Introduction to Georgian Jewelry.
Following the reign of Queen Ann, (1714), the English were ruled by 4 kings all named George. This era lasted until 1830 when William IV took over for a short while, to be followed by his niece Victoria. The Georgian era also includes the Regency sub-era, when George IV substituted as monarch for his Dad, George III, who was suffering from a mental breakdown.
#5197 long Iberian earrings. 
Europe had emerged from the Middle Ages and Renaissance and was looking brightly forward to the Industrial Revolution to come.
As can be expected from so long an era, a lot happened in those days, including the American and French revolutions, the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, Britain and other European countries expansion into colonial escapades that had long-lasting effects on the world to this day. Wherever there was wealth to be gained, the greedy Europeans dug in and began what can only be regarded as a general rape of the rest of the world's resources. Simultaneously, academics began escavating ancient civilisations, with their countrymen agog at the discoveries of the old worlds. 100 years before the Victorian Archaeological Revivals, the Georgians were enthralled with ancient civilisations. Cameos were popular and often ancient cameos were mounted in 'modern' (Georgian) settings. Here is a rare pair of bracelets from the days of Napoleon I depicting the Emperor and his wife, Josephine.
#5354 
Georgian jewellery is still available, but good pieces, in good condition are increasingly difficult to find and priced accordingly. Understandably, much Georgian jewelry was broken up over the last 3 centuries and re-used in what was considered to be more modern designs (eg Victorian!). Many of the remaining jewels constitute a part of a larger whole that is now lost. Perhaps a large stomacher, reduced to a more manageable brooch; a pendant that once hung from an enormous necklace, earrings that were once the surmount of something utterly enormous.
On rare occasions we can find an entire set in its original fitted box.
#6112 
Future posts on the meanings of girandole and pendeloque earrings, aigrettes, cannetille and stomachers.
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