The Jewelry of Downton Abbey

When the popular PBS series Downton Abbey first began we posted a blog on the jewelry featured in the show (see it here).  It is one of the most popular shows on television and the historically accurate costumes and jewelry are part of its charm.  Now, several seasons later (and decades later in Downton Abbey time) its time to revisit the jewels created for the Crawley family.

As the series moved into the Art Deco era it meant a change in jewelry design.  The 1920's flapper style is reflected in the jewelry as well as the costumes.

Pieces like this fringed flapper style necklace created for Lady Mary were the rage of the 1920's.






And, if you love the fringe look, it's back in style!  We have some beautiful pieces of Elle jewelry that feature fringe (and they start at only $160!).

Like they say, "Everything old is new again!" 

At Downton Abbey, the 1920's sees tiaras replaced by diamond bandeaus (headbands) that flatter the shorter hairstyles of the era.

The bandeau is paired with longer, flowing necklaces as seen in this photo of Lady Rose.

These earrings created for Lady Rose feature stones cut in the briolette style (a pear shaped gem cut with long triangular facets). 




The jewels for seasons three and four were designed by Andrew Prince, a student of jewelry history.  An article on the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) website, states that Prince brought the eye of a historian to his designs - even the stones are fashioned to mirror the cutting styles of the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.  Unusual for costume jewelry used on television and movie sets, Prince crafts his designs from bronze, brass, sterling silver, paladium, Swarovski crystals, cubic zirconia and synthetic gemstones.

When Lady Rose was presented at court, Prince's love of jewelry history led to the creation of this reproduction of the famous Sancy diamond - once worn by Marie de' Medici, Queen of France from 1573-1642.  He suspended the replica from a strand of pearls.

Creating the jewels for Downton Abby seems a daunting task but Prince does a fabulous job!  Next time you settle down to watch Season 5, take a close look at the amazing jewels.


Source:  GIA