The title of Paul Scott’s novel, The Jewel in the Crown, set in the period of the British rule in India, was derived from an allegorical painting depicting Queen Victoria, sitting regally on the throne of India, and receiving the Koh-i-noor, which was considered the largest diamond in the world once, as homage, representing India itself. The diamond was later set into Queen Elizabeth’s crown, and is still part of the British crown jewelry, which is worn on formal occasions.

Jewelry has been a favorite form of adornment since time immemorial. There is evidence, for instance, of the skill the Greeks and Etruscans displayed in the precious metals they worked on. In fact, most of the modern jewelry that is created today still copy the designs of such antique jewelry. The Romans also displayed a great fondness for jewelry and wore it freely, as did the Victorians.

The pieces of antique jewelry that are available these days are timeless classics that never go out of fashion. With their delicate grace and ethereal charm, they remind us of a bygone era. Jewelry is considered antique if it has been made in the 1900s or before. Imbued with unique character, displaying exquisite craftsmanship, and often surrounded by a whimsical aura, antique jewelry stands out from all other jewelry, irrespective of how expensive or beautiful it may be. Antique jewelry, in fact, is prized mostly for the classic understated elegance that is inherent in their styling and design.

For instance, the turn of the century – from 1890 to 1910 – was an era of great innovation and change. After about 65 years of the reign of Queen Victoria, even the Victorians, who loved tradition, were ready for new things, and in the realm of jewelry, this pursuit for novelty gave rise to two extremely beautiful and very different schools of jewelry design – Art Nouveau and Edwardian.

Art Nouveau, for example, explored the world of fantasy and nature. The top jewelers of that time – Karl Faberge, Georges Fouquet, Rene Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany – designed exceptionally beautiful and original pieces of jewelry inspired by mythological and natural themes. The common motifs were mythical beasts, dragonflies, exotic flowers, and enchanted damsels set amongst sinuously winding, vine-like creepers.

These jewelers also tried out new materials as gems. Horn, tortoise shell, demantoid garnets, moonstones, baroque pearls, and marvelous enameling were included in the palette of the Art Nouveau jewelers. The intrinsic value of the materials did not matter, rather the emphasis was on the beauty and the originality of the jewelry they created.

While the avant-garde favored the style of Art Nouveau, Edwardian jewelry was a reflection of the elegant and refined tastes of the moneyed American industrialists and English aristocracy. Edwardian jewelry is characterized by cool elegance and airy lightness.

Their favorite metal was platinum, which they crafted into lacy delicate creations, which were set with brilliantly cut, sparkling diamonds. Some of these pieces of jewelry also have colored gemstones like black opals from Australia, pastel blue sapphires from Montana, as well as natural pearls. In the best of Edwardian jewelry, these beautiful gemstones seem to float in a lacy firmament of platinum.

From Edwardian brooches with flowing leaves and tendrils of platinum set with diamonds, elegant Victorian gold bracelets, intricately crafted sword handles, enamel encrusted belt buckles and pendants, to engraved art deco lockets designed with concentric rings of white and blue enamel… this kind of jewelry cannot be bought off the counter from just any jewelry shop or departmental store. It is usually available at exclusive boutiques, antique dealer’s stores, big auction houses, and niche show rooms, which, in fact are the reliable sources to buy antique jewelry.

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When you begin shopping for your bridal jewelry, give some thought to the rest of your wedding colors. Many couples will choose to use some shade of blue in their wedding décor, and if so, that would make a great color for your jewelry. If you are not already tied to any particular shade of blue, then you will have even more options available to you.

Think about the general feeling that you would like to create for your wedding. If your taste runs to the traditional, then the classic navy blue of sapphires will be to your liking. Don’t worry if you have not set aside hundreds or even thousands of dollars from your wedding budget to spend on your bridal jewelry. Sapphire colored Swarovksi crystals are a beautiful and affordable alternative to pricey precious gems.

Spring and summer brides might prefer to choose bridal jewelry in a lighter shade of blue. Tiffany blue is a favorite color for weddings, and it is a beautiful shade to wear in your jewelry. Crystals in that light and cheerful color combine wonderfully with freshwater pearls to make a pearl strand that is classic and yet unique. This same idea also works very well for bridesmaid jewelry gifts. You can have a custom bracelet and earring set made to give as gifts to your attendants featuring your wedding colors.

If you like the idea of mixing a variety of shades of blue, there are many fun pieces of jewelry to try. One unusual material to investigate is enamel. You can find some very pretty enamel bangle bracelets that are done in intricate patterns with vibrant blue tones. As a gift for your groom, a set of blue enamel cufflinks would help him to wear his commitment to true love on his sleeve.

For brides who simply love pearls, you may be happily surprised to learn that you can get Swarovski pearls in several beautiful shades of blue. There is a rich blue, called night blue, that is great in combination with clear crystals, or as a dramatic strand of blue pearls. Brides who like a softer blue will adore the light blue Swarovski pearls. Think about how pretty they would look as a touch of blue mixed in with traditional white pearl bridal jewelry. Very soft and feminine.

There are so many shades of blue out there that you will surely find one that speaks to you. If you love bright and modern colors, check out Swarovski crystals in a blue zircon shade. They are a great choice to use with clear crystals in a pair of long drop earrings. Brides who love all things vintage will enjoy the gentle glow of a blue-white opal. And if you are a fan of tanzanite, you can find that same signature blueish-purple hue in a tanzanite colored crystal at a fraction of the cost.

Every bride is looking for some way to add personality and interest to her bridal ensemble. Blue bridal jewelry is a terrific way to give your gown more flair. You will also find that jewelry in your favorite shade of blue is something that you will enjoy wearing time and time again.