Today there are more choices than ever when it comes to jewelry designs embodying the feminine essence. Centuries of inspiration have produced designs that suit any design taste. Michelle Valadon’s Jewelry seamlessly meshes the aesthetic and craftsmanship of bygone eras with contemporary design sensibilities. The design of antique and vintage jewelry is drawn and inspired from the 15th Century onwards, including High Gothic, Victorian Era, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau Eras.
The Allure of Historical Inspiration
From the intricate nature-inspired lines of Gothic jewelry to the innovative and modern touches of Art Deco styles, history has provided elements that can be blended to give a piece that perfectly suits every woman. In the hands of skilled jewelers, these elements come together to capture the essence of femininity that completes the wearer. To fully understand how centuries of beauty culminate in the exceptional jewelry we now enjoy, let's journey through centuries of inspiration through each era's jewelry pieces.
Gothic Jewelry
Throughout the ages of the medieval, the Gothic revival, and modern times, the styles have transitioned from particular symbols of spirituality to the self-expressions of individuality and the fascination with the unknowns. Gothic jewelry is characterized by its intricate detailing, subtle curves, and the use of prominent white or black stones, such as onyx, diamonds, and lava rock, or deep red gems, such as garnets and rubies. Each element merges to form deeply symbolic pieces. For these reasons, Gothic jewelry is exceptional and edgy, with ultra-feminine themes appealing to sensual and seductive tastes. Michelle Valadon has been at the forefront of design with the gothic architectural approach in jewelry, along with these elements that bring this all together.
The Petals of Divina Faceted Onyx Chandelier Earrings are inspired by the romance and grandeur of Gothic architecture. Its repeating petal-shaped motif in textured silver merges to form great cathedral windows, allowing a peek into the wearer's inner life. Three faceted black onyx stones, suspended at the bottom of each earring, are profoundly symbolic of grounded confidence and harmony.
The Windows to the Soul Garnet Cuff Bracelet is inspired by sacred geometry. Its interlinking nature-inspired motif in textured silver forms a universal grid of beauty and balance reminiscent of Gothic windows in the great cathedrals. The bracelet is punctuated by deep red garnets that remind the wearer to be connected to their divine feminine and to unlock the potential already inside them.
Victorian Jewelry
While the Gothic style was keenly felt through subsequent centuries, the Victorian era led to the rise of jewelry with a totally unique aesthetic. Deeply influenced by the events in Queen Victoria of England's life during her long reign, Victorian jewelry is characterized by its romanticism, deep sensuality, chivalry, and love. Its intricate designs define this glorious era's beauty, intrigue, and history, appealing to women seeking to emulate their queenly attributes.
The Majestic Faceted Black Onyx Necklace typifies Victorian-inspired jewelry. Its high-quality Brazilian black onyx stones, with their rose-cut facets, are framed in a finely handcrafted silver mounting. The stones symbolize the wearer's many sides and make this piece powerful statement jewelry that magnifies the wearer's regal presence.
The Gothic Rose Black Onyx Ring has elements that call to mind the Victorian Era's Romantic Period. Its intricate floral design, shaped by a finely detailed silver mounting, holds a stone that symbolizes confidence, harmony, and balance. Today, with onyx being July's birthstone, this ring can be gifted as an engagement or statement ring.
The Gothic Rose Black Onyx Ring has elements that call to mind the Victorian Era's Romantic Period. Its intricate floral design, shaped by a finely detailed silver gothic mounting, holds a gemstone that symbolizes a bloom of confidence, harmony, and balance. Today, with those who seek edgy romantic aesthetics with subtle statements and bold symbolism, this ring can be the ideal gift to oneself or to a special someone.
Edwardian Jewelry
Named after Queen Victoria's successor, Edwardian jewelry captures the essence of high-class fashion that defined his era. Each piece is a rendition of poise, distinction, and deep symbolism, handcrafted with ethereal and delicate lines that evoke images of aristocratic parties and perfectly suit the intricate lace and resplendent dresses. The elements of Edwardian jewelry merge flawlessly to create pieces that exude enduring feminine sophistication.
A statement of the timeless elegance that characterizes Edwardian jewelry styles, the hypnotizing faceted moonstone of the Daisy Drops Earrings is framed by milgrain detailing accented with diamonds, forming a full-blown sparkle that serves as a reminder of winter's beauty. These dangle under a petite budding bloom formed by diamonds with intricate milgrain details.
The Chantilly Lace Pendant Necklace has an ultra-feminine aesthetic and timeless elegance typical of the Edwardian jewelry style. Its stunning moonstone is featured prominently, surrounded by a lacework of intricate white gold detailing studded with 1.36 carats of white diamonds, capturing the romance felt on a winter's night.
Art Nouveau Jewelry
As Edwardian jewelry was making waves in England, Art Nouveau jewelry, created in France, presented a striking contrast. Its designs are focused on femininity and nature and are characterized by more intricate choices of colors and gems, especially pearls and emeralds. Art Nouveau jewelry was also an expression of women's empowerment during the turn of the century as they began to assert themselves again after being restricted by Victorian norms.
The Cycle of Life Leaf Cuff and the Cycle of Life Droplet Earrings feature the natural and feminine themes of Art Nouveau jewelry designs. Their alternating light green prehnite and smoky topaz, combined with golden leaves, represent the transition of colors in autumn. The uneven and flowing metal edges of these pieces are consistent with their organic theme.
Art Deco Jewelry
Art Deco jewelry gained prominence against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. Like Gothic jewelry, Art Deco jewelry borrowed heavily from architectural design cues with bold and geometric patterns. Instead of intricate curves, Art Deco can be distinguished by its straight lines, pyramids, rectangles, and arcs, combined to create exceptional designs. Despite the geometric patterns, Art Deco jewelry identifies closely with the spirit of independence and fun expressed by the era's women. Combined with tassels and backless evening dresses, Art Deco jewelry suits Flapper fashion.
The 1920s Metropolis Pendant has a winter's touch of milky white silver prism with a moonstone set in an Art Deco-style pendant crafted in 18K gold studded with diamonds. This piece is a reminder of the wearer's inner strength, softness, and grace, all remarkable qualities that define a woman.
The Ooh La La Rose Gold Earrings capture the burlesque style of the 1920s with a tassel effect that blends perfectly into the Flapper fashion of the era. Its enthralling garnets provide powerful accents in a sturdy leaf design punctuated by a lovely rubellite tourmaline cabochon.
Eras Themed Jewelry by Michelle Valadon: A Legacy of Timeless Beauty
Michelle Valadon's eras themed jewelry, with its historical design influences and modern aesthetics, offers a breathtaking collection that perfectly completes every woman's unique style. From the profound symbolism and intricate designs of Gothic-inspired pieces to the bold independence exuded by Art Deco designs, there's a treasure waiting to be worn.
Wearing a piece of Michelle Valadon's jewelry transcends adornment; it becomes a connection with a rich legacy of artistic expression. Each lovingly crafted piece whispers tales and intrigue of centuries past, allowing you to embody the essence of confident and sensual women throughout history. Visit Michelle Valadon's website to discover the piece that speaks to your soul and captures the timeless beauty of the feminine spirit.