ADVENTURES IN AUSTENLAND: REGENCY-INSPIRED JEWELRY

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young woman in want of entertainment has stumbled onto the works of Jane Austen. Jane Austen’s characters have been a staple of popular culture since their creation back in the 1800’s. The newest incarnation of the Austen universe is the much anticipated film Austenland, based on the novel of the same name, starring Keri Russell, Jane Seymour, Jennifer Coolidge, and slew of extremely attractive men. The premise of the story is that Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) lives in a world with a themed-resort that people can visit and live out an Austen-esque plot.

The movie features the styles of Austen’s time period, also known as the Regency Era. Along with the yearning for their own personal Austen adventure, viewers will be scrambling for designer jewelry that reflects Regency era trends. Regency jewelry tends to revolve around necklaces and earrings, but the unique designer jewelry rings and hair combs are also popular options.

Much of the era’s jewelry incorporated colored gemstones, pearls, and floral designs. These gemstones and motifs are often utilized in earrings and ornate necklaces that rest higher on the chest near the collarbone. Donning one of these styles is an easy way for the wearer to slip into the role of their favorite Austen heroine (or antagonist).

Imagine yourself as Jane Bennett (Bingley) with a pair of pearl drop earrings, radiant, kind and beautiful. Or if you prefer, slip into the shoes of the catty-but-fabulous Caroline Bingley, with a ruby and diamond floral chain. Yet, if something more subtle is more your pace, consider an understated but outgoing Elizabeth Bennett piece, a slightly longer pendant—tasteful yet breathtaking.

Whichever character you choose to personify with your designer jewelry choices, a little Austen now and then is relished by fashionable women.