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.
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Edwardian Gate Link Chain Extender Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Chain Extender 9ct Yellow Gold Stamped Makers Mark CDB Circa 1900 *The chain is an additional purchase Add a touch of versatile elegance to your jewellery collect...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9 Carat Rose Gold Fob Watch Link Chain with T-bar, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A fine antique fob watch chain dating to the 1920s, crafted in England and styled in a classic paperclip link design. This wonderful piece features a traditional T-bar fitting and ...
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
NEOCLASSICAL 1900 Edwardian French Chain In 18Kt Gold & Platinum With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
French Edwardian neo classic chain This is an exceptional and beautiful long chain created in Paris France with neo-classic and Edwardian patterns, between the 1880 and 1900. The fa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian era Floral Pearl Collar Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Floral Necklace 15ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 * Drop shown in one picture for illustration only, can be purchased separately. An exquisite and elegant example of Edwardian ...
Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Early Rare Diamond Pearl Emerald Swag Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
Cherished by Ancestors An item owned and cherished by an ancestor, it is imbued with family history and lore and holds value beyond the mere monetary Old things of beauty transcend the past to find life in the present Magnificent over belief is this stunning example of early Edwardian period in transition to Victorian era, rare swag and drop necklace, beautiful! Expressing delicacy and refinement of past eras, so finely crafted in a tasteful combination of rare gemstones and timeless elegant design Centre panel is made gorgeous links all set with earth mined gemstones with dropping cascade of swag links and suspending Natural Not Nucleated Pearl creating such an effective style to impress the memory with beauty and charm 18 KT solid gold with 24 KT pure gold coat giving a special allure Set throughout with a myriad of Natural Pearls – not nucleated salt sea – varying in sizes to fit the design all beautiful, rare, completely created by nature Natural Colombian Emeralds mine cut, make the green touch on this necklace, again varying in size for a total amount of 1.40 Ct With more 140 Ct of old mine cut Diamonds and rose cut Diamonds revealing lovely sparkle here and there – Diamonds rating G/H VVS/SI Necklace in excellent antique condition, original in all parts Great addition to any treasure keeper...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
French Edwardian 1900-1905 Pearls Chain In 18Kt Gold With Guilloche Blue Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
French Edwardian enameled chain. Stunning necklace chain, created in Paris France during the Edwardian period, back in the 1905. This beautiful chain has been carefully crafted in s...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 9ct Gold Edwardian Square Link Long Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Square Link Chain 9ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 This stunning Edwardian square link long chain is crafted from a pale 9ct gold and features a faceted swivel dog clip fastenin...
Gold, 9k Gold
Edwardian Platinum Necklace, 8.50 Ct Diamond Drop, Circa 1900/09
Located in Napoli, IT
Sense the eternal elegance impressed into History Edwardian Jewelry has always been known for its elegance, particularly in its understated yet feminine design, finest jewellery of t...
Diamond, Platinum
Giuliano Renaissance Revival Amethyst Necklace
By Giuliano
Located in New Orleans, LA
This magnificent Renaissance Revival necklace is a masterpiece by the renowned Giuliano firm. Beautifully crafted with black and white enamel foliate links, 18K yellow gold and 15 ro...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
$16,974Sale Price|25% Off
PANIM 10.95cts Rosecut Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 10.95cts Rosecut Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold In this necklace rosecut diamonds are evenly spaced on a white gold chain. Thi...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Carved Bone Fob Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved bone link and metal chain of crosshatched links with a carved fob commemorating the year "1902". Meant as a vest or fob chain but long enough to be worn as a necklace. 15...
Sapphire, Diamond and Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire, Diamond & Pearl Necklace with 1 detachable link 18K White Gold & Platinum Length: 18" Faceted Oval Sapphire Weight: 12.88 Cts Diamond Weight: 9.58 Cts
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Blue sapphire cocktail necklace 18KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Modern necklace with blue sapphire and diamond halo in 18KT gold. **All items leave our premises with a certificate in buyers name, company policy! This insures security for you and...
Blue Sapphire, Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT Yellow Gold Atlas Pendant with Diamond and Pearl
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold pendant by Carrera Y Carrera of Spain depicts a beautifully detailed Atlas, the Titan who was responsible for bearing the weight of the heavens on his shoul...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Albert Watch Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold 18" long Albert watch link chain necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Peridot Old Mine Diamond Pearl Festoon Swag Necklace Antique Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU - BELLE EPOQUE FESTOON NECKLACE WITH THE MOST GORGEOUS NATURAL ROUND FACETED PERIDOT GEMS SET WITH PEARLS AND AN...
Pearl, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1900 Religious 18kt Gold Pendant with Nacre, Diamonds and Pearls
Located in Aventura, FL
Introducing a remarkable piece of history, behold the exquisite Antique 18kt Yellow Gold and Platinum Filigree Religious Pendant. This stunning pendant showcases timeless craftsmansh...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural pearl and diamond necklace, the twelve graduated cluster motifs each centred with natural bouton pearls measuring from 5.6 mm to 9 mm, within a surround of old br...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Gray Pearl and Diamond Floral Swag White Gold Necklace
Located in Miami Beach, FL
18k white gold necklace with diamond swags or scallops with diamond flower spacers and five graduating gray round cultured pearls draping across the front...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Pendant in 18kt Solid Yellow Gold with Chain
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Emerald Chain Necklace in 18K Gold studded with round cut emerald. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dressy outfit. Emerald enhances the intellectual capacity. Designed with round cut emerald studded in solid gold making a stunning dainty charm. This beautiful handcrafted necklace is a great piece of jewelry for wedding gift or anniversary gift or graduation gift...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Magnificent Emerald & Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Emerald & Diamond Necklace Emerald necklace with 23 pear shaped emeralds approximately 9.60 cts. 538 round diamonds approximately 28.45 cts 18k yellow gold Measuremen...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Fancy Link Longguard Chain
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Fancy Link Longguard Chain bolt ring fastener beautiful gold links, long chain so can wear once/twice or even three times r...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1979 9ct Yellow Gold Chain Necklace with Coral Colour Beads
Located in London, GB
A charming vintage 1979 decorative chain necklace crafted in 9ct yellow gold, featuring an unusual and eye-catching link design enhanced with vibrant coral-coloured beads. Each link ...
Coral, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 15.35 TCW Amethyst & Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Station Necklace 1900s
Located in Towson, MD
This exquisite 1900’s estate Edwardian 14K yellow gold necklace features three bezel-set amethysts totaling approximately 15.35 carats, including a 5.45-carat oval (13.68 x 10.06mm) ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Choker Necklace Silver Topped Gold Infinity Link ~31.9ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Diamond Choker Necklace Silver Topped Gold Infinity Link ~31.9ctw This exceptional Edwardian link necklace, crafted circa 1900, is not only a stunning example of fine jewe...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian 22 Inch Solid Rope Link Chain with Swivel Clasp & T Bar
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Rope Link Chain 9ct Gold Stamped & Tagged Makers Mark J G & S Circa 1900 Step back in time with this exquisite 9ct rose gold chain, a beautiful example of Edwardian craft...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
W 0.87 in L 15.5 in
Edwardian Silver Topped Gold Infinity Bowtie Diamond Necklace ~31.9ctw Old Miner
Located in Fairfield, CT
Edwardian Silver Topped Gold Infinity Bowtie Diamond Necklace ~31.9ctw Old Miners This exceptional Edwardian link necklace, crafted circa 1900, is not only a stunning example of fin...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
EDWARDIAN 1900 French Chain In Platinum With Blue And White Guilloche Enamels
Located in Miami, FL
French Edwardian enameled chain. This fantastic necklace chain, was created in Paris France during the early Edwardian period, back in the 1900. The beautiful chain has been careful...
Platinum, Enamel
9ct Yellow Gold Edwardian Faceted Oval Belcher Link 20 Inch Chain Swivel Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belcher Chain 9ct Yellow Gold Tested Circa 1900 This stunning Edwardian belcher link chain is made of 9ct pale yellow gold and dates back to the early 1900s. The beauty of...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Rose Gold, Edwardian Fancy Tulip Link 23 1/2 Inch Chain with Bolt Ring Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Chain 9ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1900 This exquisite Edwardian chain is a true testament to the timeless beauty of antique jewellery. Crafted from 9ct rose gold...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
9ct Yellow Gold Tagged Edwardian Fancy Snake Box Link 27 Inch Necklace Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Chain 9ct Yellow Gold Tagged Circa 1910 This 9ct yellow gold Edwardian chain is a true masterpiece. Its unique snake-like box links make it stand out from other cha...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Edwardian Oval Belcher Link Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belcher Chain 9ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1900 Edwardian, oval link belcher chain. Features a bolt ring clasp fastening. Light, rose gold in colour with a lovely natural pa...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Gold Plated Gentleman Pocket Watch Chain Leontine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Gentleman Pocket Watch Chain Leontine. It depicts a wide Leontine chain that contains a big round clasp mounted in 18K gold plated over ...
Copper, Gold Plate
Antique 9ct Gold Edwardian Faceted Belcher Link Chain with Barrel Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belcher Chain 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This exquisite antique belcher chain is made of 9ct yellow gold and bears the tag of authenticity. The faceted belcher link desi...
Gold, 9k Gold
Edwardian 18k Rose Gold Fancy Link Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian 18k Rose Gold Fancy Link Chain Necklace. Crafted in 18 karat rose gold with purity mark, weighing 19.3 grams. Circa 1900. The necklace is 23 inches in length. About ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold