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 Gold 16 1/2 Inch Cultured Pearl Necklace with Amethyst Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
AntiquePearl Necklace Clasp stamped 9ct Circa 1920s A classic three‑strand graduated pearl necklace, strung with lustrous, well‑matched cultured pearls arranged in subtly increas...
Amethyst, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
H. Bückmann German Belle Époque Diamond, Silver and Gold Necklace, Circa 1905
Located in London, GB
A German, Belle Époque, diamond fringed, openwork necklace, with alternating floral clusters and single, old mine-cut diamonds, with a removable diamond fringed swag, connected by a ...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Roman Malakov 4.33 Carats Total Rose Cut Diamond Edwardian Style Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An elegant antique-style necklace, showcasing 4.33 carats total of rose cut and round brilliant cut diamonds, set in an Edwardian fashion of curtains and fringes. Finely made with 18...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Moonstone and Silver Fringe Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Edwardian fringe necklace. The chain is set with oval moonstone cabochons and small drops. Chain Length: 44cm Drop Length: 30mm...
Moonstone, Silver
Antique 15k Gold Cultured Pearl Necklace with Diamond Cluster Clasp, Circa 1915
Located in Altrincham, GB
This elegant double strand pearl necklace features 100 dreamy cultured pearls with rose cut diamond and natural pearl cluster clasp. With a wearable length of 15 inches, the pearls g...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 15k Gold, Silver
Three-Row Akoya Pearl and Old European Cut Diamond Necklace, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Exquisite 1920's necklace featuring three rows of 216 silver grey dyed Akoya pearls, strung to a handmade old European cut diamond set clasp. The diamonds have a total approximate we...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian Red Spinel Multi-Strand Necklace with Diamond Plaque Clasp
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional Edwardian multi-strand spinel necklace featuring richly colored natural red spinel beads arranged in a luxurious torsade of numerous strands and secured by a magnifice...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Edwardian Nine-Strand Necklace 15 3/4" - 14k Antique Chain
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Edwardian Date: 1900s - 1910s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Pearls Color: Cream Style: Nine-Strand Fastening Type: Tab Box Clasp Measurements Leng...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 5.95 carat Sapphire, Garnet and Zircon Guard Chain, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Edwardian era, this mesmerising guard chain is truly unique, set with a beautiful collection of gems. A trio of Ceylon sapphires head up the collection. Fully certified...
Garnet, Sapphire, Zircon, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier Cultured Pearl Necklace Triple Strand 6mm 18k Gold Onyx Clasp
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Cartier triple stand cultured pearl necklace (circa 1960s to 1970s) finished with an 18k gold onyx inlaid clasp. Cultured pearls are ...
Onyx, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Necklace.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful multi-strands necklace mounted with two strands of corals and a clasp in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure studded with diamonds. Cora...
Coral, Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Pearl Necklace Art Deco Circa 1940s Cultured Akoya Pearls Diamond Clasp 21"
Located in Northampton, MA
This 1940's cultured Akoya pearl necklace showcases 73 luminous and absolutely gorgeous Japanese cultured Akoya pearls. Freshly strung o...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
$14,999
W 0.75 in L 11.82 in
Antique Belle Époque Diamond Platinum Collier De Chien Choker Collar Necklace
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Flexible diamond "collier de chien" made out of platinum and set with rose diamonds. Nine oval links alternate with nine double bows to form an exquisite choker. The collar is modell...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 23.40 Carat Moonstone Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 23.40 carat moonstone and 12 karat yellow gold collar length necklace; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian moonstone necklace has been crafted in 12k yellow gold. The necklace displays a feature two-tiered drop to the center of the arrangement; the central tier ornamented with two bezel set round cabochon cut moonstones and the lower tier tapering to a single oval cabochon cut moonstone terminal. The central drop is flanked on either side by a total of six bezel set oval cabochon cut moonstones drops, dispersed evenly. The moonstone drops suspend from a 15.5" belcher chain, crafted in 12k yellow gold. The chain secures with a conventional spring loaded bolt ring fastening to the reverse. This antique Victorian collarette has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 12k gold. The necklace is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This stunning antique 1880s necklace...
Moonstone, Yellow Gold
$22,400Sale Price|50% Off
13 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Solid Cuban Link Chain Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
10K Yellow Gold 13.7 ct Total Weight Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Solid Cuban Link Chain Necklace. The necklace weighs 91.3 grams, 16" long, 9 mm(11....
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Yellow Topaz Garnet Rose Gold Silver Fly Shape Clasp Red Coral Necklace
Located in Napoli, Campania
Unique red coral multi-strand necklace composed by five red coral rows, and rose gold and silver fly shape clasp that has movable wings all studded by little diamonds. It has two red...
Diamond, Garnet, Topaz, Coral, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$228,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 40 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Riviera Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
40 Carats Emerald Cut Diamond Riviera Necklace This necklace has a total of 120 GIA certified diamonds. Clarity range VS-SI1, C...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Garnets, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Multi-Strand Necklace.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic multi-strands necklace mounted with three strands of coral and a fly shape clasp in 9 karat rose gold and silver structure. It is studded with garnets on the body, on the n...
Coral, Diamond, Garnet, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Pearl Necklace Circa 1970 s Cultured Pearls Gold Clasp
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered is a vintage beautiful pearl necklace with gold clasp. The necklace is decorated with 3 rows of natural freshwater cultured pearls. Pearls of great regularity and very fine...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style 21.75 inch Double Strand Amethyst Necklace with Vermeil Clasp
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a Art Deco style double strand transparent amethyst necklace with vermeil hook clasp. We created it with up to 9mm faceted amethyst cubes and 2.2mm faceted amethyst cubes. A ...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Gold-filled, Vermeil
Antique Moonstone Silver Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Wonderful Edwardian moonstone necklace set in silver. It is said if your lover gives you a moonstone necklace when the moon is full you w...
Moonstone, Silver
Edwardian Moonstone and 9 Carat Rose Gold Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Edwardian necklace. The chain is set with oval moonstone cabochons and modelled in 9 carat rose gold. Chain Length: 41.5cm Stone Dimensions: 7x10m Weight: 9.1g
Moonstone, Rose Gold
Edwardian Moonstone and Silver Fringe Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Edwardian fringe necklace. The chain is set with oval moonstone cabochons and small drops. Modelled in silver. Chain Length: 42cm Drop Length: 3.5cm Weight: 6.9g
Moonstone, Silver
Edwardian Era GIA Certified Natural Saltwater Pearl & Old Euro Diamond Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Original antique Edwardian era GIA certified saltwater pearl and diamond necklace in a platinum setting. The Pearls are all natural, untreated, and...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Edwardian Moonstone and 9 Carat Gold Fringe Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Edwardian fringe necklace. The chain is set with round and oval moonstone cabochons and small drops. Modelled in 9carat gold. ...
Moonstone, Gold
Marina J One of a Kind woven Pearl & Garnet necklace with vintage Garnet brooch
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Marina J hand-woven necklace with beautiful lace-like design featuring bright Garnet beads and 14K Yellow Gold-plated beads. This necklace is bu...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 0.6 in L 14.57 in
14 Karat Gold and Red Coral Three - Strand Beaded Necklace Early 20th Century
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique necklace made of natural red coral beads with 14 karat golden clasp. The bracelet features three strands of round - shaped beads. The diameter of the beads is ca. 5 mm and the color is red. The clasp features a rectangular shape with two natural round red coral cabochon coral stones and a rope motif decoration. The clasp is stamped with 585 that stands for the 14 karat gold content. The necklacet is subtle yet eye catching and it suitable for daily or evening occasions. The condition is really good and there are no flaws to be mentioned. The red coral jewelry...
Coral, Gold
Antique Edwardian 18k Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Sapphire Snake Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Sapphire Snake Necklace. This amazing snake necklace is crafted of 18k yellow gold and platinum top. The necklace ha...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Moonstone and Silver Fringe Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Edwardian fringe necklace. The chain is set with round and oval moonstone cabochons and small drops. Chain Length: 38cm Drop Le...
Moonstone, Silver
Antique Edwardian Style Rivera Necklace with Diamond and Gold
Located in New York, NY
Antique Diamond Rivera necklace made in 18K gold. Diamond Weight is approximated at 20 carats, H Color, VS1 Clarity.
Diamond, Gold
Tasaki 3-Strand Akoya Pearl, 14 Karat Gold & Ruby Necklace
By TASAKI
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 3-Strand Akoya pearl necklace. With a decorative 14k gold flower box clasp with prong set rubies that link the three strands of hand-knotted round white pearls on silk c...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Edwardian 9ct Gold Long Guard Chain, Multi-Row Versatile Style
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Antique Edwardian 9ct gold long guard chain is a wonderfully versatile and wearable example of early 20th-century jewellery craftsmanship. Measuring an impressive 153c...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
A diamond and cultured pearl necklace, the Edwardian diamond centre-piece of openwork design with floral and scroll decorations, set with old European-cut diamonds estimated to weigh carats in total, all millegrain-set in platinum, to yellow gold back, circa 1910, strung with five rows of cultured pearls and a later diamond-set rectangular snap clasp, accompanied by detachable brooch fitting, the centre-piece measuring approximately 3.9 x 3.1cm, the necklace measuring approximately 39 cm long, gross weight of the necklace 75.4 grams. This necklace is in excellent condition. Unmarked, tested as platinum and 18ct gold. This stunning necklace is the perfect example of Edwardian glamour. As the reign of Queen Victoria ended, jewellery styles became more monochromatic, simplistic, and elegant. This remarkable necklace comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Five rows of creamy, pink hued cultured pearls meet at the centre at a wonderful and glittering Edwardian clasp...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum