14k Solid Gold Engine Turned Pendant
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Boxes and Cases
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1910s Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches
Rock Crystal, White Diamond, Diamond, Crystal, Amethyst, Enamel, Yellow ...
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century American Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Pocket Watches
14k Gold
2010s American Edwardian More Jewelry
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Art Deco More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Pocket Watches
18k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Bracelets
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Bangles
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Maxi Dresses
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Bangles
Citrine, Brass
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Pocket Watches
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique 1840s Italian Classical Roman More Jewelry
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
1990s North American Etruscan Revival Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Recent Sales
Vintage 1940s American Retro Drop Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold
A Close Look at edwardian Jewelry
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Read More
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Why Cartier and Boucheron Jewelry Ruled the Edwardian Era
Get to know the looks that defined this period of glamour and frivolity.
How to Buy a Vintage or Antique Engagement Ring
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.