Paste, a patented lead glass that was developed in the 18th century to replicate the beauty of faceted gemstones, coincided with a jewelry boom that spanned from the aristocracy to the middle class. Emily marvels at the craftsmanship that went into these early paste pieces and finds them to be a great way to learn about period jewelry that might otherwise have been altered or reset to repurpose expensive gemstones.

Fragrant jasmine was a popular flower in the 18th century, and a favorite motif used in fine jewelry. For many centuries, jasmine was symbolically included in art as a representation of divine love and eternal happiness. In Georgian times, it became popularly associated with love, sensuality, and grace, certainly warranting representation in jewelry.

Jasmine jewelry was made with white stones, and Emily points out that the quality and craftsmanship here is identical to that which would have been made with diamonds. Its bright, foiled stones are set in a robust, sculptural setting, and ready to be worn on a dress or lapel.

Emily loves the jasmine motif so much that she added it to the Larkspur & Hawk seal that features a parrot sporting a brooch, just like this paste example!

England, ca 1780