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  One of the most recognized and popular materials used in Victorian Era (1837-1901) accessories is Whitby Jet and its emulation, French Jet. During the 19th century, the jet was a common stone used in jewelry. Although the gemstone was used long before the Victorian Era's Grand Period (1861-1880), the plane was often highly associated with this specific period during the 19th century. After Queen Victoria (1819-1901) went into deep mourning following the death of her husband, Prince Albert (1819-1861), she began to wear all black. It was customary for loved ones to wear black for a minimum of two...

I am honored and excited to be a contributor to the upcoming Yale University/Yale Divinity School Fall exhibit: Small Nation Photographs: Allegories, Renditions, and A Small Nation of Women. The show will emphasize Black Victorian women and the 19th century Black middle class through portraits, jewelry, antique clothing, collage artwork, and other historical items. Zanathia Jewelry will have various antiques on display at the exhibit, which includes accessories that feature portraits of Black Victorians, original postcard photos from the 19th century, and other antiques. This exhibit is historically significant, and the preservation of these items is essential for retelling their stories.  (Collage...

   The 19th-century jewelry market saw increased mass-produced designs due to the Industrial Revolution innovations. New improvements in metalwork techniques also meant improved enameling designs. It is common to see various 19th-century Victorian pieces with enamel designs such as taille d'epargne and guilloché. Business firms and company manufacturers mass-produced a large amount of Victorian jewelry with metalwork engravings. Intricate designs and new techniques were introduced to Victorians, making quality pieces more accessible and worn with daytime casual looks.  Before the mid-19th century, elaborate and fashionable jewelry was often confined to the evening for special occasions. After electroplating techniques improved, lightweight gold-filled bracelets and...

This month for National Historic Preservation Month, it is essential to highlight the growing market of highly sought-after Black Victorian collectibles. When collecting Victorian antiques, it is relatively rare to find sentimental mourning accessories that may feature woven hair strands belonging to a Black Victorian or an engraved locket with an African American portrait inside its compartment. However, these historically significant items exist and are intricate artifacts that are important to preserve.  Victorian Portrait of An Unidentified African American Woman (Personal Collection). Antique Victorian Era Aventurine Beaded Necklace, From the Zanathia Jewelry Collection    History books have often excluded just how...

Initially, monogrammed signatures were reserved for royal coins that identified ancient Greek and Roman diplomats from various regions. However, by the 19th century, it was common for many Victorian citizens to own a sentimental memento with initials carved into gold- and silver-plated accessories. Beforehand, monogrammed items were used to identify the work of local artisans and organizations synonymous with regional kingdoms. However, initial engravings on necklaces were common, with the famous Anne Boleyn 'B' choker-style accessory seen in various paintings of the British Queen. The decorative trend of signature mementos became increasingly popular during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), and could...