01 Feb Sell Antique Victorian Jewelry in San Diego
As San Diego jewelry buyers who specialize in buying antique jewelry, C. Blackburn Jewelers is one of the best places in California to sell Victorian jewelry. Owner Carl Blackburn has been buying and selling Victorian jewelry for over 30 years. If you would like Carl to examine your antique Victorian jewelry and provide you with a free cash quote, call us now at 858-251-3006 to set up an appointment.
If you aren’t familiar with Victorian jewelry, here is a brief history of this important antique jewelry making era.
The Origins of Victorian Jewelry
Victorian jewelry emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria in the mid-19th century, and was heavily influenced by the queen’s personal style and preferences. The jewelry of this era was characterized by intricate designs, delicate materials, and a focus on sentimentality and symbolism. Many pieces were created to commemorate important events or relationships, such as weddings, births, and deaths. The popularity of Victorian jewelry continued well into the 20th century, and remains a beloved and highly sought-after art form today.
The Styles of Victorian Jewelry
Victorian jewelry was known for its intricate designs and delicate materials, but it also encompassed a wide range of styles. Some popular styles of Victorian jewelry include the romantic and sentimental “mourning jewelry,” which was worn to commemorate the death of a loved one, and the elaborate and ornate “grand parure” sets, which included matching pieces such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Other popular styles included the nature-inspired “acrostic jewelry,” which used gemstones to spell out secret messages, and the colorful and playful “enamel jewelry,” which featured intricate designs in vibrant colors.
The Cultural Significance of Victorian Jewelry
Victorian jewelry was not only a reflection of the fashion and style of the time, but it also held significant cultural meaning. For example, mourning jewelry was worn as a way to publicly display grief and respect for the deceased, while acrostic jewelry was often given as a romantic gift with hidden messages of love and devotion. Additionally, the use of specific gemstones and materials in Victorian jewelry held symbolic meaning, such as diamonds representing purity and strength, and pearls representing innocence and purity. Understanding the cultural significance of Victorian jewelry adds depth and meaning to these beautiful pieces of history.
The Materials Used in Victorian Jewelry
Victorian jewelry was crafted using a variety of materials, each with its own symbolic meaning. Precious metals such as gold and silver were commonly used, as well as base metals like brass and copper. Gemstones were also a popular choice, with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds being highly valued. Other materials used included pearls, coral, jet, and enamel. The use of specific materials often held cultural significance, such as jet being used in mourning jewelry to symbolize the darkness of grief.
The Legacy of Victorian Jewelry Today
Despite being over a century old, Victorian jewelry continues to inspire and influence modern jewelry design. Many contemporary jewelers draw inspiration from the intricate designs and use of materials seen in Victorian pieces. Additionally, antique Victorian jewelry remains highly sought after by collectors and can be sold for a premium price.
Recent Estate Jewelry Buys
Browse a collection of C. Blackburn Jewelers’ recent purchases of vintage, antique, and estate jewelry.
Sell Your Victorian Jewelry
If you are interested in selling antique Victorian jewelry in San Diego, contact C. Blackburn Jewelers to schedule an appointment to visit our estate jewelry store in La Jolla, CA. Call 858-251-3006 or send a message below. We also are a great place to buy antique jewelry.
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