Edwardian Turquoise Pendant
An edwardian turquoise pendant brings together vibrant blue stones and delicate gold or silver work in a classic turn-of-the-century jewel.
Edwardian Turquoise Pendant
When searching for an edwardian turquoise pendant, buyers encounter delicate drops and necklaces shaped by the aesthetics of the early twentieth century. The pieces visible here span Edwardian, Victorian, and Arts and Crafts origins, with Edwardian examples forming the core of the selection.
Most items take the form of pendants, necklaces, lavalieres, and heart-shaped lockets suspended from fine chains. Alongside pure Edwardian designs, the inventory holds pieces reflecting overlapping periods such as the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.
Makers and designers from the period utilise characteristic motifs including bows, forget-me-nots, and matrices of natural stone. These forms showcase the lighter, airier metalwork that replaced heavier Victorian styles.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard pieces and finer examples rests on the weight and purity of the gold, alongside the complexity of the metalwork. Pieces fashioned from higher carat 15ct gold or carrying documented workshop signatures command greater attention.
Stone selection also dictates the grade of the jewel, with uniform colour, intact matrix patterns, and the integration of supplementary pearls or diamonds elevating the piece. The finesse of the pierced work and the preservation of any enamel details complete the assessment.
Several lockets have survived with their tiny glass-covered compartments empty, waiting a century for someone new to tuck inside.
Deakin and Francis·The Gaskins·Henry Matthews·Dorrie Nossiter·Liberty and Co
The Edwardian Turquoise Pendant Glossary
- Lavalier
- A style of pendant featuring a central drop suspended from a shorter necklace chain, popular during the Edwardian period. These often incorporate cascading pearls or small gems.
- Seed Pearl
- Tiny, naturally occurring pearls utilised extensively in Edwardian cluster and fringe jewellery. They provide a soft white contrast to bright blue turquoise stones.
- Matrix
- The mother rock remaining embedded within or attached to a gemstone, creating natural dark veining across the face of the turquoise. This pattern is particularly valued in Arts and Crafts pieces.
- Guilloche Enamel
- Decorative enamel applied over a mechanically engraved metal surface to produce intricate translucent patterns. Henry Matthews and other makers utilised this technique on compacts and pendants.
Edwardian Turquoise Pendant: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an edwardian turquoise pendant?
An edwardian turquoise pendant is a necklace ornament made between roughly 1901 and 1910, featuring blue turquoise stones set in gold or silver. These jewels often incorporate seed pearls or enamel details.
They reflect the lighter, more romantic design tastes that followed the heavy styles of the Victorian era. Many take recognizable forms such as hearts, drops, or floral motifs.
How do I date an edwardian turquoise pendant?
Dating relies on hallmark stamps, metal purity marks like 9ct or 15ct, and the specific design vocabulary of the period. Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau influences often help narrow the timeframe.
Examining the chain style and the cut of accompanying gemstones also aids in confirming the decade of manufacture. Pieces from this era typically exhibit refined, delicate wirework.
How were these pendants worn originally?
Wearers suspended these pendants from fine gold or silver chains, often layering them with other delicate necklaces. They served as everyday adornments for fashionable women of the early twentieth century.
Some convertible examples also functioned as brooches, allowing the owner to pin the jewel to a bodice or collar. This versatility made them practical accessories for various outfits.
Are pearls commonly found with turquoise?
Seed pearls frequently accompany turquoise in Edwardian jewellery to provide a luminous white border or drop. The combination creates a strong visual contrast against the vibrant blue stones.
This pairing appears across lockets, lavalieres, and cross pendants from the period. The pearls are typically half-drilled and glued or pegged into position.