The Bead Museum’s next major exhibit Family Jewels explores the world of costume jewelry and beaded garments from early Victorian times through 1970. This time span allows us to explore the three Victorian periods when Queen Victoria ruled England and influenced fashion. With the death of Prince Albert in 1861, black mourning jewelry and garments became the rule. We will display hair jewelry, Whitby jet, bogwood, vulcanite and, of course, glass beads as well as costumes and beaded fragments of lace.
At the turn of the 20th century the mood lightens with the Edwardian Period, Arts & Crafts movement and the Art Nouveau Period. Colors are lighter and brighter, design motifs are flowing natural lines, women begin to work and jewelry uses more silver, cabochons and enamel. The use of plastics begins with the popularity of Bakelite and Czech glass and Venetian beads are everywhere.
The Art Deco Period, from 1920-1935, spans the “Roaring Twenties” and the discovery of King Tut’s Tomb in 1922. Fashion designer Coco Chanel introduces affordable “costume” or faux jewelry to appeal to the market.
The Retro Period, 1935-1949, encompasses the Depression and World War II when metal use was restricted so plastic dominates. “Jelly Bellies” became very popular. Craftsmen fled Europe and joined costume jewelry manufacturers.
1950 began a period of “glitz.” Rhinestones, “aurora borealis”, large chunky jewelry and charm bracelets were all the rage. Hats and gloves were common for the well dressed lady.
The early 1960s were the Mod Period with pop art, mini skirts, go-go boots and large bold jewelry and accessories. Jewelry with bright colors and jingling bracelets, chains, fringe or tassels ruled. The later 60s became the “Age of Aquarius” and the Hippie era. Used clothing, tie dye, blue jeans, peace signs, zodiac signs and love beads took over popular culture. Men began to wear more jewelry than anytime in the last 5 decades.
The 1970s brought us Disco music and the “Me” generation. It was also the heyday of the “African trade bead” imports and “Millifiori” Italian beads from Murano, Italy. Shell and wood were also very popular. To conclude this exhibit we will showcase a hand sewn and beaded wedding dress on loan from Denise McLean.
We have tried to include the community in this exhibit and have many beaded pieces of costume jewelry from our members and friends of The Bead Museum. The goal of Family Jewels is to engage the community in the discovery of their family heritage through their family heirlooms, jewelry and beaded adornment. What’s in your grandmother’s jewelry box?
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http://www.beadmuseumaz.org/FamilyJewels.htm