Edwardian Beaded Jewellery
Edwardian beaded jewellery brings together delicate gold chains, glass, amber, coral and turquoise from the early twentieth century.
Edwardian Beaded Jewellery
Edwardian beaded jewellery encompasses wearable pieces from the Edwardian era, alongside related 19th century and Victorian items, taking forms such as necklaces, guard chains, bracelets, bangles, lockets and drop earrings.
Buyers seeking edwardian beaded jewellery will most frequently encounter gold chains and pendant necklaces set with beads of glass, amber, coral or turquoise.
How they were made
Makers utilised 9ct and 15ct gold alongside silver and silver gilt to construct the structural mounts, settings, chains and clasps of these pieces.
Natural materials such as coral, amber and turquoise were shaped into beads and cabochons, while glass and seed pearls were incorporated to add colour and texture.
Edwardian Beaded Jewellery Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian beaded 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.
Listings span the Victorian and Edwardian eras, extending into the mid-twentieth century.
What varies in quality
The choice of metal purity, from silver and silver gilt up to 9ct and 15ct gold, sets the foundational standard for a piece.
The use of natural organic materials like coral, amber and turquoise compared to glass beads distinguishes the scale of refinement across the range.
The Edwardian Beaded Jewellery Glossary
- Guard chain
- A long chain traditionally worn around the neck to secure a pocket watch or locket, often measuring sixty inches or more in length.
- Screwback earrings
- A type of earring fastening that uses a threaded screw mechanism on the back rather than a post or clip, common in older jewellery.
- Locket pendant
- A hinged metal pendant designed to open and enclose a small photograph or keepsake, often suspended from a matching chain.
- Silver gilt
- Sterling silver that has been coated with a thin layer of gold to give the appearance of solid gold metalwork.
Edwardian Beaded Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
What is edwardian beaded jewellery?
Edwardian beaded jewellery comprises decorative personal ornaments made during the early twentieth century, incorporating materials like gold, amber, coral and glass.
These items include long guard chains, necklaces, bangles and earrings designed for daily wear.
How do I wear a long guard chain?
Guard chains are long enough to be doubled or tripled around the neck depending on the desired length and look.
They can also be paired with a locket pendant suspended from the centre.
Are these pieces made of solid gold?
Many items in this category are constructed from solid 9ct or 15ct yellow and rose gold, whilst others utilise silver or silver gilt.
Each piece is marked according to the specific metal composition used by the maker.
What materials are used in these necklaces?
The necklaces and chains combine precious metals with natural materials such as coral, turquoise and amber, alongside glass beads.
Seed pearls and gemstones like garnets also appear as decorative accents.