Victorian cameo on a Pearl chokerWhen Queen Victoria began her reign, lockets and necklaces were commonly worn. But by the 1840s womens clothing was more confining than ever, covering everything including the ears. So brooches came into demand, as did jewellery for the hand such as rings and bracelets. Queen victoria preferred cameo brooches and her example helped to keep the cameo popular during her reign. A cameo is a portrait or scene carved in relief with a contrasting colored background. Gemstones were the material of early cameos, but in the 19th century carvers used a variety of materials such as stone, shell, lava, coral as well as manmade materials. Around 1805 Italian carvers began using shell in the making of their cameos. By the Victorian period, shell had become widely accepted as a medium that was easily carved and inexpensive. During the 19th century, the waters near the Italian town of Torre Del Greco became the location where an abundance coral was discovered. Victorians believed in the power of coral and though it could ward off evil. Although the most sought after colors of this coral were red and black, coral cameos exist in a varity of colors. Silver love brooches also became enormously popular during this era. Due to the simplicity of manufacture combined with the ease of modification using simple stamping tools. This ability to produce silver brooches at a low labor cost allowed them to be sold inexpensively. So even the working classes could afford a sentimental gift. Many of these were motifs of birds, hearts, flowers and leaves. Often stamped with the individuals name or initals. Three motifs frequently foung together on love brooches were the cross, anchor and heart. These represented faith, hope and charity. Hearts and arrows were also used to let the receiver know of their affection, "that he has been shot through the heart by love". Brooches made during the Victorian era were typically made from rose / yellow gold or sterling silver. The gemstones that were most used were amethyst, agate, garnet, ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz and opals. There was also quite a lot of enamel and ivory used. Queen Victoria's love of jewellery helped to inspire the wealth of designs that emerged during her reign. The Author, Matt Lacy is a quailified gemologist with over twenty years experience in jewellery valuation . He is currently running a website for people who wish to sell vintage jewellery . Rate this ArticleVictorian BroochesNot Rated YetMatt Lacy has published 1 article. Article submitted on July 18, 2013. Word count: 488We like our own jewelry and to buy gold heart pendants or other unusual jewellery gifts, however can it come at a price?
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