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.
English Sterling Silver Crystal Inkstand "George Richards & Edward Brown" 1862
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description: George John Richards & Edward Charles Brown English Sterling Silver Inkstand, 1862. Candle holder, twin crystal inkwells with silver mounts. Richards and Brown Lond...
Crystal, Silver, Sterling Silver
Magnificent Solid Silver Pair Candlesticks 720g Paris France Circa 1798 Georgian
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
A Magnificent Solid Silver Pair of Georgian Candlesticks. PLEASE NOTE: These are not weighted to base, the weight is in Sterling Silver. Dating from the first years when France bec...
Sterling Silver
$5,950
H 20.5 in W 11 in D 11 in
Pair of Elkington & Co Neoclassical Revival Silver Plated Five-Light Candelabra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare pair of Victorian Neoclassical Revival silver plated candelabra by Elkington & Co. Each candelabrum has a fluted column that rests on three paw feet that also support anthemi...
Silver Plate
$610Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.63 in W 2.64 in D 2.64 in
Pair of Lovely Queen Elizabeth ii Sterling Silver Candlesticks, Birmingham, 1972
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of Elizabeth II 1972 Sterling silver candlesticks A nice decorative pair, Birmingham made and very elegant ...
Sterling Silver
George III Sterling Silver Chamber Stick
By Henry Chawner
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A wonderful George III period chamber stick in sterling silver by Henry Chawner of London. An elegant scrolled handle is mounted to an octagonal base underneath a column with reeded ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
7-Light Candelabrum in Solid 925 Silver by Pria e Sari, Italy (1900)
Located in Bergamo, BG
Magnificent 7-light candelabrum entirely crafted in solid 925 silver, without any internal filling, by the artisan Pria e Sari, Italy, dating back to 1900. The piece features an eleg...
Silver
Handmade Whimsical Hanging Sterling Silver Menorah for Hanukkah Yemenite Hand Ma
Located in Great Neck, NY
Whimsical Menorah for Hanukkah. A beautiful piece that is all handcrafted with Solid Sterling Silver in Israel with fine yemenite workmanship that...
Sterling Silver
$1,880
H 15 in W 15 in D 2 in L 15 in
Cartier Weighted Sterling Silver Candlesticks & Gorham Candelabra Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An elegant ensemble of fine sterling silver lighting, featuring a pair of Cartier weighted sterling candlesticks alongside an unmatched pair of Gorham three-light weighted sterling candelabra. This grouping offers timeless sophistication, exceptional craftsmanship, and strong decorative presence for formal interiors. Cartier Weighted Sterling Silver Candlesticks Maker: Cartier Material: Weighted Sterling Silver Height: 10 inches Marks: N75 B & M Form: Classic single-light candlestick design These Cartier candlesticks embody refined luxury with balanced proportions and a clean, architectural silhouette. Crafted in weighted sterling silver for stability, they reflect Cartier’s tradition of producing distinguished silver objects suitable for formal dining and elegant entertaining. The 10-inch height makes them ideal for dining tables, mantels, or console displays. Design Appeal: Understated yet unmistakably luxurious, these candlesticks complement both traditional and transitional interiors. Gorham Weighted Sterling Silver Three-Light Candelabra Maker: Gorham Material: Weighted Sterling Silver Pattern/Model: #SD3 Height: 15 inches Configuration: Three-light arms Condition Note: Unmatched pair The Gorham three-light candelabra offer greater scale and visual drama. Standing 15 inches tall, each piece features gracefully curved arms with removable inset branches, allowing versatility in display. Gorham’s longstanding reputation for fine American silver craftsmanship ensures quality construction and enduring appeal. Design Appeal: The multi-light form creates a striking focal point for dining tables, sideboards, or formal entertaining spaces. Styling & Use This collection is ideal for: Formal dining room settings Holiday entertaining and special occasions Traditional or classic interior décor Silver collectors and luxury home enthusiasts Wedding or anniversary gifts The combination allows layered candlelight presentation—use the Cartier sticks for understated elegance and the Gorham candelabra...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,850 / set
H 3.25 in
6 Norwegian Modernist Enamel Sterling Silver Candlesticks N.M.Thune Viking Norse
By N.M. Thune
Located in New York, NY
This is an extraordinary rare museum quality set of six Mid-Century Modern Enamel Candlesticks made by the Norwegian maker N.M. Thune of Norway. Along with the six candlesticks is a matching vase. Each is adorned with magnificent enamel images with depictions of medieval Norse Mythology and Viking imagery. The colors and design are mid-century magnificence. The very rare group of candlesticks...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,500 / set
H 12.25 in W 6 in D 4.25 in
Set of 4 Tall Matched Regency Style Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 matching silver plated candlesticks. In the Regency style. Having an oval form with shaped candlecups, fluted sides, and a stepped base. Each has a felt padded b...
Silver Plate
$1,950 / set
H 6.5 in Dm 3.5 in
Pair of Silver Plate Fluted Candlesticks by Robert A.M. Stern for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of postmodern silver-plated candlesticks. Designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell. In the form of stout, fluted columns with broad flat bobeches. Swid Powell w...
Silver Plate
$19,500 / set
H 7.25 in W 8.88 in D 4.88 in
Pair of Georg Jensen Art Deco 537 C Sterling Silver Candelabra by Harald Nielsen
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of sterling silver candelabra. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Model No. 537 C. Designed by Harald Nielsen. Simply a stunning pair of Jensen candelabra...
Sterling Silver
Designed Yemenite Israel Handmade Sterling Silver Menorah for Hanukkah
Located in Great Neck, NY
A beautiful piece to celebrate the important holiday of Hanukkah with. This menorah is all handmade from Sterling Silver stamped .925, in Israel by a yemenite artisans with filigree ...
Sterling Silver
George III 19th Century Emes Barnard Sterling Silver Candle Chamberstick
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique George III sterling silver single candle chamberstick by Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard, circa 1817. Features gadrooned edges, a ring handle with thumb rest that also has a small square hole to hold a candle snuffer. Measures 2 1/2" high, 5 1/2" diameter at base, 7/8" diameter candle hole...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Set of Four American Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca. 1908. Each: straight and tapering shaft on knop on stepped foot. Urn socket on knop with detachable bobe...
Sterling Silver
Neoclassical Candlesticks - Made in England for Caldwell Philadelphia - 1926
By Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. Ltd.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George V Neoclassical sterling silver candlesticks. Made in 1926 by Hawksworth Eyre in Sheffield, England for JE Caldwell in Philadelphia. Each: straight and tapering shaft o...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany Candlesticks - Large & Sleek - American Sterling Silver - C 1907
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Tiffany in New York, ca. 1907. Tapering support mounted to stepped dome foot wit...
Sterling Silver
Gorham Candlesticks - Pretty French Style - American Sterling Silver - C 1900
By Gorham
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French-style sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca. 1900. Each: baluster support on knop on dome foot with scalloped rim and 3 paw feet mounted to br...
Sterling Silver
Pair of French Silver Candelabra by AUCOC, Paris, Circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Fine pair of French 1st standard, 950 silver, 2 light candelabra. Set on a circular base, with a fluted stem. The 2 arms are somewhat square in shape with a circular wax pan and remo...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Magnificent HOWARD & CO. Sterling Candelabra
By Howard & Co., New York
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent pair of American Sterling Silver 6-Light Candelabra was made by Howard & Co., New York, in 1902. The bases are marked with Howard & Co., Sterling, New York and 1902 ...
Sterling Silver