What is Steampunk?
What is steampunk? In it’s purest sense steampunk is a type of fiction that has elements of sci-fi or fantasy and is set in either a Victorian styled landscape with steam engine technology or a Wild West setting with steam-powered technology. It often features futuristic machines that might have been created from a Victorian era perspective (1837-1901) – the technology we’re talking about is certainly not computers and iPads but rather cogged driven time machines and gigantic, imaginative airships. It is often also known as Neo-Victorian, especially in relation to music, fashion and jewellery. The time that the term steampunk was coined is up for debate but it became a popular literary sub-genre in the 1980s and 90s and is still popular today, especially in the States where there are conventions with masses of fans dressed in Victorian garb with the trademark steampunk goggles, cog and machinery part necklaces and leather boots.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is reported to be a good example of steampunk (but not necessarily a good film!) Films and books are often disputed as to whether or not they are truly steampunk. Examples in literature include H.G. Wells and Jules Verne and a good film that’s pretty steampunk are the new Sherlock Holmes moves with Robert Downey Jr. (The finale of the Games of Shadows was wonderful so I won’t spoil it for you!) Because of this uncertainty and debate, there are many variants including cyberpunk, teslapunk (named after the scientist, Nikola Tesla), Clockpunk (which is set in the Renaissance era) and other near variants Weird West and Science Fiction Westerns.
Steampunk fashion shows women dress in bustles and corsets and flamboyant petticoats. It’s a decadent and romantic movement that evokes a smoky, gaslight London and cobbled streets near the Thames filled with a mix of traditional frigate sailing ships and steam-powered boats.
Steampunk jewellery is often handmade by steampunk fans, crafting together internal pieces of watches with other cogs and metals to form something individual and stylish which are often either expensive to make from scratch or expensive to buy from craftsmen. We had the good fortune of coming across some wonderful pieces of vintage styled steampunk jewellery, which we are now offering in our online boutique, currently priced between £9.95 and £14.95 which makes them exceptionally reasonable in comparison to other steampunk jewellery on the market. These are wearable for both steampunk fans and those new to the movement as they are simply beautiful necklaces that are very vintage and in vogue. They can also be used as a ‘starter’ piece for someone going into their first foray of creativity in the steampunk world; bits can be added to these necklaces to create something even more unique. These necklaces make excellent wearable, everyday pieces. They are beautiful and intricate in their own right as you’ll see below. We hope you enjoyed this introduction to steampunk.
Steampunk necklace black watch and Eiffel Tower
This black faced clock steampunk necklace has an adjustable dial on the top so you can set the time and use it. Hanging on the brassy chain are two brown suede strips, a golden-brass flower shape and a silvery detailed Eiffel Tower.
Steampunk Necklace Air Balloon
This hot air balloon steampunk necklace shows one of the most delightful and unique 19th century modes of transport! The necklace has a rhinestone embellished hanging basket below a lovely parisian, vintage styled hot air balloon which has pastel pale green, blue, yellow and white sections to it. Hanging on the brass coloured chain is a vintage styled material tag featuring a print of the Eiffel Tower. The necklace also features a bronze bead and sequin and a metal Eiffel Tower. If you have a flight of fancy then the hot air balloon steampunk necklace is certainly one to float you away in the clouds.
Steampunk Necklace Surface is Hot Keys
The surface is hot steampunk necklace has a vintage, quirky feel and features a metal plate stating ‘CAUTION!’ in English, Spanish and German followed by ‘Surface is Hot.’ It has an industrial look to it with the metal links which attach to an intricate etched metal heart on the left and a keyring with a delicate key on the other side. A fine silvery chain with tiny black leaves (which have a gentle shimmer to them) are strung between the metal links.
All our steampunk necklaces are currently priced between £9.95 – 14.95. They are dispatched in a premium organza bag after being hand-wrapped in our branded ‘Rapunzel’s Retreat’ tissue paper. They make a wonderful gift or treat for vintage jewellery lovers! We delivery mainly to the UK but can provide quick postage quotes for those in other countries.
