The Victorian era was a time of elegance, refinement, and an intricate language of symbolism. This was particularly evident in the realm of jewelry, where fashion becomes even more personal. While today, we may be used to women buying jewelry for themselves for no other reason than because they love the way it looks, that was not a mindset the average Victorian woman would have understood. To them, jewelry was rare and valuable, and each piece should be special and symbolic of some greater meaning other than beauty. 

Queen Victoria's serpent themed emerald, ruby and diamond engagement ring

Animal Symbolism

The symbolism of animals in Victorian jewelry can be traced back to ancient mythology, folklore, and religious beliefs. The Victorians drew inspiration from these rich cultural and historical references, incorporating animal motifs into their jewelry designs to convey their ideals, aspirations, and personal narratives.

• Serpent: The serpent is one of the most commonly seen animals in Victorian jewelry, representing eternity, wisdom, and rebirth. The snake's ability to shed its skin was seen as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation. Serpent motifs were often depicted in rings, bracelets, and necklaces, with coiling serpents symbolizing eternal love and loyalty. It was believed to represent the unbreakable bond between two individuals and was frequently used in engagement rings and wedding bands. The intertwining nature of the snake's body also symbolized the union of two souls.
• Lion: The lion was a majestic creature symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership. In Victorian jewelry, lion motifs were frequently incorporated into signet rings and brooches, representing power and nobility. Lions were also associated with loyalty and protection, making them popular symbols in family crests and coat of arms.
• Butterfly: The delicate and ephemeral butterfly was a symbol of beauty, transformation, and the soul. Victorians admired the butterfly's life cycle, viewing it as a metaphor for personal growth and spiritual rebirth. Butterfly motifs adorned pendants, earrings, and brooches, capturing the essence of elegance and grace.
• Bee: Bees were symbolic of industriousness, teamwork, and community. These tiny creatures represented hard work, dedication, and cooperation. Bee motifs were often featured in brooches and hairpins, serving as a reminder of the value of collaboration and working towards the greater good.
• Horse: Horses symbolized freedom, power, and vitality. The horse's strength and grace captivated the Victorians, and equestrian-themed jewelry became popular during this era. Not to mention that horses were also the most common method of traveling for most people. Horses were also associated with loyalty and companionship, making them significant symbols in friendship jewelry.

One of the Turquoise Eagle brooches that Queen Victoria gifted to each of her 12 bridesmaids

• Dog: Dogs have been cherished human companions and symbols of loyalty and fidelity dating all the way back to Ancient Greece. Dog motifs were frequently seen in lockets and brooches, representing devotion and friendship. Different dog breeds held varying symbolism, with common choices including terriers, greyhounds, spaniels, collies, poodles, and bulldogs.
• Elephant: Elephants represented wisdom, strength, and longevity. In Victorian jewelry, elephant motifs were often depicted with their trunks raised, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. These majestic creatures were seen as protectors and bringers of fortune. 
• Fish: Fish represented fertility, abundance, and transformation. The fish's association with water connected it to emotions, intuition, and the subconscious. Fish motifs adorned jewelry pieces, particularly brooches and pendants, capturing the fluidity and depth of emotions.
• Cat: Cats were associated with mystery, independence, and sensuality. Cat motifs in Victorian jewelry depicted the feline's grace and allure, symbolizing femininity and intuition. Cats were also linked to good fortune and protection against evil spirits.

Victorian necklace featuring a pair of swallows joining together to hold a small natural pearl - accented with rubies

Bird Symbolism

Birds held a special place in Victorian jewelry, capturing the imaginations of wearers and serving as powerful symbols of meaning and sentiment. Each species had its own significance, representing various virtues, emotions, or qualities.

• Dove: The dove was a cherished symbol of peace, love, and purity. In Christian iconography, the dove represented the Holy Spirit. In Victorian jewelry, dove motifs were often seen in brooches, pendants, and lockets, symbolizing harmonious relationships, marital bliss, and the sanctity of love.
• Swallow: Swallows were popular motifs in Victorian jewelry, symbolizing loyalty, devotion, and the return of a loved one. The swallow's ability to migrate long distances and return to the same place every year represented faithfulness and commitment. Swallows are also known to mate with one partner for life. Swallow motifs were often used in brooches and lockets, serving as tokens of love and fidelity.
• Peacock: The peacock was admired for its beauty, grace, and extravagance. It symbolized pride, dignity, and refinement. Peacock motifs were incorporated into various jewelry pieces, showcasing the regal allure and opulence associated with this majestic bird. Peacocks were especially popular with the expansion of enameling abilities that became popular after Japan opened up it’s borders and the European world became fixated on Japanese art.
• Owl: The owl was associated with wisdom, knowledge, and intuition. Owls were often depicted in rings, brooches or pendants with wide, knowing eyes, capturing the enigmatic wisdom that fascinated the Victorians.
• Hummingbird: Hummingbirds were symbols of joy, energy, and resilience. Their vibrant colors and ability to hover in mid-air captured the imagination of the Victorians. Hummingbird motifs were used in jewelry to represent vivacity, playfulness, and the enjoyment of life's fleeting moments.
• Eagle: The eagle symbolized power, strength, and courage. It represented leadership, vision, and a connection to the divine. Eagle motifs were frequently found in brooches and cufflinks, embodying the spirit of determination and triumph.
• Peacock Feather: The peacock feather held its own symbolism, representing beauty, rebirth, and protection. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors of peacock feathers were incorporated into jewelry designs, signifying grace and the renewal of the spirit.
• Rooster: The rooster was associated with courage, vigilance, and new beginnings. Its crowing at dawn symbolized the start of a new day and the triumph over darkness. Rooster motifs were used in jewelry to convey strength, resilience, and the readiness to face challenges.

Flower Symbolism

Victorian pansy earrings in yellow gold with enamel and diamond accents

In the enchanting world of Victorian jewelry, flowers held a special place as symbols of deep emotions, sentiments, and hidden messages. Each flower was carefully chosen for its unique meaning, allowing individuals to express their feelings through the language of flowers.

• Rose: Roses were the epitome of love and passion, and different colored roses held distinct meanings. Red roses symbolized passionate love, while pink roses conveyed grace and admiration. White roses were associated with purity and innocence, and yellow roses represented friendship and joy. The rose, in all its varieties, was, and still is, recognized widely as a cherished symbol of love and beauty.
• Lily: Lilies were revered for their elegance and purity. They symbolized innocence, virtue, and refined beauty. The regal Madonna lily represented purity and spirituality and was often used in bridal jewelry. Lily of the valley, with its delicate white bells, symbolized sweetness and the return of happiness.
• Violet: Violets were beloved symbols of modesty and faithfulness. These small, delicate flowers were often associated with humility and were given as tokens of devotion. Purple violets symbolized love and loyalty, while white violets represented innocence and purity. These enchanting flowers adorned brooches, lockets, and rings, speaking volumes about the wearer's steadfastness and loyalty.
• Forget-Me-Not: The forget-me-not flower held a poignant meaning in Victorian jewelry. As the name suggests, it symbolized enduring love and remembrance. Often given as tokens of affection, forget-me-nots were seen as a promise to always remember loved ones, even in their absence. These charming blue flowers with yellow centers were delicately crafted into jewelry, serving as heartfelt reminders of cherished memories.
• Daisy: Daisies were symbols of innocence and purity. Their delicate white petals and golden centers represented simplicity and true love. Daisies adorned bracelets, necklaces, and rings, capturing the essence of youthful joy and pure affection.
• Pansy: The delicate beauty of the pansy flower was cherished for its symbolism of loving thoughts and fond memories. Pansies, with their array of colors and velvety petals, represented tender feelings and heartfelt remembrance. They were often exchanged as tokens of affection, carrying messages of deep admiration and fondness.
• Bluebell: The enchanting bluebells were associated with gratitude and humility. These bell-shaped flowers symbolized everlasting love and faithfulness. Bluebells were believed to possess magical qualities and were often given as expressions of gratitude and appreciation.
• Carnation: Carnations, with their ruffled petals and diverse colors, conveyed a range of emotions. Red carnations represented deep love and admiration, while pink carnations symbolized a mother's undying love. White carnations signified innocence and purity. These versatile flowers were commonly used in Victorian jewelry, allowing individuals to express their emotions with subtle grace.

Other Prominent Victorian Symbols

Late 1800s 20kt yellow gold ring with an ancient Egyptian scarab

• Crescent moon: The crescent moon was associated with femininity and represented the transformative power of time. Crescent moon motifs adorned brooches, earrings, and pendants, serving as a reminder of the cycles of life and the constant evolution of one's journey.
• Horseshoe: The horseshoe was a symbol of good luck and protection. Always depicted with the open end facing upwards to catch and hold good fortune, it was seen as bad luck to have them reversed as it represented one’s luck pouring out. It was also believed that wearing a horseshoe-shaped piece would bring luck and ward off evil spirits.
• Key: The key symbolized unlocking the doors to the heart and represented love, trust, and freedom. Victorian key-shaped pendants and charms were often given as tokens of affection, representing the giver's willingness to trust and open up their heart to the recipient.
• Anchor: Representing hope and steadfastness, the anchor was often used in jewelry to symbolize stability and a safe harbor. This was an especially popular motif in jewelry worn by sailors and their loved ones, signifying their longing for a safe return from sea voyages.
• Scarab: The scarab beetle held deep significance in Victorian jewelry, representing rebirth and immortality. Inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology and influenced by a multitude of archaeological discoveries that kept the public constantly interested, scarab beetles were associated with the sun god and were believed to bring good luck and protection. Scarab motifs were intricately carved into gemstones and used in rings, pendants, and bracelets. It was also common for people to make jewelry out of authentic ancient scarab beetles, which many Egyptian merchants sold to tourists.

Towards the end of the Georgian and the beginning of the Victorian period, a time when the middle class was beginning to exist and opulence was revered, one particular accent jewel captivated the hearts of both high society and the fashion-conscious masses: seed pearls. Diamonds were just beginning to become commercially available in large amounts and were not yet ready to become the white stone accent staple we know them as today. Meanwhile, pearls (remember, this is before the age of cultured pearls) were considered the most rare and valuable gemstones in the world. Delicate and undeniably elegant, these tiny pearls became the epitome of Victorian style and grace.

Affordable Luxury

Pearls have symbolized purity, innocence, and wealth for millennia. While larger pearls were very highly sought after, the introduction of seed pearls—tiny, perfectly round pearls—ushered in new opportunities for elegance. Harvested from freshwater mollusks, these minuscule pearls were meticulously sorted by size and skillfully incorporated into stunning creations that adorned women of all ranks. These tiny pearls finally gave the average person the ability to own their first real pearl piece of jewelry, an idea many had probably not believed possible in the past.

Craftsmanship at Its Finest

Creating jewelry with seed pearls was a true testament to the skill and patience of Victorian artisans. Each individual pearl, often no larger than a pinhead, was individually drilled and strung onto fine threads or wires or half drilled and glued onto a tiny post. These fragile strands were often meticulously woven into intricate patterns, resulting in mesmerizing jewelry pieces that showcased the delicate beauty of seed pearls.

Unlike most other gemstones, pearls are also incredibly delicate. Drilling into these tiny, easily broken gems (keep in mind this was before the invention of electric drills or even electricity for lighting) and stringing them ornately on wire is a task I am very grateful is not my responsibility.

Queen Victoria's Influence

No discussion of seed pearl jewelry (or any jewelry trend of the Victorian period) would be complete without acknowledging the profound influence of Queen Victoria herself. After the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, in 1861, Queen Victoria entered a prolonged period of mourning. Her public appearances became fewer, and her jewelry became more downplayed and muted. She also began to wear a lot of mourning jewelry, which would often be composed of a piece of onyx accented with seed pearls. Queen Victoria’s public appreciation, combined with the common use of mourning and other sentimental jewelry styles, the popularity of delicate, understated jewelry soared, with seed pearls becoming a public favorite.

Sentimental Symbolism

As with most jewelry trends in the Georgian and Victorian periods, the symbolism behind the jewelry was as important as the fashion. Pearls had long been known to symbolize luxury, grace and purity. They were frequently used to create intricate motifs such as hearts, flowers, and crosses, symbolizing love, devotion, and faith. Additionally, seed pearl jewelry was often gifted as tokens of affection or presented as wedding jewelry, symbolizing the eternal bond between partners.

Types of Seed Pearl Jewelry

Seed pearls were not just designated for mourning and wedding jewelry. Seed pearl accents in jewelry came in a wide array of designs, with each piece reflecting the Victorian’s appreciation for delicate detailing. Necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings, and tiaras adorned with seed pearls were all the rage. Most often set in gold or silver and used to accent ornate designs or other gemstones, these jewels exuded a subtle opulence that perfectly complemented the refined tastes of the era.

Seed Pearls Lose Their Luster

While seed pearl jewelry reached the pinnacle of its popularity during the Victorian era, their use in jewelry continued for decades. The widespread availability of diamonds slowly reduced the demand for seed pearls over time, probably because they were far easier for jewelers to work with and served a similar purpose in regards to offering a small, white accent stone. The durability of diamonds also meant that people would be able to wear them freely without worrying as much about their favorite piece breaking. Even as popularity slowly dwindled, seed pearl jewelry can be commonly found throughout the Edwardian and Art Deco periods.

How to Care for Seed Pearls

To ensure the longevity and beauty of seed pearl jewelry, proper care is essential. Due to their delicate nature, these tiny pearls require gentle handling and protection from harsh chemicals, moisture, and excessive heat. It's advisable to store them separately in a soft pouch or jewelry box, away from other pieces that may scratch or damage them. Occasional cleaning with a soft cloth is all they need to maintain their luster and shine, ensuring that these precious treasures can be enjoyed for years to come.

If you are cleaning a stone in a piece of jewelry with seed pearl accents, it is best to avoid using the jewelry cleaning solutions you may normally use for diamonds, rubies or sapphires. The best solution would be mild mixture of Dawn dish soap and warm water being scrubbed softly with a tooth brush before being rinsed off with water. Drying them with a hair dryer would not be recommended.

From Victorian Times to Today

From Queen Victoria's personal preference to the sentimental symbolism it carried, seed pearl jewelry captured the hearts of Victorian society and continues to fascinate vintage jewelry enthusiasts today. As we admire these tiny treasures, we are reminded of the artistry and legacy of a bygone era. However, the allure of seed pearl jewelry doesn't end with mere admiration, these pieces are still suitable to being worn today. The internet opening up the past to fashion influencers has led to everyone having the ability to craft their own unique style. The elegance that defined the Victorian era has certainly found a place in modern fashion.

More Pictures of Antique Seed Pearl Focused Jewelry

Victorian 15k yellow gold turquoise and seed pearl dangle earrings

An Art Nouveau depiction of a woman in yellow gold with a colorful enamel backing and seed pearl accents

Victorian mourning necklace featuring onyx, black enamel and a seed pearl accent reading "In Memory of" on the front

An elaborate Victorian peridot and seed pearl necklace set in yellow gold

Art Nouveau enamel, peridot and seed pearl necklace created by renowned design house Krementz & Co

Art Deco amethyst ring set in an elaborate filigree ring made of white and yellow gold with seed pearl accents

Article by: Jimmy Smith

From the late 1800’s to mid-1900’s American watch brands were world renowned and represented by many household names.  Ball, Hamilton, Howard and many others were in the forefront of engineering, design and style.  While timepiece manufacturing never completely disappeared from the US, it did somewhat ride off into the sunset.  Fast forward a few decades, and many small watch brands have found success in making limited watches for niche markets not only here but around the world.  While you may not be familiar with all of these brands, there is one that seems to stand out: Shinola. 

What’s in a Name?

Reviving the name of a defunct New York shoe polish company, mostly known for their WWII era slogan “You don’t know sh*t from Shinola”, it harkens us back to a nostalgic period that was difficult, while also being one of our most passionate points for American ingenuity and hard work. 

Continuing with the desire to stay connected to those attributes, they chose a particularly historic building in the heart of Detroit for their headquarters and manufacturing.  Opened in 1928, the Argonaut Building was built by General Motors and would become the center for the GM Research Laboratory.  The Art Deco structure served as the offices for the great Harley Earl, with his team of innovative and sometimes rebellious designers.  Well known for his unconventional approach, he was the first Head of Design for the car manufacturer, overseeing the creation of the “modern for the time” 1940’s Buick LeSabre, 1955-57 Chevy Bel Air and the iconic, first ever 1953 Corvette.

Commitment to a community

Tom Kartsotis, the founder of Shinola Watch, wanted to position their company as an integral part of a community from the start.  Choosing Detroit because of the revered, blue collar production history and wanting to use their brand as a creator of employment opportunities for the city.  Hiring locally and using training programs, nearly all of their workforce is comprised of people native to the Detroit area.  Shinola has also been a key contributor around the city: investing in infrastructure, creating a park, as well as developing and opening the award winning Shinola Hotel.

The Star of the Show

Enough of the history class.  All of this is so we can discuss the point that these guys make spectacular watches!  In the name of full transparency, while Shinola watches are assembled in Detroit, not all of the parts are American made. 

Wanting to make a timepiece known for quality, function and style, yet able to compete with high end brands at a more affordable price, Kartsotis and company chose Swiss made components for the movements of each watch.  Using components from Ronda for quartz and Sellita for automatic timepieces, they have been able to supply a quality and well operating heart for all Shinola watches.  So much so that most models have a limited lifetime warranty. 

They are so meticulous in the making of the leather straps that they even recruited a key Leatherworker from French fashion giant Louis Vuitton.  All leather pieces are produced at the in-house facility by their own craftsman.  Stainless steel and gold cases, crystals and other pieces are imported from various partners, but all assembly of the movement components and watch bodies is done in Detroit by their own trained technicians.

Retro flair with a hint of Atomic Age style

Shinola watches have an aesthetic to match their dedication to history, with a vintage inspired appearance that sometimes reminds me of early 1900’s timepieces mixed with the look of post WWII and into early Space Race era mechanics and devices.  Even the names like Runwell and Guardian embody the spirit Norman Rockwell pictures and when every kid wanted to be an astronaut. 

Each dial is emblazoned with a Buck Rogers looking lightning bolt, vintage font Shinola logo and most have “Argonite” with the technical number of the specific movement to add to the Jet Fighter gauge appearance.  Of course the women’s models are less macho and more “Audrey Hepburn strolling the streets of 1950’s New York City”.  Every watch will proudly tout Detroit as their hometown on the face.

They range in design from being encapsulated in rounded edge weighty cases, purposeful looking PVD finishes with scored tachymeter style bezels, to slim lines for smaller models and lady’s fashion designs.  The Vinton and Canfield remind of classic and prestigious models such as a Rolex Explorer, early Daytonas, or the Omega Seamaster Aqua-Terra.   

My personal favorite is the Runwell chronograph model.  Ranging in case sizes up to 47mm they could have been pulled straight from the cockpit of an early jet fighter.  The smaller registers on the dial have a bit of an engine turn machined appearance.  They use an assortment of color contrasts for the dials, hands, and numerals that are eye catching while maintaining a very authentic look. The dial colors are well coordinated with the tanning color of each strap they are paired with.  The weight gives it the feel of a significant instrument while not being over bearing.

Shinola has thoughtfully balanced their interesting story, distinct styling and versatile function for daily wear to place their timepieces seamlessly into American culture from decades prior leading into the future of craftmanship for what seemed to be a trade lost from our culture. 

After a long period of quarantine, we are finally reopening our showroom starting today, Saturday May 2.

For the safety of our customers and employees, we will be making some changes and implementing some mandatory rules and procedures that we hope will ensure everybody’s health and well-being.

• We will have temporary new store hours. The new hours will be Monday-Saturday from 9:30-5 to allow our staff time to clean and sanitize all counters, surfaces and other areas before going home.
• A limited number of people will be allowed in the store at any given time. This is to ensure to social distancing guidelines can still be met and all customers can handle their business or shop comfortably.
• Masks and gloves will be required by all staff at all times – stations will be available around the showroom with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and alcohol.
• We ask that every customer and employee sanitize his or her hands before handling any jewelry.
• We will limit small office interactive between customers and staff when showing diamonds and/or purchasing jewelry.
• All employees will have temperatures taken upon arriving to work and at mid-day.
• Every single piece of jewelry will be individually sanitized after it is handled by anyone.
• We have developed a new procedure for cleaning jewelry to ensure that no contaminants have the ability to come in contact with multiple pieces.

Additionally, we have officially “turned on” the aspect of our website allowing customers to purchase jewelry directly from the site using a credit card or Paypal. We offer free shipping on all purchases local or national, and we will be offering curbside delivery on purchases and repair deliveries to those who prefer that method.

Our number one priority is the health and safety of our customers and employees. These are scary, unprecedented times for all of us, and we all want to do everything we can to protect those we love. Wishing you all the best and hope for everyone’s health and happiness.