Edwardian Style Necklace
When you search for an edwardian style necklace, you enter a world of delicate gold work, pearls and vibrant gems spanning the turn of the twentieth century.
Edwardian Style Necklace
An edwardian style necklace encompasses delicate pendants and drop designs rooted in the aesthetic vocabulary of the early twentieth century. Pieces matching this search phrase draw heavily on genuine Edwardian, Victorian and Arts and Crafts origins, alongside later revivals from the mid twentieth century.
The selection ranges from authentic antique specimens originating around nineteen hundred to later interpretations that mirror the characteristic grace and lightness of the period.
How they were made
Jewellers utilised combinations of silver and gold, frequently mounting stones in yellow or rose gold settings whilst employing platinum or silver for diamond clusters to enhance brilliance. Seed pearls and larger pearls were meticulously drilled and strung or pinned into intricate garland motifs.
Handwork defined the construction, seen in chased metal borders, closed-back foil settings for pastes, and delicate enamel work applied to silver and gold frameworks. Goldsmiths and silversmiths integrated naturalistic motifs like bows, insects and floral drops using traditional soldering and piercing techniques.
Listings feature periods spanning the nineteenth century through the nineteen thirties, encompassing Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco aesthetics.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the fineness of the metalwork and the originality of the stones, distinguishing standard commercial production from master workshops. Superior examples exhibit crisp detail in chased foliage, secure stone settings, and balanced proportions in festoon or lavalier drops.
The integration of maker provenance, such as work associated with Liberty and Co or known designers, elevates a piece significantly beyond unsigned contemporary equivalents. The condition of delicate elements like seed pearls and enamel also dictates the standing of an item within the range.
Murrle Bennett·Archibald Knox·Liberty and Co·WH Haseler·Dorrie Nossiter·Theodor Fahrner·Hamilton and Co
The Edwardian Style Necklace Glossary
- Lavalier
- A pendant necklace featuring a central drop motif suspended from a chain, popular during the Edwardian and Arts and Crafts periods.
- Seed pearl
- Very small, naturally occurring or saltwater pearls drilled and utilised in clusters or intricate floral patterns characteristic of early jewellery.
- Garland style
- An Edwardian design motif mimicking looped ribbons, swags of flowers, and lace-like arrangements rendered in platinum or gold.
- Paste
- Hand-cut glass used historically as a gemstone substitute, valued for its own decorative merit in antique paste silver jewellery.
- Festoon necklace
- A necklace featuring draped chains or swags of linked components that sit across the upper chest.
Edwardian Style Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How were these necklaces worn originally?
Original pieces were worn as sophisticated evening or day adornments, sitting high on the collarbone or cascading lower in lavalier and festoon formats.
They complemented the high collars and softer silhouettes fashionable during the Edwardian era.
Are these necklaces made of solid gold?
Many examples utilise solid gold, ranging from nine carat and fifteen carat yellow or rose gold up to eighteen carat white gold.
Some pieces also combine gold with silver settings on the face to highlight diamonds and other stones effectively.
How do I care for antique pearl jewellery?
Pearl components require gentle handling, keeping them away from harsh chemicals, perfumes and ultrasonic cleaners.
Stitched seed pearl arrangements benefit from periodic inspection and restringing to maintain the integrity of the silk or thread.