#circa 1865

A vision in blue! This 1865 gown is deep azure shot with glass beads for an extra bit of glitter.

The neckline on this is classic young Victoria, with those cap sleeves and the emphasized waist. I love the matching trim on the hem and sleeves, which really brings the whole ensemble together. Rather understated in comparison to some gowns from this era it's got a classic beauty to it.

People often ask why dresses were so big in this period. It's important to remember that fabric = wealth (and portable too!). Fabric, until fairly recently, was an ideal way to flaunt your status. Using miles and miles of cloth (see: the Rococo Period) is a societal short hand for $$$.

Virginia Oldoïni/Pierre Louis Pierson

La comtesse de Castiglione

An antique five-stone ring featuring cushion-cut natural sapphires and old European cut diamonds. The total weight of the sapphires is approximately 1.20 carats. The featured diamonds weigh approximately 0.60 carats combined, and are I color and VS2 clarity overall. The center stones are set in prongs with small rose-cut diamonds set in the spaces between them. The 18k yellow gold mounting features detailed shoulders and an openwork scroll-motif under-gallery. This ring was handcrafted in England during the Victorian era, circa 1865.