter that resembles cut gemstones. Motifs varied from the simple to the sublime, with multiple layers and densely packed studs. The time-consuming process and the artistry required to create cut steel jewelry made it very valuable and highly sought-after during the Victorian age, particularly to wear during the stage of "secondary mourning." Produced up until the turn of the 19th century, antique cut steel jewelry is now highly collectible. An exceptional Berlin iron and cut steel necklace and earring set from the Georgian (ca1804) era! Crafted in fine Berlin ironwork with delicate cut steel studs and mirrored steel plaques throughout, this well-preserved ensemble is an incredible work of art. The ornate necklace adorns various sized iron-backed links topped with mirrored steel plaques, each one connected together by intricate, lacy Berlin ironwork. The largest link rests at the center, and features an oval-shaped mirrored steel plaque on the front that is adorns a raised iron cameo...