Figural Charms Popular in the "Gay Nineties"

Figural Charms
With the “Gay Nineties” fads were in full swing. The first extensive manufacture of figural charms came about after the popularization of the “Brownie,” a character invented by Palmer Cox. This character was immortalized and manufactured by a savvy New York jeweler. Soon figural charms of almost every kind were being manufactured as the latest novelty.
The World’s Fair Columbian Exposition of 1893 presented one of the strangest fads of the 1890’s. Tiny lizards were sold and worn as a form of adornment. The lizard was held in place by being chained in some fashion to the wearer. As soon as the craze spread to New York City it was immediately banned. The jewelry industry was quick to follow and soon lizards became a popular motif for brooches and pins.