Georgian Jewelry
Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.
There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.
Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.
Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.
Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Late 18th Century Antique Georgian Jewelry
Silver
1910s American Vintage Georgian Jewelry
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s British Antique Georgian Jewelry
Other, 15k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Georgian Jewelry
Onyx, 10k Gold
20th Century Georgian Jewelry
Onyx, Gold
Late 17th Century European Antique Georgian Jewelry
Silver
Late 19th Century Antique Georgian Jewelry
Garnet, 18k Gold
Late 19th Century British Antique Georgian Jewelry
18k Gold
2010s American Georgian Jewelry
Sterling Silver
19th Century English Antique Georgian Jewelry
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 19th Century British Antique Georgian Jewelry
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
2010s American Georgian Jewelry
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Georgian Jewelry
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Gold