Editors

All About #GeorgianJanuary

EditorsJan 17, 2018

All About #GeorgianJanuary

The social media trend has become a favorite among antique jewelry dealers.

201801116_GeorgianJanuary-1header.jpg
A Georgian-era ring from antiques dealer The Moonstoned

Recently, a hashtag on my Instagram feed caught my eye: #GeorgianJanuary.

It was popping up underneath posts of rings and brooches from some of my favorite antique jewelry accounts, like @TheMoonstoned, @MaeJeanVintage, @lady_lovelies_curio and @elizabethroseantiques.

The hashtag was coined by @dames_a_la_mode—IRL, Taylor Shelby—owner of Washington D.C.-based Dames a la Mode, a company that creates Georgian-style costume jewelry for “historical costumers, re-enactors, museums, movies and film,” Shelby said.

Shelby is an excellent historical costumer herself, and created her Instagram in 2015 to share not only her costume jewelry, but also her historical costuming projects and inspiration images from different periods.

In 2016 she launched #GeorgianJanuary, a daily challenge in which she asked her Instagram community to post images pertaining to the Georgian era that fit a different theme, one for each day of the month.

“They can be really specific,” Shelby explained, “like ‘necklace’ or really broad like ‘inside.’”

The themes are open to any aspect of Georgian life but many are a particularly good fit for jewelry, such as “blues” and “pastels,” and are embraced by antique aficionados and dealers.

Currently in its third year, the #GeorgianJanuary hashtag currently is linked to more than 7,500 posts.

“I love the Georgian Era and spend a lot of time doing research on the jewelry, costumes and general history from that time period,” said Shelby of her initial inclination to start the hashtag and challenge. “I wanted a way to find others out there in Instagram-land who felt the same. January is always such a bleak time for me because all of the fun of the holidays are over, so I thought it would be a great time of year to spend looking at pretty things.”

Elizabeth Potts, creator of online and New York City by-private-appointment antique jewelry company The Moonstoned, appreciates the camaraderie of the hashtag.

“We are all nerds, critics, historians, preservers and torch-bearers to bring awareness to the beauty of heirlooms,” she said of the antique jewelry community. “In a time where so much jewelry is mass-produced and bought without thought, I hope that #GeorgianJanuary makes people think a little more about their jewelry and what it means to hold onto something that could generate feelings and memories for another 300-plus years.”

Potts counts the Georgian era as one of her favorites for jewelry because of its “sentimentality and incredible level of detail,” noting the prevalence of

mourning jewelry, which often features enamel, symbols and the hair of the deceased.



Elizabeth Rose of Elizabeth Rose Antiques, which sells both online on RubyLane.com and at a stand at the Grays Antiques Market in London, also remarked on the emotional aspect of jewelry that exemplifies the Georgian period.

Beyond mourning jewelry, she said that themes centered on love and jewelry that functioned as keepsakes and love tokens were extremely popular. These include cameos and portrait rings and brooches, as well as acrostic jewelry, jewelry that spells out messages according to the first letter of a particular gemstone (the most famous example of this is a “Dear” ring, featuring a diamond, emerald, amethyst and ruby.)

Potts said that the use of closed-back settings for diamonds and gemstones is a technical hallmark of the period. “Diamonds, garnets, agates and other gemstones were often placed in their settings with a thin piece of metal or ‘foil’ backing it to help the light reflect through the stone,” she said. “Open settings weren’t really used quite yet. Over time, the backings have mostly oxidized to create this really breathtaking, moody look to the diamonds.”

Rose added that "paste diamonds" (hand-cut glass) and gemstones, particularly in rivière necklaces and girandole earrings, old-cut and rose-cut diamonds, flat-cut garnets, pearls, imperial and pink topaz, and coral were all frequently utilized.



“We see absolutely top-of-the-top craftsmanship with very finely handmade pieces of art,” she said.

Several dealers with whom I spoke via phone and e-mail referenced the quality of Georgian jewelry, particularly the pieces in fine condition today.

Potts explained, “These pieces were all painstakingly made by expert hands without power tools, without electricity, without stores where you can order bits and pieces. Just think about that for a second before you look Georgian jewelry up. They are absolutely achingly beautiful works of art.”

The #GeorgianJanuary hashtag succeeded in converting this Instagram-user to a devotee of the era, at least in terms of jewelry. As February tends to rival January in dullness, might I suggest @Dames_a_la_Mode make #VictorianFebruary a thing?
Ashley Davisis the senior editor, fashion at National Jeweler, covering all things related to design, style and trends.

The Latest

Future Fortune sapphire ring
TechnologyMar 28, 2024
Pinterest’s 2024 Wedding Report Is Out

The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.

David Ettinger
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
David Ettinger of Bechdel Jewelers Dies at 69

He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.

Jewelers of America logo
IndependentsMar 28, 2024
JA to Host Series of Learning Workshops

The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Madison Avenue NYC store
WatchesMar 28, 2024
Peek Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Revamped NYC Flagship

The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.

Weekly QuizMar 28, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Asian Star’s diamond manufacturing facility in India
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires

There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.

Kira Diam solar plant
Lab-GrownMar 27, 2024
Indian Lab-Grown Diamond Manufacturers Keep Growing

A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Bharat Ratnam, a Mega Common Facilitation Centre (CFC)
SourcingMar 27, 2024
Reinvigorating SEEPZ, the Epicenter of India’s Studded Jewelry Exports

The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.

SRK Empire and SRK House
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact

By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.

Georgia May Jagger Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign
FinancialsMar 27, 2024
Movado’s Full-Year Sales Sink 11%

The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysMar 27, 2024
Consumer Confidence Held Steady in March

Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.

Bernadette Mack
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Mercury Free Mining Hires Bernadette Mack

The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.

April Is Diamonds Do Good Month
Policies & IssuesMar 27, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces Its April Initiative

DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.

Tiffany & Co. With Love, Since 1837
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Tiffany & Co. Debuts ‘With Love, Since 1837’ Campaign

Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.

National Jeweler columnists Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsMar 26, 2024
Creative Connecting: AI Tools and Tips for Social Media

Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.

Nordstrom Men’s Store New York City
MajorsMar 26, 2024
Nordstrom May Go Private, Says Report

The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.

Interior of Miami Lakes Jewelers
IndependentsMar 26, 2024
Miami Lakes Jewelers to Close After 37 Years

The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.

 International Gemological Institute
GradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds

The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”

Kendra Scott lab-grown diamond jewelry
CollectionsMar 25, 2024
Kendra Scott Debuts Lab-Grown Diamond Fashion Jewelry

The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.

Instappraise logo NAJA logo
Events & AwardsMar 25, 2024
NAJA, Instappraise Offering Scholarships for Aspiring Jewelry Appraisers

One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.

Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice
MajorsMar 25, 2024
Borsheims Announces New VP of HR, Assistant Manager

Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.

My Next Question graphic vintage jewelry webinar
Recorded WebinarsMar 22, 2024
Watch: How to Buy and Sell Vintage Jewelry

Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere
MajorsMar 22, 2024
David Yurman Announces New CFO, Chief People Officer

Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.

Nakard pyrite earrings
CollectionsMar 22, 2024
Piece of the Week: Nakard’s Pyrite Earrings

The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMar 21, 2024
Sparks Fly as Burglars Lose Safe on California Freeway

JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.

Grizzly Mining rough emeralds
SourcingMar 21, 2024
Grizzly Sells 4,145-Carat Emerald for Over $1M

The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy