Named for Queen Victoria, whose passion for jewelry greatly influenced this era’s three diverse periods: Romantic was feminine and ornate, Grand was dark and black, and Late Victorian returned to whimsical motifs in lighter, daintier pieces. Another significant detail about this era: gold became affordable, diamonds were abundant — and suddenly, fine jewelry was accessible to the emerging middle class.

At the turn of the century, Art Nouveau’s imaginative style was born out of Europe’s vibrant arts scene. Inspired by the natural world, jewelers crafted soft, mystical and romantic designs, emphasized settings over gemstones, and experimented with techniques like enameling. Depictions of the feminine form start to emerge — and ooh la la!

Individually, diamonds, pearls and platinum were prized for their understated elegance; combined, this tantalizing trio defined this era’s jewelry style. The jewelers of the day mastered filigree techniques — giving jewelry a characteristic lacy look — and relied on classic motifs and simple palettes to highlight a gemstone’s inherent beauty.

Ahh the Roaring Twenties: when the economy boomed, jazz blossomed, flappers flapped and jewelry — like other areas of fashion — gave women the chance to cast aside Victorian restraints. Futuristic motifs and geometric forms set this jewelry apart, a reflection of the free-thinking spirit of the times.

The era in which the cocktail ring was born. Although times were hard, women yearned for Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. When it came to jewelry, too much of everything was just enough — the style was downright divine. Dazzling in size, infinitely playful and whimsical, it always maintained its femininity.