Jewelry from the Georgian era, defined as the period between
1714 and 1837, has an opulent and regal flair. During the
Georgian era, named for Kings George I, II, and III of England,
fine jewelry was worn almost exclusively by the wealthy. These
were the years of the American and French Revolutions, but the
world of Georgian jewelry might best be imagined as the England
of Jane Austen. As her heroines participated in the elaborate
courtship rituals of the time, they adorned themselves with
stately, hand-crafted Georgian jewelry. The Georgian era spanned
more than a century, and for this reason its jewelry is as
varied as it is sumptuous. An ornate and playful style known as
Rococo was favored in the early part of the era, while Gothic
and Neoclassical designs took precedence later on. Diamonds
initially were the gemstone of choice, with the most prevalent
cuts being the rose cut and old mine. Colored gemstones such as
emeralds, sapphires, and rubies became more common beginning in
the mid-1700s. A distinctive