The Georgian “Button Back” Setting
This vintage-inspired style is having a major moment in fine jewelry; and for good reason. Rooted in centuries of jewelry history, it has an unmistakably antique character yet feels incredibly fresh and modern today.
Dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, Georgian jewelry was created in an era before electric light, when diamonds were designed to come alive by candlelight. Jewelers often nestled hand-cut diamonds into distinctive closed-back settings. The rounded backs of these settings inspired what is now known as the “button back.”
The style continued to influence jewelry into the Victorian era and has experienced a remarkable revival in contemporary fine jewelry. We love its combination of old-world character and modern sophistication a setting with history and pedigree that will never truly go out of style.
Black & Steel-Grey Rhodium
On select Victoria Ryan Georgian-inspired pieces, we add black or steel-grey rhodium around the diamond to create contrast, beautifully define the shape of the stone, and make its brilliance stand out.
While rhodium is a modern addition, the use of contrasting darker metal around diamonds is inspired by antique jewelry design. Some of our Georgian pieces feature this distinctive rhodium detailing, while others are intentionally left in all gold for a cleaner interpretation of the historic setting.
Antique in inspiration, modern in attitude, and designed to be worn your way.
