History   The Late Georgian period includes the reigns of British monarchs George III and IV, and William IV. It was a time of social and political upheaval, during which the American Revolution, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars were fought. Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804. Fashion   A Classical revival during Napoleon's First Empire changed fashion dramatically. The tight bodices, full skirts and lace collars of the late eighteenth century gave way to delicate draped dresses with high waists, short puffed sleeves and low-cut necklines. Jewelry styles followed suit; large, heavy pieces were discarded in favor of smaller, lighter forms, often with draped chains and classical motifs. Jewelry   Necklaces: Short necklaces flattered the low necklines of the times. Common styles included rivieres, which consisted of a row of graduated diamonds or gemstones; and cameos and mosaics worn en esclavage (several plaques with two or three rows of draped chain between each).   Brooches: Popular motifs included diamond-set bows, floral sprays and feathers.   Diamonds: Diamonds were generally accessible only to royalty and the very rich. The diamonds in antique jewelry from this period are generally rose cut diamonds.   Berlin Iron: As part of the war effort in early nineteenth century Germany, citizens were asked to donate their gold jewelry. In return they received black, lacy, cast-iron replicas of their pieces. The style proved popular and was manufactured through the middle of the century.   Memorial Pieces: Jewelry containing a loved one's (living or deceased) lock of hair under glass gained popularity during this time. Other mourning pieces featured funereal scenes painted on ivory. Navette and oval shapes were common; inscriptions, seed pearls, garnets, black enamel and onyx were often included.   Miniatures: In the days before photography, people wore miniature painted portraits of their loved ones in pendants, brooches and bracelets.

Georgian jewelry is quite difficult to find on the market today. Antique jewelry from this era is very collectible and can primarily be found in antique and estate jewelry stores.