reclaimed, restyled and reinvented vintage jewelry

The Two Girls Gems collection is made by hand selecting quality vintage pieces and combining them with modern beads, chains and gemstones. Buckles, clips, brooches and chains are all reinvented; the transformation of each piece inspired by its unique vintage elements. The result is heirloom pieces for the next generation. We take pride in primarily using sterling silver or 14K gold or gold fill.
To see our full collection visit our website www.twogirlsgems.etsy.com.




Tuesday, January 15, 2019

A LOCK ON LOVE 



A
Every year just before Valentine’s Day, love fills the air as people search on land and online for the perfect gift that best expresses heartfelt feelings to significant others.  If ever there was a time in human history that best embraced a loving sentiment in daily life, the Victorian period was it. Often seen in the Victorian period was the heart padlock. These love locks have been a symbol of love and commitment through the centuries. The earliest dating back to the Roman times. 

Sterling Silver Padlock necklace $124.00. 



As the eighteenth century gave way to the nineteenth, the growing Romantic movement solidified the padlock’s status as a symbol of love and commitment. Padlocks remained a fashionable motif in jewelry right through the Regency.

Available at Two Girls Gems $94.00 





Padlock lockets or pendants were often worn on a chain. Chains during the Regency were available in a wide variety of ornate link patterns, usually in gold or silver. However, records show that some of the more upscale padlock lockets or pendants were suspended from gold chains studded with diamonds or other precious gem-stones, others from chains made of pearls. These chains might be relatively short, so that the padlock lay above the bodice. But during the Regency, it was fashionable to hang padlocks and other trinkets from very long chains which fell down below the bodice to the natural waist or a bit lower. Padlocks might also be hung from ribbons, either to achieve a special effect, or because a chain was too expensive. It should be pointed out that some men wore padlocks, often padlock lockets. Men wore these pieces either as a fob, or on a plain, simple chain around their neck, in most cases under their clothing.