Georgian jewelry acquired the name after England’s Kings, George I, II, III, & IV. The aristocratic and wealthy classes of this era wore an abundance of jewels not only women the men as well, it wasn’t uncommon to see jeweled shoe buckles worn by both sexes, pocket watches, chains and jeweled buttons on coats and knee breeches.

Those looking to acquire a piece of jewelry from the Georgian period of the 1700 to 1800’s may have a challenge to find an authentic piece. The people of this time seemed to value the ingredients of a piece of jewelry rather than the piece itself. At this time Gold and Silver would be melted down and all stones removed to be fashioned into the latest style, as they thought the old style was old fashioned. It is still possible though with luck to find rings, earrings, brooches and necklaces from this period.

A lot of Georgian rings are beautiful like the early 19th century rose cut diamond ring weighing approximately 1.75 carats, the classic design of this diamond ring circa 1840. Silver over 14 karat yellow gold.

The rose cut diamond cluster a beautiful arrangement of rose cut diamonds, dates back to the 1800s this was handcrafted during the Georgian period showing of the typical Georgian style that they had. This ring shows off floral influences beloved by English jewelers the diamonds are bezel.

The Georgians must have been very romantic the (Crowned Heart Design) are usually found as rings, these were very special rings given to the ladies intended as love tokens, symbolizing loves rule. There are many rings from this era beautifully designed appearing very dainty and fragile when looking at them.

All if not most of Georgian Jewelry was handmade. It is with out doubt that this period was full of discovery and innovation, they used glass paste copies of real gems and developed these to use as a substitute for gold. The name given to this was (pinchbeck), who was the inventor. The use for large stones was called for in the early Georgian fashion they were set in an elaborate rococo style.

The long lasting paste jewelry was produced after 1734. The reason behind using this paste substitute was that inexpensive copies could be made to resemble the real pieces, and if you were stopped by highwaymen it was a guard against losing the real pieces.

It was the beginning of the Georgian period that with almost total exclusion of other stones diamonds were used. With increasing demand for white stones in the first half of the 18th century, rock crystal, marcasite, paste and cut steel were used with increased sophistication. The quality of the diamond alternatives were produced with outstanding quality it became entirely respectable for royalty to wear them. In the late 1750’s colored stones returned to vogue, followed by rubies, emeralds and sapphires were starting to be worn again alongside new stones amethyst, coral, pearls, ivory to name just a few.

A lot of jewelry was favored in the Georgian times hair combs, crosses, tiaras, girandole earrings, index finger rings, memorabilia jewelry and large jewelry in the form of bracelets. Most of this jewelry was popular from the period 1770 to around 1790; today we would call some of these items chokers or dog collars as we no them.

Read more about other Antique Jewelry Periods

Retro Engagement Rings

Art Deco Rings

Edwardian Style Engagement Rings

ARt Nouveau Engagement Rings

Victorian Engagement Rings

Georgian Rings

Current Georgian Rings on eBay:

Antique Georgian 18k Opal Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Ring

Georgian Gold, Emerald Paste Ring, circa 1780+

Georgian Era Gold, Enamel, Hair Mourning Ring, c1790s

Opal filigree Georgian ring reproduction

Georgian 18k 18ct Gold Enamel Mourning Ring Lon 1825

GORGEOUS WHT 14K GOLD GEORGIAN CAMEO PIERCE RING 6.5 SZ

GEORGIAN ROSE CUT 2ct DIAMOND 14ct GOLD RING c1770

Georgian ring reproduction set with genuine Iolite

Topaz, Tourmaline &Tsavorite Georgian ring reproduction

14kt. Georgian ring, garnet surrounded by diamonds