Yes, dear reader, a new season is upon the ton and with it come new faces to sweep us off our feet. Returning to our TV screens on 25th March, the Netflix hit period drama Bridgerton will be introducing the Sharmas, who have now returned after a period of continued absence. Lady Mary, played by Shelley Conn, arrives back in London with daughters Kate and Edwina in tow, played respectively by the dazzling Simone Ashley and budding actress Charithra Chandran. Former show lead Phoebe Dynevor who plays Daphne Bridgerton remains in the cast but this season’s love story centres around the oldest Bridgerton sibling, Anthony.
With the Viscount Bridgerton now officially looking to wed, the stakes are higher than ever, prompting a beehive of activity on the marriage mart. Because to eligible young women everywhere, this changes everything. So you can rest assured that all, including Edwina who would be proclaimed by Queen Charlotte as this season’s diamond of the first water, will put their very best foot forward.
Which also means more stunning fashion and beauty looks to get into the mood for Regencycore. So by all means come for the love, the gossip, and the rivalry, but stay for the gorgeous outfits including jewellery that whisks you straight back to Regency-era London. But first, set yourself straight with Vogue Singapore’s Regencycore jewellery guide.
Drop earrings
Apparel and jewellery during the Regency era gravitated towards a less opulent aesthetic, one that suggested modesty, purity, and good taste, as opposed to the ostentatious Rococo style of the earlier Georgian period. But women of the ton continued to cherish their family heirlooms, wearing them along with their finest threads, to the numerous galas, balls, and parties. At these events, there is nary a bare earlobe in sight, and an overwhelming majority will be adorned with drop earrings, often styled with matching necklaces.
Pearls
If there were just one single gemstone that represents Regencycore, it would most definitely be pearls because they’re everywhere. Delicate, feminine, white, and representing perfection, pearls exude subtlety and natural beauty whether worn as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or chokers. Seldom do young women wear any rings unless it’s a wedding or engagement ring because gloves were quite de rigueur in social settings.
Pendant necklaces
As scooping necklines and empire waists were the reigning fashion style, it would be a shame to leave one’s decolletage in want of a lovely necklace. Pendant necklaces were ubiquitously seen, often worn along with matching earrings. Popular themes include smooth cabochon gemstones either coloured or monochromatic, heart-shaped lockets, butterflies, pearls were always a good idea, and paste jewels as well as foil-back jewels definitely hit the right Regencycore notes.
Wreath necklaces
Also known as rivière necklaces, wreath necklaces are much favoured during the Regency era as they alluded to chic and ever stylish French aristocrats such as Empress Josephine who was a fashion icon of that period. Comprising a single style of gemstone or design motif repeated around the neck either in identical shape and size or in gently graduating as they near the front, wreath necklaces are usually the star piece of a suite of jewellery, sometimes worn with a matching tiara.
Head jewellery
Reserved for the glitziest of galas or key events such as one’s wedding day, tiaras and bejewelled headbands accentuate the popular updos of the Regency. Women also enjoyed accessorising their hair with gem-set clips, barrettes, ribbons, and even flowers especially at evening parties.
Florals
Jewellery during the Regency era played a sentimental role and flowers were extremely favoured by jewellers of the time. Crafted with a realistic touch, they were often depicted as symbols of love, honour, or friendship. Like pearls, floral jewellery highlighted a woman’s sweet and demure side, which were traits that made her eligible.
Ribbons
Women in the Regency era loved wearing ribbons of silk, velvet and satin not only with their empire cut dresses, but also around their heads, sometimes to secure their bonnets, and occasionally around their necks or wrists. Expressing a youthful innocence, ribbons were particularly suitable for and loved by young women. Jewellery designed with ribbon motifs would undoubtedly exude the right Regencycore vibes.
