The five different jewellery styles

Victorian, 1837-1901: Very feminine with heavy use of colored stones and seed pearls because it was not deemed proper for unmarried women to wear diamonds. Floral motifs were common. Inspiration from ancient themes such as Etruscan. Enameling was frequently seen, as well as more hard-stone cameos. Morning jewelry was common, including black enamel pieces and hair jewelry. Matching sets also were popular.

Edwardian, 1900-1915: Transitional period that saw a melding of styles. Generally delicate, intricate pieces. Heavy use of garland style, where jewelry commonly featured flowers and swags. Advances made during this period include inventing the safety clasp on pins.

Art Nouveau, 1890-1914: Very flowing designs inspired by organic things such as insects, flowers, leaves and birds. Also very whimsical with use of such fantasy figures as fairies.

Art Deco, 1920s and '30s: Strong geometric patterns. Used a lot of rubies and bold colors.

Retro, 1940s: Very symmetrical, maintaining the geometry of the '30s. Used a lot of rubies, many of them synthetic. The late '40s and early '50s - after the war - saw more opulent use of colored stones.

Courtesy - gia.edu