How do I wear a 1910s gold pendant?

These pendants look best suspended from a fine, period-appropriate gold chain that allows the piece to rest centrally on the collarbone. Because many were originally made as versatile pendant brooches, they can also be pinned directly to a lapel or silk scarf. When styling everyday wear, pairing a lightweight Edwardian lavalier with simple clothing lets the delicate goldwork and seed pearls stand out without competing textures.

How can I tell if a pendant is from the 1910s?

Examine the materials and mounting techniques for hallmarks of the Edwardian style, such as platinum-topped gold, millegrain edging, and openwork garland motifs. Amethysts, seed pearls, and old cut diamonds set in 9ct or 15ct yellow gold point firmly toward this decade. Official assay office marks and date letters stamped on the reverse provide definitive confirmation of the exact year and city of manufacture, such as Birmingham hallmarks from 1911.

What is the difference between Edwardian and Art Nouveau pendants?

Edwardian pendants lean towards symmetrical garlands, ribbons, bows, and neoclassical elegance executed in platinum and yellow gold. They frequently employ millegrain decoration alongside diamonds and seed pearls. Art Nouveau pendants embrace asymmetrical, whiplash curves inspired by organic natural forms, often featuring enamelling and cabochon amethysts or opals. Both styles overlap closely around the 1910s.