The name George is not only synonymous with the kings of England, but with antique jewellery periods as well. When one calls something Georgian, it is in reference to pieces crafted between the years 1726 to 1837, during the reigns of King George II, III and IV. During this long period many styles were represented; Baroque, Rocco, Palladian and Regency, just to mention a few.
George V reigned from 1901 to 1936, a time which oversaw the decline of romantic influences in the jewellery, commonly seen during the Victorian era. Because the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods were so important, these jewellery periods are referred to by their style names rather than by regal era.
The last George to occupy the throne was the current Queen’s father, who reigned 1937 to 1952. This was the time of the second world war, which was followed by the world’s slow recovery from such a catastrophic time. Art movements retreated into their shells and so again nothing of that time is referred to as Georgian. It has been said that anybody over the age of thirty today will not be around when the latest George is finally crowned. What art movements will be influencing jewellery making then?
Who knows, maybe the period will be known as the Neo-Georgian period?
- Ronnie Bauer