Today, jewellery historian and lecturer, Vanessa Cron talks about the spectacular sparkles of the Belle Epoque.
The Belle Epoque of Continental Europe, The Edwardian Era of England and The Gilded Age of America was a period of frivolity and excess - seen in enormously luxurious houses, parties and jewels.
The Court of Versailles and Queen Marie Antoinette were sought as inspiration for the years 1890 to 1900s and ribbons, garlands and florals were interpreted in decadent white jewels - a predominance of diamonds and pearls set in platinum - which were worn to display the wealth of the wearer, or indeed her husband!
Nothing was too much and Queen Alexandra with her diamond encrusted dog collars, strands of diamonds and pearls, and spectacular tiaras was the epitome, indeed the 'influencer', of the era.
Listen to Vanessa describe an era never to be seen again.
Pictures on my Instagram @josiegoodbody.
Find Vanessa on Instagram @jewelsandthegang
Produced by Tom Jobling at Mill Farm Music.