Mid-Victorian Characteristics	Close Window
		1860s high necklines led to bolder, more colorful lockets and elaborately long earrings. More was certainly better. The more color, the better. 1870s saw fringe, fringe, and more fringes--anywhere a jeweler could possibly put fringe. Metal, either gold or silver, had glut of surface decoration as did fashionable houses at the time. Cameos were "en habille" or dressed with miniature jewelry. The changing role of women as fragile, decorative flowers into the fields of business and politics saw women gain the right to their own earnings in 1870. Novelty jewelry such as monkey brooches, bird (real!) earrings, and lizard pins were popular. Sporting jewelry emerges for women as they become more active, starting with equestrian brooches. Daytime jewelry is now plentiful.