The Victorians and Edwardians loved novelties, toys as they were known at that time, and some of the novelty jewellery produced was aimed specifically at men. I have collected a few items that would have been worn by men. These pieces are not the more expensive watch chains and signet rings all men would have worn but just little pieces that would have been talking pieces among friends.
The photo at the top of the post shows a pin comprised of a riding crop in enamel with silver detail, and with a marcasite set horseshoe set over the top. It is Edwardian and is still in its original box.
Staying with the racing theme, next is a gold pin in the shape of a horseshoe, set with seed pearls.
The next items are cuff links which every gentleman had to have. Some cuff links featured pets like dogs and horses. The first photo shows an Essex crystal terrier dog cuff link. The links are rolled gold with a gilt coating.
The next set of cuff links depict the ‘four vices of man’ – gambling, betting, drinking and women – which were very popular images in the late Edwardian period.
You can see that one set depicts a bottle of champagne and glass on one side and a horse and jockey on the other. The other pair shows a Can Can dancer and some playing cards. These cuff links are 9ct gold.
All of these pieces are conversation pieces and made of relatively inexpensive components.
I will be taking a short break over the Christmas and New Year period but will be back in 2022. Happy New Year!
navette jewellery 