Edwardian Silver Earrings
Edwardian silver earrings bring delicate sparkle to the ear, blending precious gems with fine metalwork from the early twentieth century.
Edwardian Silver Earrings
Edwardian silver earrings encompass delicate drop designs and cluster forms created during the early twentieth century and neighbouring periods. You are most likely to encounter silver paired with gold backings, alongside platinum settings holding old cut diamonds, paste glass, or pearls.
The selection ranges from distinct Edwardian drop earrings and jewellery sets to transitional pieces reflecting Victorian and Art Deco influences. These jewels combine silver mounts with stones such as aquamarine, turquoise matrix, citrine, and moonstone.
Many examples utilise screwback fittings or hook wires designed for pierced ears, demonstrating the fastener types typical of the era. Makers frequently integrated foliate motifs and geometric shapes into these compact ornaments.
How they were made
The construction relies on silver front mounts combined with gold, often fifteen carat or nine carat, or platinum to provide structural strength and prevent tarnishing against the skin. Jewellers set old cut diamonds, paste glass, and coloured gems into detailed pavé or bezel arrangements.
Techniques involve delicate piercing work, millegrain edges, and enamel detailing alongside rock crystal and marcasite embellishments. Metal components are shaped into teardrops, dangles, and circles using period hand tools.
Edwardian Silver Earrings Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian silver earrings 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 Edwardian era, the Victorian period, and Art Deco, incorporating silver, platinum, fifteen carat gold, and nine carat gold.
What varies in quality
Quality depends upon the fineness of the metalwork and the precision of the stone settings, particularly in how securely diamonds and paste glass are mounted within the silver and gold. Finer examples display crisp piercing, even millegrain work, and well-matched natural pearls or gemstones.
The sophistication of the design dictates the distinction between standard production pieces and exceptional work, such as those featuring signed maker mounts or complex enamel and rock crystal assemblies.
Knoll & Pregizer
The Edwardian Silver Earrings Glossary
- Old cut diamond
- A diamond cut popular before the modern brilliant style, featuring a smaller table and higher crown that produces a softer, candlelit sparkle. These stones define the period.
- Screwback
- A mechanical earring fitting using a threaded post and screw mechanism to secure the ornament on non-pierced lobes.
- Parure
- A matching set of jewellery, such as earrings, a necklace, and a ring, designed to be worn together.
- Millegrain
- A decorative technique involving a row of tiny metal beads along the edges of a setting, characteristic of Edwardian design.
Edwardian Silver Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions
Are these earrings for pierced ears?
Many examples on this page are specifically noted for pierced ears, while others utilise screwback mechanisms suited for non-pierced lobes. Buyers should check individual descriptions for the specific fastening type.
Conversion from screwbacks to posts is sometimes possible, though original configurations are generally preserved by collectors.
How do I care for antique silver and paste?
Silver mounts require gentle cleaning with a soft cloth to maintain their natural lustre without removing the aged patina. Moisture should be kept away from paste glass and foiled backs to prevent clouding.
Storage in dry, individual compartments protects delicate drop settings and pearls from surface scratches.
What defines the Edwardian style?
Edwardian style is characterised by lightness, grace, and intricate metalwork that often mimics lace or floral garlands. Platinum and silver dominate the palette to create a bright, white backdrop for diamonds and pearls.
This aesthetic follows heavy Victorian designs and precedes the geometric boldness of Art Deco.
Can I wear these every day?
Antique earrings require considerate wear due to their delicate construction and age, particularly pieces featuring paste glass or delicate screw fittings. Storing them safely when not in use helps preserve their original condition.
Occasional wear ensures these historic ornaments remain intact for future generations.