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.
1908 British Cigarette Box solid Sterling Silver / 67 gr
By William Henry Sparrow
Located in SE
Fine British Edwardian period Cigarette or cigar box, with rounded corners, ergonomically convex shapes and gilt interior. Hand - engraved with with floral ornaments on both sides an...
Sterling Silver
Antique Engraved Vesta Case & Sovereign Coin Holder in 9 Carat Rose Gold, 1900
Located in London, GB
Introducing a true piece of history, an authentic Late Victorian sovereign vesta case and coin holder, beautifully crafted in soft 9 carat rose gold - a perfect blend of practicality...
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Austrian Guilloche Enamel Silver & Glass Table or Dresser Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Austrian glass, silver, & enamel table or dresser box. By Georg Adam Scheid. With a cornucopia or vase form decoration enamel flowers in a guilloche cartouche. The r...
Silver, Enamel
Antique 9 Carat Yellow Gold Miniature Mesh Coin Purse/ Pendant, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
A small antique gold mesh purse, crafted in 9 carat yellow gold and dating to the early 1910s. The purse features an intricately woven mesh body, formed entirely from fine gold link...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Vintage Engraved Ornate Hinged Snuff Box in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
An exquisite example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, this 18 karat yellow gold vintage snuff box showcases a breathtaking display of ornate engr...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian English Leather Jewellery Box, Hinged Inkwell & Travel Toiletry Piece
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Antique Edwardian early XXc English pieces: leather jewellery box with a key, leather cased hinged inkwell with inner glass insert & leather travel toiletry piece / travel fla...
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Silver Hardstone Snuff Box by Aide & Lovekin 1908 Leaf Motif Antique Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
This is a Museum piece, an Edwardian Silver and Hardstone-mounted Snuff Box marked for Aide & Lovekin Ltd., Birmingham, 1908, from the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
German Pforzheim 1910 Edwardian Guilloché Blue Enamel Round Box In .935 Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental guilloche enameled round box. An extraordinary early 20th century guilloche enamel box, created in Pforzheim Germany, with Edwardian neo classical patterns, circa 1910. T...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Edwardian 1913 Art Nouveau Enamelled Guilloche Purse In .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian guilloche enamel coins purse made by E. J. Houlston. Very rare early 20th century enamel oval coin purse, created in Birmingham England...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Large Antique Edwardian Armorial 18K Gold Lion Crest Pendant, Sampson Mordan
Located in New York, NY
Large, rare antique Edwardian 18K yellow gold Armorial pendant medallion/container case by Sampson Mordan & Co., England Circa 1906 The front engraved with an armorial crest of a handsome, seated lion and the motto Facta Non Verba on a long ornate scroll, Latin for Deeds Not Words...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Silver & Enamel Horse Case with Borzoi Dogs
Located in New York, NY
European silver and enamel cigarette case, ca 1920. Rectangular, chamfered, and hinged. On cover, a horse's head appears in an entryway, with two protective borzoi dogs standing guar...
Silver, Enamel
R.&S. Garrard & Co., To the King By Special Appointment, Haymarket, London
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Length x Width x Depth: 9.5 cm x 4.8 cm x 2 cm Weight: 27 grams Condition This box is pre-owned and shows minor signs of use consistent with age. Overall, it remains in g...
Antique European Silver & Enamel Horse Case with Borzoi Dogs
Located in New York, NY
European silver and enamel cigarette case, ca 1920. Rectangular, curved, and hinged. On cover, a horse’s head appears in an entryway, with two protective borzoi dogs standing guard. ...
Silver, Enamel
Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Compact Gold Case with Engravings
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 40.7 grams Measurement: 2.5 inch long, .25inch depth Condition: Excellent
Yellow Gold
R. Blackinton 1910 Edwardian Enameled Round Box In .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
A guilloche enameled round box designed by R. Blackinton. Beautiful early 20th century enamel box, created by the Ross Blackinton Company Silversmiths & Goldsmiths, circa 1910. This...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique 1800s GIA Blue Sapphire Diamond Fine Silver Collectible Perfume Bottle
Located in Miami, FL
This Antique from circa, Late 1800s with intricate flower motif design, Collectible Unique Perfume Bottle, Crafted in solid Fine Silver, with a center composed of a GIA certified Bl...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Silver
Antique 833 Silver Engraved Floral Compact #25011
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique 833 Silver Engraved Floral Compact A silver compact crafted in 833 fine silver featuring a beautifully etched floral and scroll design. Empty cartouche ready for a personali...
Silver
Southeast Asian Silver Dresser Box or Cigarette Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver dresser box. In .900 silver. We believe it's likely Chinese or Thai in origin. With repousse animal decoration and geometric patterns to both sides. One side...
Silver
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Silver Purse Card Case Birmingham 1910, Adie
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Silver Card Case in form of purse, Birmingham 1910, Adie & Lovekin Ltd. The case of hinge and thumb piece design, richly engraved scro...
French Empire Tricolored Gold Etui Case
Located in Firenze, IT
French tri-colored, red, green and yellow 18Kt gold pencil case decorated with applied classical lobes, swags and festoons of flowers. French rubbed mark, circa 1810 Width: 12 mm H...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$2,133
H 0.44 in W 1.89 in D 2.01 in
Antique Silver Powder Box Compact box Enamel Painting Genre Scene Silver Gilt
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This exceptional quality powder compact was imported by H C Freedman Ltd of Birmingham in 1914. The box is impressed on the inside with the makers mark, the date letter for 1914, 92...
Silver, Enamel
$6,019
H 0.49 in W 2 in L 1.53 in
Vintage Golden Engraved Pill Box, Solid Gold Patterned Vanity Travel Case 14K
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Perfect for the luxury lover or the person who already has it all, this golden box is ideal for your vanity, travel bags, or in your purse for on the go. Featuring a beautiful engr...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,150
H 0.75 in W 2.44 in L 3.15 in
Germany 1925 Art Deco Guilloche Wavy Box In Solid .935 Sterling Silver And Gilt
Located in Miami, FL
A guilloche box made in Germany Beautiful box created in Germany during the art deco period, circa 1925. This exceptional cigarette-snuff box was carefu...
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$380Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.15 in W 2.66 in D 0.4 in
Stunning Solid Sterling Silver 1927 Gold Gilt Inside Cigarette Case Ng & Co
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Solid Sterling Silver The Northern Goldsmiths Newcastle upon tyne 1927 engine turned cigarette cas...
Sterling Silver
$598Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.35 in W 2.76 in D 0.44 in
Rare Solid Silver Meiji Period Dragon Embossed Cigarette Case and Gold Gilding
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely solid silver Meiji period circa 1870 dragon embossed cigarette case with gold gilt internals If y...
Silver
A Rare Antique 14K Yellow Gold Thimble with Intricate Engraving
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Exquisite Sewing Accessory Elevate your collection or needlework station with this Antique Gold Thimble, a seldom-seen treasure distinguished by its intricate engraving and timeless elegance. Crafted with exceptional care, it stands as both a functional piece of sewing history and a captivating object of art. Intricate Engraving & Design Ornate Detailing Each side of the thimble features delicate, hand-engraved motifs, highlighting the meticulous artistry once devoted to sewing implements. The patterns blend floral or geometric elements (depending on the specific design) to create an eye-catching, textured surface. Gold Construction Fashioned from precious gold, this thimble’s warm luster adds a luxurious note. The material ensures durability—making it as practical in a sewing basket today as it was in its era of origin. Hallmarked ‘S’ Inside the thimble is a hallmark “S,” indicating either the maker or a specific assay mark. This hallmark underscores the piece’s authenticity and collectible status. Dimensions & Weight Weight: Approximately 3.2 dwt (pennyweights), offering a reassuring solidity without compromising the piece’s delicate craftsmanship. Size & Fit: Designed for standard thimble use, it fits comfortably on most fingertips. Collectors often display antique thimbles...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,800
H 0.5 in W 1.88 in L 2.5 in
Antique Gilt American Coin Silver Snuff Box attributed to Benjamin Tappin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gilt silver snuff box. With engraved decorations to the top & monograms to both the top & bottom. Struck with what appears to be...
Silver, Gilt Metal
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli Pill Box
Located in London, GB
A vintage 18 karat yellow gold lapis lazuli pill box, circa 1970 A sweet pill box of rectangular shape both the lid and base of the box are set with cabochon lapis lazuli gently fle...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1905 Sterling Silver Vanity Pot
Located in London, GB
A beautifully understated antique sterling silver pot, originally crafted for vanity or travel use, now reimagined as an elegant keepsake box. Perfect for placing by your bedside to ...
Sterling Silver
Antique Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Engraved Round Dresser Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique signed silver dresser box. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver with a gold washed interior. Engraved to the body and lid with floral and rocaille devices. The lid i...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1.08 in W 4.98 in D 3.25 in
Antique Storck & Sinsheimer Figural Butterfly 800 Solid Silver Dresser Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In .800 silver. By Storck & Sinsheimer of Hanau, Germany. In the form of a butterfly with a strong resemblance to the European peacock butterfly. The sides of the box with repous...
Silver
Antique Edwardian Turquoise Guilloche Enamel Compact Locket
Located in Portland, England
An extraordinary and rare Edwardian turquoise guilloche enamel and silver oval compact/ locket. This stunning piece is made in a striking and vibrant turquoise and white guilloche en...
Enamel
Antique English Sterling Silver Card Case Chester 1903
Located in New York, NY
A Refined Piece of Edwardian-Era Craftsmanship Enhance your collection or personal accessories with this Antique English Sterling Silver Card Case, fully hallmarked “Chester 1903.” ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vesta Case
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from 18 karat yellow gold, this vesta case was made in France around the Turn of the Century. When the object was first purchased it would have been a very luxurious thing to...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique c1906 English (Chester) Silver Finely Engraved Cigarette Case by W&H
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This English hinged cigarette case is lavishly engraved throughout, featuring a shield with initials to the front, signed “from H.H.” Boasting intricate details that exemplify t...
Silver
Sold
H 1.7 in D 0.47 in L 1.57 in
Cartier Paris 1910 Vesta Mechanical Matches Box 18Kt Yellow Gold With Sapphire
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical matches Box designed by Cartier. This is a very rare mechanical vesta matches box, created during the Edwardian period in Paris France by the house of Cartier, back in the 1910. The box has been made up in a cushioned shape and decorated with linear patterns. It was carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish and is fitted with a mechanical system to raise the lid and open the matches compartment. The push-button is embellished with a blue sapphire. Cartier in Paris In 1899, following the impetus of Louis, the eldest of the three Cartier...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.59 in Dm 1.5 in L 4.5 in
Tiffany & Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloché Round Pill Box In 14Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Guilloche pill box designed by Tiffany & Co. Fantastic round pill box, created in New York city at the Tiffany Studios, back in the beginning of the 20...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Guilloche Enamel And Silver Mirror Compact
Located in Portland, England
This rare Edwardian light blue silver guilloche enamel compact is dated for 1907 and it was made in France. This extraordinary piece is decorated with ...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bombay Form Table Box or Casket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Bombay shaped table box or casket. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a hinged lid that opens to reveal a gilt compartment under glass and gilt interior, a b...
Sterling Silver
German Pforzheim 1910 Guilloche Pink Enamel Round Box In .935 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
A guilloche enameled round box. Fabulous German early 20th century enamel box, created in the city of Pforzheim, circa 1910. This beautiful box was ca...
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel