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   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...

The 19th century Victorian Era (c.1837-1901) was an extended period emphasizing various symbolic memento trends. Many Victorian accessories often feature sentimental designs, which include religious and mythological references. One supplement, the sweetheart bracelet, has an intriguing history that is both sweet and immensely symbolic.   Victorian Sweetheart bracelets were trendy memento sentimental accessories during the Victorian Era and early 20th century.   Originally, sweetheart bracelets were gifted to children, many of which contained paste stones and engraved initials. The trend became rather popular among women, and soon adult sizes were being manufactured. After the Industrial Revolution boom, jewelry companies created many lightweight gold-plated...

This year I began writing a non-fiction history book that discusses the lack of acknowledgment and acclaim related to African portrayals in European antiques. Hidden Legacies: African Presence in European Antiques emphasizes the many fascinating overlooked antiques that feature African descendants. The book includes captivating images and highlights the historical significance of these crucial collectibles. Completing this book was very dear to my heart and allowed me to analyze further the importance of including these images and stories in educational textbooks. I reflected on my encounters with learning about European history and cultural studies as an adolescent, and the lack of representation...