Collection: Edwardian

Costume jewellery in the Edwardian era (1901–1910) reflected the period’s emphasis on elegance, refinement, and delicate craftsmanship, moving away from the heavier designs of the Victorian era.

Edwardian jewellery was characterised by light, ethereal designs, often featuring intricate filigree work and lace-like patterns. Popular motifs included bows, garlands, ribbons, and floral elements, reflecting the era’s romantic aesthetic. The Belle Époque influence encouraged graceful, feminine jewellery, while the rise of suffragette jewellery introduced symbolic pieces featuring green, white, and violet gemstones to represent the movement’s ideals.

Jewellers favoured platinum, which allowed for delicate, detailed designs while maintaining durability. Diamonds and pearls were widely used, with pearls considered more valuable than diamonds at the time. The ‘white-on-white’ trend, pioneered by Cartier, combined platinum with diamonds to create luminous, sophisticated pieces. Other gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and aquamarines were also popular, often set in intricate, millegrain-edged designs.

Cartier was one of the most influential jewellery houses of the Edwardian era, becoming the official supplier to King Edward VII and pioneering platinum jewellery. Boucheron and Fabergé also crafted exquisite Edwardian pieces, while British jewellers such as Garrard & Co. continued to produce elegant designs for aristocracy and royalty.

King Edward VII’s love for luxury played a significant role in shaping jewellery trends, with high society embracing flamboyant displays of wealth. The Art Nouveau movement influenced nature-inspired designs, while French and Rococo revival styles introduced delicate, feminine aesthetics. The Industrial Revolution allowed for more refined jewellery-making techniques, enabling intricate craftsmanship and mass production.