Welcome to The Learning Lounge

Join us on a journey through times gone by and explore a world of antique jewellery with us.

A Brief of History of Jewellery Eras...

GEORGIAN

George III (1760-1820)

George IV  (1820-1830)

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VICTORIAN

Early (1837-50)

Mid   (1850-80)

Late  (1880-1901)

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EDWARDIAN

(1901-1914)

The Edwardian period refers to a style which is simplified from the elaborate scrolls and metalwork of the Victorian era. The designs were symmetrical and borrowed motifs of previous periods in much simpler and eye pleasing forms. Another feature of this period was the use of synthetic gems and garnet topped doublets. It was the era of Man over Nature. Synthetic gems were not used to save costs but to proudly show that man was more clever than nature. This attitude lasted until the Titanic disaster and the Great War, which was a reality check for Edwardian society.

ART DECO

(1920-1939)

The Art Deco period has had the most lasting impact on the early 21st century. As modern society looks  back at the twentieth century it is the 20’s and 30’s that people most identify with as the era of wealth, artistic expression and happy times. It is ironic then that this era crashes with the advent of the worst war in human history. Another reason Art Deco is so popular is that the young generation look fondly back at their grandparents whose halcyon days were in the 1920’s and 30’s.

The Art Deco era used symmetrical geometric designs and was heavily encrusted with diamonds and coloured gems. The designs varied from fine lines to larger shapes. It was the first jewellery movement to extensively use the "new" metal platinum. As platinum is such a hard wearing metal many examples of Art Deco jewellery have come through to modern times in very good condition.

POST WAR

(1945-60)

The post war era shows restraint. The opulence of the Art Deco era was replaced with jewellery designs reflecting the austerity of post war rationing and frugal use of gems and metal. In this era the use of illusion settings and the economical use of precious metal was the norm. The designs reflect the intentions of the Art Deco period but in a much more restrained manner.

RETRO

(1950-70)

As the world recovered from the austerity of the late 1940's and early 1950's It became party time. Cocktail jewellery with outrageous shapes and designs were produced. The re-emergence of pave settings as well as larger diamond and coloured gem encrusted pieces were also produced. Jewellery expressing floral sprays were common. It was also the era of the wrist watch as a jewellery item rather than a fashion accessory. Many of the leading watch manufacturers created designs that would serve both as a bracelet and a timepiece.

MODERN

(1980-Present)

In this era of the produced casting, chain stores and catering for the lowest common denominator, it is reassuring to know that at Klepner's we pride ourselves in having the finest craftspersons who can create individual pieces to our clients requirements. Our designers are award winners and are happy to sit down with you and work with you from concept drawing to finished article. Klepner's was founded in 1889 and is now 5 generations old. We look to our past experience to create the heirloom of tomorrow.