Weird jewelry trends from history

The fashion world has introduced many strange trends in recent years. However, weird jewelry styles have been around for a long time, even before the modern avant-garde movement. Let's review some of them:

• Lover’s eye

This type of jewelry became popular in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was named lover's eye, since it depicted only the eye of a lover, instead of a full portrait. The eyes were usually painted on a small canvas or piece of ivory, which was then attached to a pendant, brooch or ring.

This jewelry was commonly exchanged as a symbol of devotion between couples who secretly loved each other. Therefore the identity of the person portrayed in the miniature was often kept confidential.

• Hair work jewelry

During the Victorian era, it was pretty common for women to adorn themselves with brooches, bracelets, and necklaces made from the hair of a loved one, such as a spouse, child, or parent. Such jewelry was also used to commemorate the memory of a deceased person or to commemorate significant historical events, like Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838.

• Poison ring

The concept of this jewelry has roots in ancient times and is associated with various cultures and historical figures. However, it gained significant popularity in the Middle Ages, when political intrigues and poisonings were widespread occurrences in Europe.

A poison ring was believed to be an extremely discreet and portable method of conveying poison, featuring a small container which was hidden underneath a precious or non-precious stone decoration.

Contrarily, the members of the royal court used it for the opposite purpose - to protect themselves from poison! They would store an antidote within the ring, ready to counteract poisonous substances in case it was needed.