Antique Bow Necklace
An antique bow necklace is a delicate, ribbon-tied jewel of gold, platinum, and gemstones that brings timeless grace to the neckline.
Antique Bow Necklace
When you search for an antique bow necklace, you encounter ribbon and knot motifs executed in precious metals and set with sparkling stones. These pieces range from Victorian gold and emerald designs to Edwardian platinum and diamond creations.
The most common examples on this page hail from the Edwardian period, frequently rendered in platinum or white gold with diamonds and rubies. You also meet earlier Victorian iterations in yellow gold, alongside occasional mid-century interpretations.
The form spans simple ribbon pendants hung from delicate chains to elaborate drop necklaces integrating pearls, tourmalines, and seed pearls. Each variation captures the lapidary artistry of its specific decade.
How they were made
Goldsmiths utilised yellow gold, 18ct white gold, and platinum as the structural foundations for these ribbon motifs. Platinum emerged strongly in Edwardian workshops for its strength and bright finish, allowing for exceptionally fine wirework.
Master jewellers set diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and paste glass into the metal frameworks using claw and bezel settings. Natural pearls, seed pearls, and pink tourmalines frequently supplemented the precious stones to add colour and texture.
Antique Bow Necklace Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for bow necklace among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature Edwardian, Victorian, and mid-century pieces created in platinum, 18ct white gold, silver, and yellow gold.
What varies in quality
The standard of an antique bow necklace rests on the precision of the metalwork and the quality of the stone setting. Finer examples display fluid, life-like ribbon loops with secure, well-matched gem groupings.
Materials dictate the upper tier, with platinum and natural diamond pieces standing apart from paste glass and silver-gilt alternatives. Original boxes and named makers further elevate a piece within its category.
Eduard Foehr
The Antique Bow Necklace Glossary
- Edwardian
- A stylistic period spanning the reign of King Edward VII, noted for delicate platinum work and diamond-set garlands. Pieces from this era often feature light, airy openwork.
- Victorian
- Spanning the reign of Queen Victoria, this period produced heavier gold jewellery including mourning lockets and rich-hued gemstone pendants. Designs from this time lean towards solid sentimentality.
- Paste glass
- Hand-cut and polished glass used as a substitute for gemstones in antique jewellery. High-grade paste demonstrates considerable brilliance and careful foil-backing.
- Platinum
- A dense, silvery-white precious metal prized in Edwardian jewellery for its ability to hold delicate stone settings securely. Its strength permitted the creation of lace-like metal ribbons.
- Lavalier
- A pendant necklace featuring a suspended gemstone or drop hanging from a smaller centrepiece. This style gained immense popularity during the Edwardian and Belle Epoque eras.
Antique Bow Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these necklaces come from?
The pieces span multiple eras, with a strong representation from the Edwardian period alongside Victorian and mid-century examples.
Each era brings distinct materials, from heavy yellow gold in the Victorian age to platinum and diamonds in the Edwardian years.
How do I care for antique jewellery?
Store your necklace separately in a lined box to prevent scratching between delicate platinum or gold links. Avoid exposing pearls and soft gemstones to harsh chemical cleaners or ultrasonic baths.
Gentle cleaning with a soft cloth keeps the metal and stones bright without disturbing delicate settings.
What stones are used in these pieces?
Common gemstones include diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and natural pearls set into precious metals. Paste glass also appears in older pieces as a bright, decorative alternative.
Tourmalines and seed pearls frequently add soft colour accents to Edwardian designs.
Are original boxes common?
Original fitted boxes occasionally accompany specific pieces, preserving the necklace alongside the maker's details.
Such boxes provide provenance and safe storage for the item.