Vintage Victoriana: Making a 21st Century Comeback
At Weir & Sons, we are looking ahead to the jewellery and watch fashion trends for Autumn and Winter 2015. One of the key trends that ran the runways was Victoriana. Designers drew on romantic Victorian style wear from high-neck ruffled collars to elegant black lace. Victorian grace pervaded international collections with pieces in lace and embroidery in chaste silhouettes. For the upcoming season, there is a resurgence of the vintage jewellery trend with a distinct focus on Victorian style, such as ornate diamond necklaces, coloured gemstones, heirloom brooches and of course, pearls. The jewelled decadence of the Victorian era was seen all over runways, clashing the old with the new to create an updated classic Victorian look.
Vibrant and bold jewels such as ruby, sapphire and emerald gemstones were widely worn in the Victorian era. The deep red shade of the ruby and the royal blue of sapphires resonated a rich look of luxury. Brightly coloured gemstones which clashed dramatically for a statement look, were a popular choice featured in dress rings and bracelets. For a modern take on bold Victorian jewels, choose fashion brand pieces such as Carat London with coloured and delicately cut crystal in ornate styles. The Victoriana style can be seen in their emerald inspired earrings and ruby coloured cluster dress rings.
Sumptuous pearls of different shapes and sizes were prized, often combined with Victorian cut diamonds and bold gemstones. Choker style necklaces with beaded rows of freshwater pearls were the style of choice among ladies. Pearls featured widely in necklaces, bracelets and enamel brooches. Pearls can be incorporated into your everyday look with a classic beaded pearl necklet, or for evening wear, a clustered combination of colourful pearls and diamonds. For those on a budget, Bronzallure, Mi Moneda and Paul Costello are among fashion brands with simulant pearl pieces. For high end cultured pearl jewellery, Mikimoto, Yoko London and our very own Weir Collection have a vast range to choose from.
Diamonds were widely popular in the jewellery of the Victorian era with necklaces in elaborate floral motif designs, heavily encrusted with diamonds. Evening wear saw corsage inspired pieces and floral style bouquets using smaller cut diamonds to maximize sparkle. Classical and simplistic styles were also worn with the use of mine cut, single stone diamonds as the central element in pieces. For an updated take on Victorian diamonds, Paul Costelloe’s collection of ornate crystal encrusted designs, with elegant earrings, necklets, dress rings and brooches can be worn from day to evening wear and special occasions. Victorian inspired diamonds can also be infused into your timepiece for a classic yet elegant watch with a mother of pearl dial set with diamond detailing.
Discover a wide selection of Victoriana style jewellery and watches in our Grafton Street and Dundrum store. For more information email jewellery@weirandsons.ie or call 01-6779678 to arrange an appointment in one of our stores.
Author: Emilie Finney