Blog News
The Way They Are: Preserving the Material Culture of Black Victorians & 19th Century Historically Accurate Representation
Recently, in honor of Historic Preservation Month, I wrote a featured article in Worthwhile Magazine celebrating the accurate representation and realistic defining attributes of Black Americana. I am honored to include the article within the Historic Preservation Blog section of Zanathia Jewelry. When reflecting on the primary image of Black Victorians, incorrect caricatures fueled by racism and white supremacy ideologies have overwhelmingly misconstrued the authentic essence of Black Americana and its material culture. 19th-century societal views significantly diminished the Black Victorian image and created a false narrative that did not reflect their true identity. Yet, the Black Victorian family...
Honoring Women’s History Month: Stories Preserved With Ancestral Heirlooms
The powerful stories connected to our ancestral heirlooms are not only primary sources for studying history but also significant to our narratives. March is Women’s History Month, and preserving the materials connected to their lives is essential to protecting the legacies of the women we love and honor in history. We uplift their names, stories, and memories and study their journeys. Protecting the sentimental heirlooms belonging to women throughout history is vital to historic preservation and accurate representation. When we collect and preserve archival records of women throughout history, we can emphasize their stories without inaccurate distortions. For example, Black...
Happy Book Anniversary! Celebrating One Year of Unsung Portraits & Future Titles
On February 14th, 2021, I published my second book: ''Unsung Portraits: Anonymous Images of Black Victorians and Early 20th Century Ancestors''. The book emphasizes the accurate and non-distorted images of Black Victorians, the complete opposite of what has been portrayed in Black Americana memorabilia. For centuries, hateful stereotypes of Black Victorians have dominated the poster-child image of Black Americana. However, the negative caricatures that are emphasized are not an accurate representation. Unsung Portraits celebrates beautiful pictures of Black Victorians. Their grace, dignity, pride, and impeccable style are reflected in the images and part of their important stories. We are celebrating the first anniversary of...
Edwardian Era Jewelry Trends: The Historical Epochal of a Short Lived Era
The early 20th century ushered in new jewelry trends and designs inspired by the societal influences and fashion changes that encompassed the turn of the century. Queen Victoria's reign lasted from 1837 until she died in 1901. The end of her iconic monarchy meant the new rule of her son, King Edward VII (1841-1910). Womenswear became more stream-lined and dainty. The Edwardian Era is named after the eldest son of Queen Victoria and lasted until he died in 1910. King Edward IV was described as a man who emphasized fashion trends and luxury. His extravagant demeanor and lifestyle influenced the era....
Victorian Horology: 19th Century Watch Ornament History & Trends
By the 19th century, advancements in watchmaking had grown with the Industrial Revolution boom, but horology has always been a fascinating science. Dating as far back as 1450 BC, the measurements of time have intrigued civilizations, and our desire to keep track of time led to the invention of wearing watches. The watches' designs have developed tremendously over the past few centuries, and the beloved timepiece has become a trend with various styles, techniques, and inspirations. One of the earliest forms of watch ornaments was created by German locksmith and watchmaker Peter Henlein (1485-1542) during the German Renaissance Era (1470-1600)....