18th- and 19th-Century European Jewelry Design

Catalog description

The 18th century was defined by stylish sociability that included beautiful dress, sumptuous interiors and exquisite, fashionable jewelry. Who were the influencers for jewelry design during this period? How was society defined by these ornaments? What were the rules of engagement? Did these opulent ornaments affect social strategies? How did jewelry materials evolve into more modern and recognizable forms? All of these questions are answered in this course. The cultural history of jewelry design mirrors the historical and collective customs of society from the established aristocracy, to the rising middle classes, to the expansion of cultural awareness among every world citizen when travel became widely available. So much so, that upon the turn of the 19th century, jewelry design shifted from appearing as solely a status of power and wealth to an eloquent symbol of worldly knowledge and cultural awareness.