LATE GEORGIAN PERIOD 1730-1830
Die-stamping machine patented and adapted for inexpensive jewelry.
Eye miniatures were popular.
Amethysts discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia.
Cannetille filigree developed in Paris.
Claw settings of the Middle Ages revived.
EARLY VICTORIAN PERIOD (ROMANTIC) 1835-1860
Electroplating commercialized.
Large scale jewelry manufacturing begins in US.
Process for foiled stones disovered.
Scottish jewelry (as in agate jewelry) becomes popular.
Repousse and machine stamping replaces cannetille.
Gold electroplating patented.
Opals discovered in Australia.
Trombone clasp patented.
Demantoid garnets discovered in Ural Mountains.
Use of 15, 12 and 9 K gold made legal in England in 1854.
MID VICTORIAN PERIOD (GRAND) 1861-1879
Sapphires found in Missouri River in Montana.
Gorham Co adopts sterling standard on 925 in 1868.
Diamonds discovered in South Africa.
Black opals discovered in Australia.
Hiddenite found in North Carolina.
LATE VICTORIAN PERIOD (AESTHETIC) 1880-1900
Mass production of wristwatches begins in Switzerland.
The Belais brothers of New York introduce their formula for white gold.
Cultured pearls developed by K. Mikimoto in Japan.
Screwback earring findings patented in 1894.
ART NOUVEAU: Circa 1890 to 1915
EDWARDIAN PERIOD 1900-1920
Lever safety catch for brooches patented 1901.
Pink variety of spodumene discovered in California by George Kunz and named kunzite.
Process for setting rhinestones in celluloid patented.
Benittoite discovered in California.
Synthetic spinel accidentally produced by flame fusion process.
Bullet safety catch for broochs patented in 1910.
Suffragette jewelry in green, white and violet popular in US and Britain.
ART DECO: Circa 1910 through 1930
MODERN ERA 1920-PRESENT
Synthetic pearl essence for simulated pearls invented 1923.
The "Duette" pin back for brooches was patented in 1931.
14K gold replaces 12K and 15K in Britain in 1932.
Lost wax process introduced for mass production of jewelry castings in 1933.
Clipback earrings patented in 1934.
Double-pronged hinged dress clip introduced circa 1937.
White metal use in jewelry restricted by US government. Sterling used instead beginning in 1942.
Mexican government requires marking of Sterling Silver with "eagle mark" in 1945.
Costume jewelry manufacturers abandon design patents in favor of copyrights 1947.
Swarovski Corporation introduces aurora borealis in 1955.
Tanzanite discovered in Tanzania in 1967.
Cubic zirconia process patented in 1972.
Gilson produces synthetic opal and synthetic turquoise 1972.
Tsavorite discovered in Africa 1974.
Sugilite begins appearing on the market 1979.