Bouquet holder, female figure with tobacco leaf pattern, looped handle
Year: ca. 1830-1920
Place: Birmingham, England (suspected)
This copper and silver-plated Victorian-period bouquet holder (ca. 1830-1920) may appear to have the same use as the plastic wrapping for our flowers now, but the truth is far more interesting. In Victorian England, using flowers for personal adornment was seen as a sign of sophistication and good breeding (not to mention, good fashion).
There is even a wire-loop clip attached to the back of the holder, to secure it to your clothing.
Japonesque Ring
Year: ca. 1925
Place: Paris, France
Author: Lacloche Frères
This 1920s-era Lacloche Frères ring is a great example of how fashion trends from different cultures are not a modern creation.
Boasting onyx, ruby, emeralds, sapphires, and gold, the ring is not only an extravagant piece that indicates a shifting attitude towards fashion – but a reflection of ‘Japonisme’, a French-born affection towards Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Necklace
Year: b.1966
Place: Italian
Author: Annamaria Zanella
Designed by an Italian designer influenced by the art of poverty, the artist focuses on the material properties of mundane materials.
The necklace is composed of irregular rings of thin gold enamel, an artefact obtained by applying crushed and ground enamel glaze to the surface of the metal and then drying and firing it.
The corrugated cardboard-like part of the piece is forged and embossed.
