VICTORIAN Period c 1837 - 1901 - The reign of Queen Victoria through 1901 brought an overall feeling of prosperity and peace as well as a new role model for women. Economic growth of Victorian period heightened the interest and desire for jewelry. Goldsmiths reveled in experimenting with gold. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa in 1867 made diamonds much more accessible and usable in victorian period. Because victorian jewelry quickly became an “accessory” rather than just a symbol of wealth, semi precious stones such as garnet, coral, amethyst, turquoise, opals and pearls made jewelry affordable and commercial in Victorian period.