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European Costume Jewelry
As the European cultures drastically change from country to country, it is so reflected in the European Costume Jewelry designs. So many of the designs we wear today were inspired by various periods in European history. Included here is a brief outline which is the beginnings of explanation for the development of European jewelry throughout history. This page is pretty much a “work in progress” as I’ll continue to add more in-depth information about each of these handmade ethnic jewelry creations along with their origins. Starting in England, mourning jewelry is of a particular interest to me, whereas, survivors incorporated locks of hair from their deceased loved ones into a jewelry design. I was really surprised the first time I saw this jewelry. At first glance, I saw a pretty little locket, there were flowers and beads and pretty colors, and I thought it was cute…….and then……upon further investigation, I saw little tiny bows made of human hair incorporated into the design! I was really in shock! Anyway……..moving on……also originating mostly from England is Victorian jewelry which consists of scrollwork, floral spray patterns and multicolored gold. I’ve always loved Victorian jewelry, clothing, architecture, whatever….it’s so pretty! France was also a contributor of Victorian jewelry designs, but created a higher quality of jewelry which was lighter and more delicate than the European costume jewelry from England. The abstract character of Art Nouveau jewelry was made popular by a French jeweler named Oscar Massin. Lots of other jewelry originated from France including Art Deco which is another one of my favorites. And what a difference there is between Victorian and Art Deco! Still, I love them both.
Many crystal and Czech Republic pressed glass beads are sold here in the US along with their trademarked jewelry designs of fire polished beads, seed beads (rocaille), glass pearls, lamp work pearls and rhinestones.. There are also numerous Czech pieces made from wood. These are old and go for over $100, but they are so cute. Each little piece of wood is carved and dyed and usually made into little floral brooches. I wish I had one to photograph and put on here. I might have to break down and buy one, at least, but like I said, they’re fairly expensive. Maybe I’ll look on EBay!!! Ok, moving on…..Scandinavian jewelry comes from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway where religious amulets and charms such as Thor’s Hammer from the Viking era are often shown in sterling silver. And very common is the Claddagh, and Celtic jewelry which you probably already know comes from Ireland. Their geometric patterns and Celtic knotted designs of ancient Celtic jewelry can be traced as far back as the 7th century. Scotland has their own European costume jewelry designs where they use the thistle which is the national symbol of Scotland. There are so many countries and I keep saying how awesome it is that they all have their own “thing”! Like I said, I just started this page and I’ll be adding more. There’s just so much! Many pieces of antique European jewelry come from Germany and can be identified by the marking ”Western Zone Germany or American Zone Germany after World War II and just marked “Germany” before the war. Hungary has many small workshops specializing in gemstone jewelry where they stand in support of their own handmade ethnic jewelry designs of 14 carat yellow gold alloyed with copper and pure silver. I read an article about how many of the shops in Hungary are discouraged that people are buying their European costume jewelry from Thailand where it is mass produced instead of from them. If you haven’t heard me mention it before, I’m trying to change that and get the “little guys” back on the map.
Italian Jewelry Design Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or ideas. If you have any means of helping me promote the “little guy”, whether it be from Europe, Tibet, Nepal or wherever……….please let me know and thanks for stopping by. European Costume Jewelry |