Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.
There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.
Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.
Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.
Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today on 1stDibs.
George III Sterling Salt Cellar by Peter & Ann Bateman
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A George III period sterling silver salt cellar with a gilt wash interior and hand-chased details by two members of the famed English silversmithing family, Peter & Ann Bateman. An e...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Set of Four George III Sauce Tureens and Covers
Located in London, GB
A set of four George III sauce tureens and covers, the shaped octagonal urn form with angular handles, demi fluted bodies, the incurved dome covers with urn finials, engraved with cr...
Sterling Silver
Antique 18th C George III Sterling Silver Salt Cellar by Robert Hennell I
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Georgian salt cellar. In sterling silver. By Robert Hennell I. With scroll handles, a beaded edge & foot, repousse decoration around ...
Sterling Silver
Large Antique Sheffield Silver Plate Divided Serving Tureen & Dome Cover
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Sheffield silver plate service piece. A rare and complex serving vessel comprising a handled base with removable li...
Sheffield Plate, Silver Plate
George III Sterling Silver Chamber Stick
By Henry Chawner
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A wonderful George III period chamber stick in sterling silver by Henry Chawner of London. An elegant scrolled handle is mounted to an octagonal base underneath a column with reeded ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,250
H 1.33 in Dm 2.16 in
Antique Russian Imperial Silver & Cloisonne Enamel Salt Cellar by Shaposhnikov
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Russian salt cellar. By Sergey Shaposhnikov. With polychrome cloisonné enamel decoration throughout. Fully marked to the base. Simply a wonderful piece of Imp...
Silver, Enamel
Set of Four Victorian Silver Salt Cellars
Located in London, GB
A set of four Victorian silver salt cellars, each designed as scallop shell bearing chased leaf decorations in the rim, with gold gilt interior and foliate design base, made by Danie...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Mid-Century Leaf Bowl and Matching Leaf Nut Dishes
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Tiffany & Co. Makers mid-century footed leaf bowl serving dish (one) and five matching individual nut dishes. Elevate your holiday events and dinner parties with this six piece set ...
Sterling Silver
George III Sterling Silver Creamer by Robert Hennell I
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A small, George III period, sterling silver creamer by London silversmith Robert Hennel I, with period monogram. The creamer features an intricate monogram under the lip which is lik...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Christofle Silver Plated Food Warmer / Tureen & Covered Dome
By Christofle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver plated food warmer or tureen. By Christofle et Cie. Consisting of a two-part oval meat or fish warmer with scroll feet and ...
Silver Plate
S. Kirk & Son Sterling Silver Rose Gravy Boat and Underplate Hand Decorated
Located in Baltimore, MD
This beautiful sauce boat and underplate set is a must-have for any collector of sterling silver flatware. The intricate hand-decorated rose pattern add...
Sterling Silver
George III 19th Century Emes Barnard Sterling Silver Candle Chamberstick
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique George III sterling silver single candle chamberstick by Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard, circa 1817. Features gadrooned edges, a ring handle with thumb rest that also has a small square hole to hold a candle snuffer. Measures 2 1/2" high, 5 1/2" diameter at base, 7/8" diameter candle hole...
Sterling Silver
German Export Post War Silver and Leaded Glass Fruit Bowl
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
In excellent condition, this exquisite bowl is a work of art with it's intricate floral vine patterned design done is .800 German Silver. Intact is ...
Silver
Antique 18th century Enamel Dragon Chinese Silver Bowl
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 18th century rare Chinese colorful enamel dragon silver jar hall marked with Chinese initials and later brought to Russia with Soviet silver mark...
Georg Jensen, Sterling Silver Comport by Johan Rohde
By Georg Jensen
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This rather beautiful sterling silver comport was made by Georg Jensen in a design by the famed craftsman Johan Rohde. The piece was first designed betw...
Sterling Silver
George III Oval Soup Tureen and Cover
Located in London, GB
A George III oval soup tureen and cover on spreading foot, with beaded borders, the detachable domed cover with acanthus bud finial, the body with two reeded loop handles, engraved w...
Sterling Silver
Pair of George II Silver Sauceboats
Located in London, GB
A pair of George II sterling silver sauceboats, the oval bellied form with undulating rims, crested, leaf-capped flying scroll handle, on three stepped hoof feet, underside with scra...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Pair of Silver Sauce-Boats
Located in London, GB
A pair of George IV oval silver sauce boats and covers, the half fluted body, with gadroon and shell mounts, two fluted, shell and lions head handle...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Georgian Reproduction Sauce Boat
Located in Bethesda, MD
From the master silver makers of Tiffany & Co a fine sauce/ gravy boat. Faithfully reproduced from Daniel Smith and Robert Sharp 1763 design. The Sauce Boats is an of oval form wit...
Sterling Silver