Antique Zircon Jewellery
Antique zircon jewellery brings together brilliant natural stones and precious metals in rings, brooches and pendants designed to catch the light.
Antique Zircon Jewellery
Antique zircon jewellery comprises rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches and pendant necklaces set with natural stones in gold and platinum. When you search for antique zircon jewellery, you meet pieces ranging from delicate Edwardian mounts to bold Art Deco clusters.
How they were made
Goldsmiths and platinumsmiths set these stones into mounts of nine carat gold, fifteen carat gold, eighteen carat gold, and platinum. Cushion cut, round cut and other faceted stones are secured using traditional claw and collet settings.
Art Deco and Edwardian designs incorporate delicate millegrain edges, platinum work and subsidiary diamond accents to frame the central coloured zircon.
Antique Zircon Jewellery Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for zircon jewellery 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.
Periods represented on this page range from the Edwardian era through the nineteen twenties, thirties, forties, fifties and sixties.
What varies in quality
The calibre of these pieces depends upon the weight and optical clarity of the central stone, alongside the finesse of the metalwork. Substantial carat weights in high zircon pieces combined with platinum or higher carat gold mounts separate finer examples from lighter nine carat alternatives.
The structural integrity of the claw settings and the balanced integration of accompanying diamond clusters dictate the overall standard of craftsmanship.
The Antique Zircon Jewellery Glossary
- Zircon
- A natural gemstone occurring in blue, green, white and other shades, prized for its high refractive index and strong dispersion which creates exceptional brilliance. It is a distinct natural mineral rather than a synthetic imitation.
- Toi et Moi
- A French term meaning you and me, describing a ring featuring two main gemstones set side by side in close proximity. This romantic configuration appears in Edwardian and period pieces.
- Cluster ring
- A ring design featuring a central prominent gemstone surrounded by a border of smaller stones, typically diamonds. This arrangement maximises visual impact and light reflection.
- Millegrain
- A decorative jewellery technique involving a line of tiny raised metal beads along the edges of a setting. This subtle detail defines Edwardian and Art Deco aesthetics.
Antique Zircon Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
What is natural zircon?
Natural zircon is a genuine Earth-mined gemstone that occurs in various colours including vivid blue, green and white. It possesses a high refractive index that gives it exceptional sparkle and fire.
Unlike synthetic cubic zirconia, which is man-made, natural zircon has a long history of use in fine jewellery spanning the Edwardian and Art Deco periods.
How do I care for antique zircon jewellery?
These pieces require gentle handling due to their age and the delicate nature of their precious metal settings. Clean them using a soft brush with warm soapy water, avoiding harsh ultrasonic cleaners or chemical dips.
Store rings, earrings and brooches separately in lined boxes to prevent the stones from scratching each other or the metalwork.
Are these pieces suitable for daily wear?
Many of these rings and pendants can be worn regularly provided they receive appropriate care and periodic checks by a jeweller. Edwardian and Art Deco mounts with fine claws benefit from gentle treatment.
Brooches and delicate drop earrings suit occasional wear to preserve their original antique settings and secure clasps.
How can I tell an Edwardian piece from an Art Deco one?
Edwardian items often feature delicate platinum work, floral motifs, softer curves and intricate millegrain detailing. They project an air of graceful lightness.
Art Deco designs introduce stronger geometric shapes, symmetrical layouts and bolder colour contrasts between the central zircon and surrounding diamonds.