Diamond Ribbon Pendant
A diamond ribbon pendant is a graceful piece of antique and vintage jewellery designed to mimic a tied bow, highly sought after for its delicate sparkle and intricate metalwork.
Diamond Ribbon Pendant
A diamond ribbon pendant takes the form of a tied bow or knot, translating soft fabric into enduring precious materials. When people search for a diamond ribbon pendant, they usually encounter Edwardian pieces made with platinum and gold, alongside a few Victorian examples and mid-century items.
The selection on this page includes convertible pieces that function as both pendants and brooches, as well as necklaces and drop earrings sharing the same bow motif. These ornaments range from the delicate openwork of the Edwardian era to simpler modern designs.
While most examples date from the Edwardian period or around 1880, the inventory also spans Victorian mourning pieces and 1960s gold creations. The primary focus remains on the bow or ribbon shape executed in precious metals and set with diamonds.
How they were made
Craftsmen utilised platinum, 18ct gold, silver gilt, and yellow gold as foundations for these delicate ribbon and bow designs. The arrival of platinum during the Edwardian period allowed jewellers to create exceptionally fine yet strong settings that held stones securely without heavy metal bulk.
Diamonds are paired with coloured gemstones such as natural rubies and sapphires, alongside pearls, onyx, and rose cut diamonds. Metals were often combined, such as 18ct white gold or platinum layered over yellow gold, to enhance the visual contrast of the stones.
Diamond Ribbon Pendant Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for diamond ribbon pendant 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.
What varies in quality
Quality in a diamond ribbon pendant depends on the lightness and fluidity of the metalwork, distinguishing stiff castings from pieces that genuinely capture the supple folds of fabric. Master jewellers achieved a lace-like delicacy in platinum that lesser workshops could not replicate.
The choice and integration of secondary stones, such as natural rubies, sapphires, or pearls alongside the diamonds, dictate the visual depth of the piece. Superior examples display harmonious stone proportions that follow the natural curves of the ribbon rather than overpowering the design.
The Diamond Ribbon Pendant Glossary
- Bow pendant
- A pendant fashioned in the shape of a tied ribbon or bow. This form enjoyed immense popularity during the Edwardian era.
- Platinum
- A dense, strong white metal that became widely used in fine jewellery around the beginning of the twentieth century. Its strength permitted intricate, needle-thin wirework.
- Rose cut diamond
- An antique diamond cut featuring a flat base and a domed crown with triangular facets. This cut produces a softer, broader reflection than modern brilliant cuts.
- Silver gilt
- Silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold. This technique was frequently utilised in older pieces to provide a warm golden surface above a silver base.
- Pendant and brooch
- A versatile piece of jewellery fitted with both a loop for a chain and a pin fastening at the back. This dual function allowed the ornament to be worn on clothing or around the neck.
Diamond Ribbon Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diamond ribbon pendant?
A diamond ribbon pendant is a piece of jewellery shaped like a tied bow, combining precious metals with set diamonds.
These items often date from the Edwardian period or the late nineteenth century and were designed to resemble fabric ribbons.
What materials are used in these pieces?
These pieces incorporate platinum, 18ct gold, white gold, silver gilt, and yellow gold.
They are frequently set with diamonds alongside coloured stones like sapphires, rubies, and natural pearls.
How do I identify an Edwardian bow pendant?
Edwardian bow pendants typically utilise platinum-topped gold or fine platinum wirework to achieve a light, lace-like aesthetic.
They often feature old cut diamonds combined with small rubies, sapphires, or pearls in intricate garland styles.