Tudor Jewellery
Posted on 23rd January 2021
Jewellery was an important part of Tudor life, and was used by the rich to show their status and position in life. There was special jewellery worn when in mourning, and special chains of office for things like the ‘Order of the Garter’.
Much of the jewellery worn in Tudor times was very similar to what is worn today and included;
Necklaces (chains) and Bracelets
Brooches and Earrings
Pendants and Pins
Buckles and Buttons
Rings
Wealthy jewellery was made of;
Gold and Silver
Copper and other metals
Jet and Ivory
Cheaper alternatives were available to the poor and included;
Wood and Bone
Horn and Metal
Both precious and semi-precious stones were used as decoration on, or encrusted into the metal. These included;
Diamonds and Sapphires
Emeralds and Rubies
Pearls
Topaz and Amber
Turquoise and Agate
Cheaper alternatives of decoration for the poor included;
Glass Beads
Wood
Mother of Pearl
Both wealthy men and women were heavily adorned; the more jewellery worn the higher the status.
Men wore heavy chains with large precious stone pendants and large heavy gold rings.
Necklaces were made of silver and gold, but ladies also wore necklaces made of rope and silk with stones attached to the ends.
Pearls were very popular in Tudor times and as well as being worn as necklaces they were often wrapped around a lady’s wrist as a bracelet.
Clothing was connected with jewel pins, and jewel buttons were used as decoration.
Tagged as: Junior Tudors
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