Edwardian Heart Pendant
An edwardian heart pendant offers a romantic motif executed in precious metals, seed pearls and fine diamonds.
Edwardian Heart Pendant
An edwardian heart pendant embodies the sentimental jewellery tastes of the early twentieth century, taking the form of hollow puff hearts, hinged lockets, and gem-set drop pendants. These pieces frequently incorporate motifs like bows, clover leaves, and twin hearts symbolising affection.
The selections span delicate 9ct and 15ct yellow or rose gold alongside high carat 18ct mountings and platinum settings. Alongside genuine Edwardian creations, you will encounter Victorian survivals and later reinterpretations sharing the characteristic heart shape.
Materials and Technique
Goldsmiths constructed these items using cast and stamped gold components, incorporating hand-set old cut diamonds, seed pearls, and cabochon turquoise. Enamel work, notably guilloche and coloured vitreous enamel, provides vibrant surface decoration across gold and silver foundations.
Pendants often feature delicate millegrain edges and pierced openwork mounts that secure gemstones without heavy claws. Hinging mechanisms allow many heart designs to function simultaneously as lockets or opening padlock charms.
Edwardian Heart Pendant Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian heart 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.
Some lockets contain secret compartments intended to hold tiny locks of hair or miniature painted portraits of secret admirers.
Craftsmanship and Materials
The distinction between standard commercial pieces and exceptional examples rests upon the quality of the selected gemstones and the intricacy of the metalwork. Pieces set with finely matched natural pearls, clean old cut diamonds, or translucent enamel command greater attention than simple stamped gold shells.
Maker attribution elevates certain works significantly, particularly when associated with renowned workshops of the period. The weight of the gold and the precision of the piercing and engraving further determine the standing of each item.
Deakin & Francis·Arthur & Georgie Gaskin·Charles Horner
The Edwardian Heart Pendant Glossary
- Guilloche enamel
- A decorative technique where engine-turned patterns are covered with translucent coloured enamel. This method creates a shimmering background effect beneath light.
- Seed pearl
- A very small natural or saltwater pearl, typically under two millimetres in diameter. These tiny pearls are often clustered tightly to outline shapes or form floral clusters.
- Old cut diamond
- A hand-faceted diamond cut before modern brilliant proportions were standardised in the early twentieth century. These stones feature smaller tables and larger culets that catch candlelight warmly.
- Witches heart
- A heart pendant shape featuring a twisted tail curving to one side, historically given as a betrothal token. The design originates from traditional Scottish lucky love tokens.
- Millegrain
- A technique involving a row of tiny metal beads along the edges of a setting. This decorative border softens the transition between metal and gemstone.
Edwardian Heart Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my antique heart pendant?
Store your pendant separately in a soft pouch to prevent scratching against other jewellery. Avoid exposing pearl and enamel pieces to harsh chemical cleaners or ultrasonic baths.
Clean gently using a soft, damp cloth and dry thoroughly after wearing. Regular checks by a jeweller will ensure delicate claw settings and hinges remain secure.
Were these pendants worn on chains or ribbons?
Edwardian pendants were suspended from fine gold chains, fabric ribbons, or matching link necklaces depending on the formality of the dress. Many surviving pieces retain their original integrated loops or bails designed for slender neck chains.
Longer lavaliere styles often hung lower on the chest, while shorter drops sat close to the collarbone. Interchangeable chains allowed wearers to adapt the length to suit the neckline of their garments.
What is a puff heart pendant?
A puff heart is a hollow, three-dimensional pendant formed from two convex metal stamped halves joined at a central seam. This construction made pieces lightweight and affordable while maintaining a bold, rounded visual presence.
Many puff hearts also function as opening lockets or charms designed to hold small photographs or locks of hair. Their hollow nature means they require gentle handling to avoid denting the thin gold or silver walls.
How can I distinguish Edwardian from Victorian pieces?
Edwardian jewellery generally favours lighter, more delicate settings in platinum and yellow gold, often employing white metals to maximise diamond sparkle. Motifs tend toward airy garlands, bows, and lace-like openwork inspired by the eighteenth century.
Victorian pieces frequently display heavier, warmer gold tones with substantial bezels, dark gemstones, and denser sentimental symbolism. Overlaps do occur during transitional years, making hallmark dates and maker marks crucial for precise dating.