GEORGIAN PERIOD: 1790-1840’S

This period covers the reign of four kings in England; George I (1714-1727); George II
(1727-1760); George III (1760-1820); remembered as “crazy George”. He was replaced by his
son, George IV (1820-1830). George IV was appointed Regent in 1811 (his father was not
considered well enough to rule) and proceeded to live an extravagant lifestyle. The Pavilion at
Brighton was built at this time. From 1830-1837 England was ruled by frugal William IV,
however, there is no “William” jewelry.
Jewelry from this early period is highly collectable and difficult to find unless established
collections are liquidated. Mid-to late 18th century focuses on fashion in portraits and miniatures
utilizing diamonds and paste some containing lead and glass. (1750-1850) Most jewelry
available on the market falls in the Late Georgian period, George III (1760-1820), George IV
(1811-1830) through William IV (1830-1837). Jewelry from this time tends to be restrained
(unless you were French), light in weight and sentimental. The Georgian style flourished in the
1830’s. Rose cut diamonds, seed pearls, black and white enameled accents and spectacular high
relief lava cameos are typical of the style and designs which were most common. Mounts and
frames were often of high karat gold and ornamented with Greek key designs, acorn and leaf
patterns and other neo-classical motifs.

**Note that labels designate styles and periods. Many styles over-lap during periods of time and
nothing precisely begins and ends as we might wish in our attempt to classify antique jewelry.
The above designations of Periods/Styles must be considered only a GUIDE to learn about
antique jewelry.

Reference Materials:

Compete Price Guide to Antique Jewelry-First Edition
Richard E. Gilbert and James H. Wolf

Antique Jewelry History Seminar N.A.J.A. Annual Conference
Karen Lorene

Thomas Elliott, G.J.G (GIA)
President
North American Gemological Laboratory, LLC
13400 NE 20th St
Suite 19
Bellevue, WA 98005
USA
425-637-0075 off
425-283-0449 fax