CHANGES IN JEWELLERY

Shannon News, 17 May 1927, Page 4

CHANGES IN JEWELLERY

t> «n In grandmother's day," heavy jewellery and > cumbersome; ornaments were fashionable, and to be in keeping with i the dress of' the period,: two or three cameo brooches, . massive bracelets, and a selection of pins and rings were correct,vif one: wished to be smartly turned out. With the passing of heavy clothing th e fashion in jewellery completely changed. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that it vanished alogether for a time. Then came a - reaction, and the wearing of a little jewellery was permitted. This was f ollowed by the. craze, not yet dead, for frankly artificial ornaments; such as ropes: of artificial pearls, huge and bizarre ear-rings, barbaric necklaces, the like. But these artificial ornaments: are indeed different from grandmother’s jewellery. To wear any jewel or ornament, not large expensive, and weighted with gold and gems, was to confess oneself poor, indeed, in those dalys. Better rather to go without than be obliged to appear with imitations. /Balls in those days were real dazzling affairs. Diamond tiaras, ropes and necklets of diamonds and other precious gems, corsage brooches, pins, and rings were all doiincd for such festive occasions.

With the changing of fashion to simple styles of dress, with straight, unbroken lines, such jewellery has bei come not only out of place, but absolutely useless. For what good is a corsage brooch if the dress itself does not boast of a corsage in which to pin it? So massive ornaments remain only as heirlooms, or have been broken up ,to be remade into the lighter and more delicate jewellery of the present day. There are, however, some revivals of Victorian jewellery. One of these is the liking for heavy ear-rings, especially those of the Victorian period, for they go so well with the bouffant taffetas frock that suggests the crinoline. Another is the bracelet, which having been out of fashion for 25 years or so has returned to favour. For evening wear, wide diamond bracelets, or more elaborate but less costly ones of enamel combined with gems, or of onyx, or rows of tiny pearls, strung together, are worn again. It is permissible to have as;many as three or four on the arm at one time. *