Some of the rarest jewels still in circulation come from the Georgian Era. Named for the successive reigns of the British Monarchs George I, II, III and IV, the Georgian era spanned more than a century of extraordinary political, social, and cultural change. Prior to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in 1760, every element of jewelry fabrication was done by hand - allowing for intricate repoussé metalwork and hand-cut diamonds that twinkled with unique personality in the glow of candlelight.

Romantic Rose Cut and Old Mine Cut diamonds were the diamonds du jour, while the imperialist expansion of the British Empire brought an influx of colored gemstones, like garnet, topaz, sapphire, and rubies. Stones of all hues were set in a silvered foil, closed backed setting to enhance their shine. Just as coveted, and in some cases preferred, imitation paste gems made from leaded glass were developed and set into jewelry with the same level of artistry as natural stones. For the first time, middle-class consumers and aristocrats alike could sport the same jewelry styles.

Balancing out the opulence of aristocratic styles, sentimental jewelry and Neoclassical designs also had their place in the Georgian period. Miniature portraits, intricately braided locks of hair, and enamel adorned love tokens and memorial jewelry alike - focusing on the meaning of the jewelry without sacrificing artistry. The clean, balanced designs of antiquity saw a rise in popularity following the excavations of Pompeii and expanded following the American and French Revolutions. Egalitarian themes like laurel wreaths and columns served as a stylistic palate cleanser to the decadent styles of the aristocracy that came before.

If you are lucky enough to own one of these rare pieces of wearable history, we recommend caring for them with a gentle hand: avoid exposure to water, perfumes, and lotions to preserve their delicate details.