Discover Georgian Jewellery

Here at Berganza we have noticed a recent inclination towards jewellery from the Georgian period. These remarkable pieces of history showcase some of the finest craftsmanship and have distinct features which have become synonymous with this time.

The Georgian era began in 1714 when King George I ascended the throne as the first Hanovarian monarch of Great Britain and Ireland. Spanning the course of over 120 years, four kings and many technological advances, this was a time that saw great contributions to history, including the invention of the steam engine, batteries and photographs!

Throughout these ever-changing times, jewellery remained regal and elegant. Large stones and clusters of diamonds were popular, so too were designs inspired by the natural world. Starbursts, flowers and crescents all became fashionable motifs during this era, and can be seen across a range of jewellery, in particular, brooches.

Closed settings covered the backs of stones and silver settings were often used to hold these in place. We can often only imagine how bright this style must have looked at the time, for in the centuries that have passed, the silver reacts with the oxygen in the air and tarnishes, creating a striking look today that has become the hallmark of a Georgian piece.

There were distinct differences between daytime and night-time jewellery. Daytime jewellery consisted of pieces such as cameos, bracelet pairs, chains and rings. Natural materials, including coral and pearls, were popular in daytime jewellery, as were bold coloured gemstones, such as rubies and emeralds. At night, jewellery took a dramatic turn, dripping in diamonds which sparkled in the candlelit rooms.

Whilst styles changed regularly, what remained the same was that fashion dictated that jewellery was to be worn in abundance, and this was best seen in the wearing of parures. These were sets of matching jewellery, incorporating both gemstones and diamonds and allowed for numerous combinations. It is rare today to find a full parure, such as the garnet suite from our collection, and such pieces exemplify the very best of design and craftsmanship from this bygone era.