Edwardian Silver Drop Pendant
These pieces of edwardian silver drop pendant combine openwork frames with swinging gemstones to catch the light.
Edwardian Silver Drop Pendant
An edwardian silver drop pendant hangs from a chain or collar, placing a central stone or enamel plaque below the neckline. The pieces seen here span the Edwardian period alongside late Victorian and early twentieth century work, incorporating related forms like lavalieres and festoons.
The format extends beyond solitary drops to include fringe necklaces, parures and convertible pendant brooches. Scale and complexity vary from simple silver teardrops to multi-stone drop arrangements.
How they were made
Silversmiths constructed mounts in sterling silver, often backed or combined with gold and platinum for strength. Stones were secured using traditional hand-cut settings, including old cut diamonds and foil-backed pastes.
Enamelling techniques ranged from opaque blue fields to translucent plique-a-jour, which allows light to pass through the coloured glass without a backing foil. Artisans linked components with articulated jump rings to create natural movement in drop sections.
Edwardian Silver Drop Pendant Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian silver drop 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.
Several makers hid tiny model numbers inside their silver frames like secret catalogue codes.
What varies in quality
Design integrity and attribution separate standard production from masterwork pieces. Items bearing documented workshop marks or designer signatures command distinct interest compared to unassigned equivalents.
The purity of gemstone selection and the finesse of metal piercing dictate overall distinction. Intricate piercework, undamaged enamel panels and well-matched natural pearls indicate superior craftsmanship.
Archibald Knox·Liberty and Co·Murrle Bennett·Dorrie Nossiter·John Paul Cooper·Charles Horner·Eduard Loss·Amy Sandheim
The Edwardian Silver Drop Pendant Glossary
- Lavalier
- A pendant featuring a primary drop suspended from a shorter secondary chain or bar. This style gained popularity during the Edwardian era.
- Plique-à-jour
- An enamelling technique resembling miniature stained glass where enamel is fired without a backing metal. It creates translucent cells of colour.
- Festoon
- A necklace design featuring draped chains, swags or bead strands hanging in curves across the chest. These often incorporate central drop pendants.
- Old Cut
- A hand-faceted diamond cut predating modern brilliant standards. Stones feature smaller tables, higher crowns and open culets.
- Paste
- Hand-cut and polished lead glass used as a gemstone substitute in antique jewellery. High quality paste exhibits convincing depth and sparkle.
Edwardian Silver Drop Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean an antique silver pendant?
Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently polish the exterior metal without applying pressure to fragile enamel or softer gems.
Avoid liquid chemical dips entirely, as harsh solutions damage stones like opals, pearls and foiled pastes.
Are these pendants supplied with original chains?
Many items survive with contemporary period chains, while others are paired with matched antique silver links.
Listings specify chain length and whether the chain or collar is original to the pendant.
Can I wear an Edwardian pendant every day?
These delicate pieces benefit from careful handling during daily wear, particularly items featuring swinging drops and pearls.
Remove jewellery before sleeping or swimming to protect fragile silver settings and vintage stones.
How do I distinguish Edwardian from Victorian pieces?
Edwardian designs generally showcase lighter platinum and silver mountings with airy openwork motifs and diamond or pearl accents.
Victorian works tend to display heavier gold construction, solid engraved surfaces and darker gemstone palettes.