For throwback Thursday I look for something from history to do with either a jeweller, their work or an individual time period. This week I'm focusing on Queen Victoria and what would be considered in our modern world to be quite a barbaric collection of jewellery.
Queen Victoria ruled the United Kingdom from 1837 until 1901 which equalled up to an impressive 63 years of rule.
By her side was her husband the prince consort, Albert. With him she had nine children, the first of which was Princess Victoria who was nicknamed Vicky. When at the age of 7, Vicky's baby teeth began to fall out, Queen Victoria and her family had the teeth made into jewellery. A brooch which resembles a thistle holds the tooth aloft in the flower position of the brooch. On the back is inscribed a description of when the tooth was extracted by Prince Albert him self at Ardverikie (Lock Laggan) on the 13th September 1847.
Far from being the only tooth related jewellery the Queen owned, she also owned a necklace made of stag teeth with each tooth inscribed with when the beast was killed. It's thought her husband was the hunter and all the jewellery were gifts to her from him.
Among the pieces is a choker necklace with rows of teeth from deer shot at Balmoral by Albert, set in gold.
Also in gold are a brooch of 4 teeth in a clover pattern and earrings.
Rather then be repelled by these gruesome pieces of jewellery Queen Victoria loved then and wrote them when in private. She seems to have liked quirky unique items like these and even made a few pieces of jewellery herself with her own hair twisted into the designs. She gifted a bracelet to her governess made with her hair.
I think if this post today tells us anything its how much the times have changed, the Victorians though nothing o fusing a hummingbird on a bird because they loved the colours but today we'd blanch at the thought of it!
Fashion Magpie Jewellery Blog is a celebration of antique and handcrafted jewellery, with regular featured items from my shop, antique jewellery showcase, interviews, reviews and tutorials.
Queen Victoria ruled the United Kingdom from 1837 until 1901 which equalled up to an impressive 63 years of rule.
By her side was her husband the prince consort, Albert. With him she had nine children, the first of which was Princess Victoria who was nicknamed Vicky. When at the age of 7, Vicky's baby teeth began to fall out, Queen Victoria and her family had the teeth made into jewellery. A brooch which resembles a thistle holds the tooth aloft in the flower position of the brooch. On the back is inscribed a description of when the tooth was extracted by Prince Albert him self at Ardverikie (Lock Laggan) on the 13th September 1847.
Far from being the only tooth related jewellery the Queen owned, she also owned a necklace made of stag teeth with each tooth inscribed with when the beast was killed. It's thought her husband was the hunter and all the jewellery were gifts to her from him.
Among the pieces is a choker necklace with rows of teeth from deer shot at Balmoral by Albert, set in gold.
Also in gold are a brooch of 4 teeth in a clover pattern and earrings.
Rather then be repelled by these gruesome pieces of jewellery Queen Victoria loved then and wrote them when in private. She seems to have liked quirky unique items like these and even made a few pieces of jewellery herself with her own hair twisted into the designs. She gifted a bracelet to her governess made with her hair.
I think if this post today tells us anything its how much the times have changed, the Victorians though nothing o fusing a hummingbird on a bird because they loved the colours but today we'd blanch at the thought of it!
Fashion Magpie Jewellery Blog is a celebration of antique and handcrafted jewellery, with regular featured items from my shop, antique jewellery showcase, interviews, reviews and tutorials.
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