Early Victorian Jewelry

The Elgin Company was founded on April 25, 1865. The first officers were Benjamin Raymond, President Philo Carpenter, Vice President Thomas Dickerson, Treasurer and George Wheeler, Secretary. The first movement was produced from the factory on April 1, 1867. It was during that time that watches took six months to complete. That first watch, the B.W. Raymond sold for $117 dollars when pork chops sold for three cents. The watch...

Much like jewelry of the Georgian era, Victorian era jewelry is inspired by nature in its designs. In most cases early Victorian era designs are delicately and intricately etched into gold. Items like Lockets and brooches become very popular during the era.  Colored gemstones and diamonds are some of the most popular forms of jewelry worn by Royals and a those select people with an eye for fine detail. During...

Tiffany was founded on September 18, 1837 with a partner John B. Young. The name of the company at that time was Tiffany & Young. In 1841, partner J.L. Ellis joined the firm with the company name changing once again to Tiffany, Young and Ellis. Tiffany became the sole owner in 1850 and Tiffany & Company, Inc. came into being in 1868. Charles Tiffany was born on February 15, 1812....

All gold is yellow gold. The mixture of other alloys turns yellow gold to white, rose or green gold. Gold Alloys Pure gold, 24 karat, is too soft to use for jewelry. It is for that reason that other alloys are mixed with it to make it stronger. White Gold Alloys Nickel or palladium is the alloy used when mixed with gold that turns the yellow gold to white gold....