Edwardian Turquoise Drop
An Edwardian turquoise drop brings together vibrant blue cabochons and delicate gold or silver settings, offering a quintessential piece of early twentieth-century craftsmanship.
Edwardian Turquoise Drop
When you search for an Edwardian turquoise drop, you encounter a selection of pendants, earrings, necklaces, and brooches that span the Edwardian era, alongside complementary Victorian and Arts and Crafts examples. These pieces typically showcase vibrant turquoise stones paired with pearls, enamel, or additional gems in delicate drop formations.
You are most likely to meet pendant necklaces and drop earrings featuring bright turquoise cabochons or matrix turquoise set in nine-carat gold, rose gold, or silver. The forms range from floral clusters and flowing Art Nouveau contours to geometric Arts and Crafts designs.
The materials reflect a blend of traditional precious metals and gemstones, with gold, silver, and cultured pearls frequently accompanying the turquoise centrepieces. Each item captures the characteristic lightness and decorative charm associated with jewellery from the turn of the twentieth century.
Crafting the drops
Goldsmiths and silversmiths shaped these pieces using nine-carat gold, rose gold, and silver, often hand-working the metal into flowing wirework or secure bezel settings. The integration of enamel adds vivid colour contrast, particularly in Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau designs.
Turquoise stones, including matrix turquoise, were cut into cabochons and drops, then combined with seed pearls or blister pearls to create tiered or dangling arrangements. These elements were soldered onto articulated links to allow gentle movement when worn.
Edwardian Turquoise Drop Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian turquoise drop 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 drops swing with such cheerful abandon they practically demand an invitation to a tea dance.
Distinguishing quality in drops
The standard of execution lies in the finesse of the metalwork, the symmetry of the drop configuration, and the saturation and matrix patterns of the turquoise stones. Superior pieces display crisp hand-craftsmanship in the settings and secure, well-integrated articulation between the dangling elements.
Workshops achieved distinction through thoughtful pairing of turquoise with complementary gems like pearls and blue topaz, alongside careful enamelling. The longevity of the piece depends on the structural integrity of the suspension loops and the secure mounting of each stone.
Deakin & Francis·Dorrie Nossiter·Liberty & Co
The Edwardian Turquoise Drop Glossary
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, rounded surface rather than faceted. This cut highlights the natural colour and matrix patterns of turquoise.
- Matrix turquoise
- Turquoise that retains web-like host rock material running through the stone. This creates unique, natural patterns within the blue gem.
- Negligee necklace
- A symmetrical or asymmetrical pendant necklace featuring two drops suspended at different lengths. This style gained popularity during the Edwardian and Arts and Crafts periods.
- Parure
- A matching set of jewellery designed to be worn together, typically including earrings, a necklace, and a ring or brooch. Such sets demonstrate cohesive design across multiple pieces.
- Blister pearl
- A pearl that has grown attached to the inside shell of an oyster, resulting in a domed shape with a hollow or flat back. These were frequently utilised in Arts and Crafts pendants.
Edwardian Turquoise Drop: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear a drop necklace?
These pendant necklaces sit well against the collarbone, often suspended from delicate gold or silver chains that highlight the dangling elements.
Pairing them with simple necklines allows the intricate metalwork and turquoise drops to remain the focal point of an outfit.
What is matrix turquoise?
Matrix turquoise contains visible remnants of the host rock, which appear as dark webbing or veins across the bright blue stone.
This natural characteristic adds depth and individuality to each cabochon used in Edwardian and Arts and Crafts jewellery.
How do I care for turquoise jewellery?
Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous gemstone that can absorb oils, cosmetics, and moisture over time.
Clean these pieces gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or prolonged direct sunlight.
Are these pieces purely Edwardian?
While many items date directly to the Edwardian era, the selection also encompasses late Victorian pieces and early twentieth-century Arts and Crafts designs.
Stylistic overlaps between Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Nouveau periods often mean pieces share aesthetic traits across adjacent decades.