Snake jewellery was a popular representation of eternal love. Mourning jewellery was still very widely worn, particularly following the death of Queen Victoria’s beloved husband, Albert.

The gentlemen of the day were a far cry from the dazzling Incroyables of the Georgian era. Those wishing to avoid the ‘fop’ label avoided outshining women and stuck to necessary jewellery only - cufflinks, stick pins, watch chains - although the odd love token snuck through, in a nod to the romantic mood of the time.