Tag: Identity

1760-1800, Neoclassicism in Mourning Jewels

Engraved gold frame, ivory painted in watercolour with a miniature of a woman handing a heart pierced by an arrow to a figure of Death, surmounted by an inscription I ALONE CAN HEAL The back of plaited hair crossed by the name Fergusson on paper.

Facing the ideals of the Enlightenment and a new appreciation for classical history, the period between 1760 and 1800 created the underpinnings of identity in mourning and sentimentality that exist today. Politics and economics are the key supporters of popular thought; without an action or a reaction from a hierarchical body, there would be no message… Continue reading 1760-1800, Neoclassicism in Mourning Jewels

Mourning Fashion & Jewels During William IV

Miniature of William IV when Duke of Clarence, bust-length, wearing a black coat and waistcoat over a white stock with the sash and star of the Order of the Garter mounted in a gold locket, possibly by Rundell, Bridge & Co., with chased and repoussé Garter emblems and with his crowned initials on the lid, the reverse chased with the badge of the Order of the Bath within the collar and the badge of the Order of the Thistle on a matte ground.

William IV was born William Henry on the 21st of August, 1765, the third son of George III. From the passing of George IV, his older brother, William inherited the throne much older than his predecessors, at age 64. His reign from 1830 to 1837 was short, but yielded massive change to social and economic… Continue reading Mourning Fashion & Jewels During William IV