Edwardian Jewelry

EDWARDIAN JEWELRY

The Edwardian Period, also known as the Belle Epoch, was named after the Edward VII of England, the heir of Queen Victoria.   Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII was the quintissential Edwardian woman.  This period spanned stylistically from the time of the late Victorian Period through the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts Periods until the beginning of the Art Deco Period.  Edwardian jewelry stands out for its highly intricate detailing and feminine elegance, as shown in the lace like look of platinum and gold filigree pieces.

Portrait of Queen Alexandra in Tiara and Multiple Necklaces

The turn of the century offered many spectacular innovations in jewelry design and manufacturing.  Some key factors were the the extensive use of diamonds, advancement in metalwork and the development of platinum.  New techniques in cutting and setting diamonds were developed by important jewelers such as Tiffany and Cartier.  Other advancements included the millegrain setting which is a technique for setting stones using tiny metal grains or beads which allow for and extremely fine rim around the gemstone.  These advancemnts enabled jewelry designers to create particularly delicate looks that complemented the feminine fashions of the period.

Portrait of an Edwardian Lady with Pearl Choker Necklace

Jewelry designs often included scallop patterns and open work reminiscent of fine lace and embroidery favored by the Edwardian lady.  There was a new focus on the neck and dog collar style necklaces became popular, especially in multistrand pearls.  Later the "negligee pendant" with two drops of unequal length hanging from a single stone or chain, as well as the "sautoir", a long necklace of pearls or chain with a tassel at the end, remained essential wardrobe pieces.  Bar brooches, stick pins, bangle bracelets and dangle earrings were commonly worn and popular motifs included bows, garlands, crescents, stars and snakes.

Portrait of Queen Mary in Collar Necklace

Edwardian Pendants

Edwardian Rings