The Georgian Period is one of our favorites. Images of grand balls and societal engagements dance in our head when we imagine the 18th century. (Day dream much?) But what really makes us swoon over the Georgian period is of course the jewelry. The Georgian era lasted from 1714 to 1730 and is named after the reign of the the four King Georges. Advancements in candle making in the 1700’s prolonged the length of burning and increased the brightness letting nighttime activities more realistic. In result, there was jewelry you wore during the day, and jewelry you wear during the night, and it was very frowned upon to mix the two. Garnets, topaz, coral, pearls, and paste were only appropriate when the sun was shining, but as soon as darkness came, it was time for diamonds. New diamond mines in India and Brazil were tapped into to help alleviate the demand for the nighttime sparkling gems. We love a good, thought out costume change, and jewelry should be no exception. Maybe it’s those dazzling diamonds making their appearance at those balls that make us romanticize it so intensely, but who can blame us?
