Tag: Dress

Discover Whitby Jet

Whitby Jet is the highest standard of jet produced in the world. 19th century jewellery produced using the material offers an insight into understanding the social, romantic, scientific and psychological behaviours of the Victorians. In this collaboration with the Museum of Whitby Jet and W. Hamond, this series will detail the history of the Whitby… Continue reading Discover Whitby Jet

Mourning Jewels: How They Were Worn, Part 2

c.1861 Photograph of Princess Alice, standing while resting her left elbow on some books piled on a console table with a mirror reflecting the left side of her head and her left hand. Princess Alice became engaged to Prince Louis of Hesse on 30 November 1860; their marriage took place in July 1862, having been postponed because of the death of the Prince Consort in December 1861. The Princess is wearing mourning in this photograph for her grandmother, the Duchess of Kent, who had died four months previously. Provenance Acquired by Queen Victoria

The wearing of 18th century mourning jewellery set the template for numerous revivals through to the 20th century. The 19th century was the catalyst to popularise the mourning industry so much so that it created its own industry and became a part of popular fashion. Much of our modern understanding of Western religious and social ceremony comes from these periods, expanding… Continue reading Mourning Jewels: How They Were Worn, Part 2

Butterfly Symbols and 19th Century Jewellery

“Henry James Esqr died /13th Nov 1839 in his 80th Year”

As with all symbols, there aren’t simple explanations for them when they transcend one culture or time. Organic symbols have lasted as long as cultures have written history, making them adapt. With the various classical revivals, symbols have become resurrected in Western culture time and time again to take on a homogenous understanding of what… Continue reading Butterfly Symbols and 19th Century Jewellery