How do I date an Edwardian pendant?

Edwardian pieces typically date around nineteen-ten, often showcasing platinum or white gold combined with delicate millgrain decoration and pearls. Look for light, openwork metal designs that echo lace patterns typical of the period before heavier Art Deco geometries took hold.

What metals are common in these pieces?

Listings feature various grades of gold, including nine-carat, fourteen-carat, fifteen-carat, and eighteen-carat yellow and white gold, alongside platinum. Platinum gains prominence in the Edwardian era for its strength, allowing jewellers to create airy, lace-like settings for diamonds and aquamarines.

How do I care for antique gemstone pendants?

Protect soft gems like pearls and opals from chemicals, perfumes, and ultrasonic cleaning machines. Use a soft damp cloth for gentle wiping. Store pieces individually in padded boxes to prevent scratching between harder stones like diamonds and softer varieties like amethysts.

What is a drop pendant necklace?

A drop pendant suspends a primary gemstone or decorative element below the main chain attachment point. This creates gentle movement when worn. Many examples on this page feature articulated joints that allow the pear cut stone to swing independently from the bale.