Edwardian Purple Gemstone Necklace
An Edwardian purple gemstone necklace brings together deep violet amethysts and delicate gold work, offering a wearable piece of early twentieth century design.
Edwardian Purple Gemstone Necklace
An edwardian purple gemstone necklace centres on amethyst stones set in yellow gold, silver, or platinum, often taking the form of pendants, lavaliers, and drop necklaces. These pieces reflect the aesthetic preferences of the early 1900s, drawing heavily from Edwardian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Arts and Crafts styles.
Buyers will most frequently encounter delicate gold chains holding openwork pendants embellished with seed pearls alongside the central purple stone. The metalwork ranges from standard 9ct and 15ct gold to higher purity 18ct gold, frequently accompanied by supporting diamonds, tourmalines, or coral.
The silhouettes vary from simple heart shapes and insect motifs to elaborate foliate drops and festoon arrangements. Dating typically spans the late nineteenth century through to the 1920s, capturing a period of refined craftsmanship.
Materials and Construction
Goldsmiths and jewellers utilised a combination of cast and hand-wrought gold, silver, and occasionally platinum to form the structural mounts and chains. Amethyst served as the principal purple gemstone, complemented by tiny seed pearls wired or pasted into intricate floral and geometric patterns.
Techniques such as plique-à-jour enamel and openwork wire framing appeared in Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts examples, allowing light to pass through the coloured stones. Settings relied on standard claw mounts or fine bezel work to secure old cut diamonds and central amethysts safely.
Edwardian Purple Gemstone Necklace Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian purple gemstone necklace 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.
Among the delicate floral motifs sits an unexpected insect fly charm pendant waiting to catch an unsuspecting eye.
Judging Quality
The distinction between tiers rests upon the depth of colour in the amethyst and the complexity of the surrounding metalwork. Pieces featuring higher gold purities, such as 15ct or 18ct, alongside well-matched seed pearls and old cut diamonds command greater appreciation.
Structural integrity of delicate elements, such as dangling drops and fine chain links, marks the standard of survival and original craftsmanship. Hand-finished details in Art Nouveau whiplash lines or Arts and Crafts hammering further elevate the refinement of the piece.
S. Blanckensee and Son·Hamilton and Co
The Edwardian Purple Gemstone Necklace Glossary
- Lavalier
- A pendant necklace featuring a central gemstone with one or more smaller stones or drops suspended loosely below it.
- Seed pearl
- A very small, naturally formed pearl, often drilled and threaded onto fine wire to accent floral and foliate gold designs.
- Plique-à-jour
- An enamelling technique where translucent enamel is fired in open metal cells without a backing, resembling miniature stained glass.
- Festoon necklace
- A decorative necklace style featuring draped chains or swags of beads and pendants that sit across the collarbone.
- Old cut diamond
- A hand-faceted diamond cut popular before modern machine methods, characterised by a smaller table and a higher crown.
Edwardian Purple Gemstone Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I style an antique necklace?
These necklaces suit contemporary necklines by adding a touch of historical colour and delicate metalwork to everyday attire. Pairing them with simple garments allows the intricate gold wirework and purple hues to remain the focal point.
Care should be taken when layering with other chains to avoid tangling the delicate seed pearl drops or delicate pendant Bails.
How do I tell an Edwardian piece from a Victorian one?
Edwardian jewellery generally favours lighter, airier platinum and high-carat gold mountings with lace-like openwork, whereas Victorian pieces often display heavier, more substantial yellow gold settings. The presence of specific motifs like bows and garlands leans towards the Edwardian period.
Stylistic overlaps occur frequently because these eras flowed continuously into one another without abrupt changes in workshop practices.
Are these necklaces fragile?
The delicate nature of seed pearls and fine gold chain links requires gentle handling during wear and storage. Amethyst is a durable quartz, but the tiny settings holding accent stones need periodic checking by a professional jeweller.
Storing each piece in an individual box prevents the chains from knotting and protects the softer pearls from surface abrasion.