Edwardian Silver Paste Jewellery
Edwardian silver paste jewellery brings together bright hand-cut stones and delicate metalwork to create brilliant sparkle.
Edwardian Silver Paste Jewellery
Edwardian silver paste jewellery encompasses items designed to imitate fine diamond and gemstone pieces using high-refractive glass set in precious metal. You will frequently find drop earrings, pendants, necklaces, and brooches spanning the Edwardian and Victorian eras.
The assortment includes pieces utilising sterling silver alongside gold accents, featuring popular motifs such as bows, hearts, stars, and floral drops. Many designs employ screwback mechanisms or delicate filigree work characteristic of the period.
How they were made
Craftsmen utilised sterling silver and gold, often combining both metals in a single mounting to hold hand-faceted glass paste stones. These glass stones were carefully cut, including old cut and baguette styles, to catch the light similarly to mined gems.
Settings frequently incorporated intricate filigree wirework, enamel details, and specialised mounts for faux pearls or opals. Screwback fittings and secure pin stems were constructed by hand to attach safely to garments or ears.
Edwardian Silver Paste Jewellery Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian silver paste 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.
Some lockets hide tiny glass shakers inside bows, ready to hold a secret pinch of scented powder.
What varies in quality
Quality differences depend largely on the precision of the stone cutting and the complexity of the metal setting. Pieces that display crisp hand-faceted paste and secure prong work demonstrate superior manufacturing standards.
The integration of secondary materials like gold highlights, enamel, or genuine opals alters the character of individual items. Heavier silver gauge and finer filigree work separate simpler production from more elaborate artisan output.
Knoll And Pregizer
The Edwardian Silver Paste Jewellery Glossary
- Paste
- Hand-cut and polished glass designed to imitate diamonds and coloured gemstones. It reflects light brightly when shaped by a skilled cutter.
- Screwback
- An early mechanical earring finding that uses a threaded screw to secure the piece onto an unpierced earlobe. This fitting appears frequently on period earrings.
- Filigree
- Delicate openwork created by twisting and soldering fine silver or gold threads into intricate patterns. It gives lightweight structure to brooches and pendants.
- Old Cut
- A hand-faceted gemstone or paste stone shape featuring a small table and deep proportions typical of older lapidary work. It produces a softer, chunky sparkle under candlelight.
- Lavalier
- A necklace featuring a pendant that dangles freely from a central point or chain drop. These pieces often incorporate floral or ribbon motifs.
Edwardian Silver Paste Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
What is paste jewellery?
Paste jewellery consists of handcrafted glass items shaped and polished to imitate fine gemstones and diamonds. Makers set these brilliant glass stones into silver and gold mounts to achieve high-end looks.
During the Edwardian and Victorian periods, this work was treated as a respected art form rather than a mere imitation. The pieces were worn extensively for evening events.
How do I clean silver paste items?
Clean silver paste items using a soft dry cloth to remove surface dust and oils. Avoid submerging older paste jewellery in liquid cleaners, as moisture can seep behind the stones and discolour the foil backs.
Gentle care preserves both the silver finish and the delicate glass settings. Professional advice should be sought for pieces with glued elements or enamel.
Are these earrings for pierced ears?
Many period earrings utilise screwback findings designed specifically for unpierced earlobes. These adjustable mechanisms allowed wearers to secure the drop earrings comfortably without modern post fittings.
Other examples feature traditional hook or post designs depending on the exact workshop origin and date. Checking the listing details reveals the specific fastening used.
How do I date an Edwardian piece?
Dating these items involves examining the metal types, stone cutting styles, and manufacturing techniques used in the mount. Edwardian pieces often feature bright silver settings paired with old cut paste and light floral or ribbon motifs.
Earlier Victorian examples may display heavier silver filigree or different gemstone colour combinations like citrine and emerald paste. Comparing the construction methods helps distinguish between the overlapping eras.