Edwardian Jewelry Information
Edwardian Era diamond pendant brooch
The Edwardian Era is named after King Edward VII. He was the son of Queen Victoria, and became King of England when his mother passed away in 1901. His reign lasted until 1910.
METALS COMMONLY USED
• Platinum
• Gold
Platinum became very popular during the Edwardian Era, thanks to the invention of the oxyacetylene torch in 1895. Before then, platinum was backed by gold, similar to the gold-backed silver pieces from the Victorian Era.
METALWORKING TECHNIQUES
• Filigree
• Millegrain
The strength of platinum was showcased as diamonds were set in airy, lace-like, openwork filigree settings.
Millegrain (or milgrain) detailing was common, giving a soft, coin edge look to platinum pieces.
TYPES OF JEWELRY WORN
• Rings
• Necklaces (Négligées & Lavallières)
• Earrings
• Brooches
• Bracelets
Lavallière necklaces feature a delicate gem suspended from a pendant on a simple chain.
Négligée necklaces features two simple drop pendants dangling from thin parallel chains, at different lengths.
Earrings would often feature airy, lacy filigree openwork.
Bracelets of the Edwardian Era were also more delicate and tailored, often with bow or garland motifs.
GEMS COMMONLY USED
• Diamond
• Pearl
• Sapphire
• Emerald
• Ruby
• Onyx
• Amethyst
• Turquoise
• Opal
• Aquamarine
• Demantoid Garnet
Diamonds were typically fashioned into old European cuts and old mine cuts during the Edwardian Era.
Edwardian Era rings commonly featured many accent diamonds pavéd throughout the piece, as opposed to Art Déco Era rings utilizing diamond and colored gem accents.
Edwardian Era rings also would feature a diamond or colored gem center with a diamond halo.
COMMON MOTIFS
• Ribbons
• Bows
• Garlands
• Tassels
• Circles
Edwardian Era brooch set with rhodolite & half pearls, in 18K gold
Edwardian Jewelry Gallery
All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)
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