
Brooch made with gold and a taxidermy hummingbird head.
This is one of the less endearing fashion trends of the Victorian era; the use of animal parts to create jewellery. The collection of hummingbirds for their feathers and for taxidermy decoration put some species of hummingbird at risk at the height of the practice. The use of hummingbirds to create fashion accessories is now illegal, and that is okay with me. I find the idea of hunting down tiny birds for ornithological jewellery rather distasteful, as well as the use of other animal parts for ornamentation.

Ruby & topaz & gold hummingbird earrings (Photo by Gates Sofer)

Tiger Claw Parure

Parure set consisting of tiara, earrings and necklace mounted with beetle wings, circa 1884.

Tortoiseshell hair comb, circa 1860

Whalebone pen
This is why I prefer modern Steampunk jewellery that uses resin models or metal casts of skulls for ornamentation. I find these items much less creepier and more ecologically sound than the Victorian version.



Filed under Bling, Collectables, Fashion, Jewellery, Steampunk Aesthetic, Uncategorized
Tagged as Bling, Fashion, Jewellery, Steampunk, Steampunk Aesthetic, Victorian-era Fashion