Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Amazing Edwardian Paste Dog Collar in Original Box
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Edwardian Paste Dog Collar in original Box circa 1900. This was a custom order from a German jeweler in the early 20th Century. Links of pink m...
Sterling Silver
Edwardian Seed Pearl, Diamond, and Platinum Choker Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The thirteen strand cultured pearl collar necklace, with tubular slide-clasp ends, center highlights a platinum and diamond set spiral medallion, designed as a diamond set feather-ed...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Edwardian Coral Beaded Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous coral beaded necklace is graduated in size as you get to the centre of the length. Made by E.P Mallory of Bath, this necklace comes i...
Coral
Antique Edwardian 1910s Pearl and 8.50 Carat Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Finley crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with Pearls and Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 8.50 carats. Circa 1910s
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond and Emerald Festoon Swag Necklace
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian diamond and emerald festoon swag necklace, the collar necklace decorated with two old brilliant-cut diamond floral clusters and three rose- ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
32.50 Carat Diamond Link Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This modern-made Edwardian-style necklace is made with 32.50 carats in 18-karat white gold. The design includes 30 links, each showcasing a central heart-shaped white diamond surroun...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fire Opal Convertible Choker and Bracelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
The vibrance of Mexican fire opals is balanced by glistening diamonds in this Edwardian necklace. The versatile piece's length is adjustable so that it can convert from a choker neck...
Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 9ct Gold Fob Chain
Located in London, GB
9ct 375 Gold Fob Water Chain / Choker By John Grinsell and sons Circa 1880s -1910 Length 15 Inches Thickness 4mm Weight 21.26 grams Hallmark Details Sta...
Gold, 9k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold & Silver Green Crystal Symmetalic Sterling Choker Necklace 15"
Located in Milford, DE
A vintage choker by Symmetalic. 14K gold plating on the front, sterling silver base links accented with green, emerald-colored faceted crystals in prong settings. A luxurious look. M...
Crystal, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Pearl Diamond Platinum Choker Collar Necklace
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Art Deco Akoya Pearl diamond platinum choker collar necklace, circa 1930s. The Art Deco Akoya Pearl Diamond Platinum Choker Necklace, crafted in the 1930s, epitomizes the elegance a...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Edwardian 2.40ct Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Necklace, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to 1910s is this beautiful Aquamarine and diamond necklace. Suspended from a 15.5″ chain of 18 carat yellow gold, the design features a drop formation, showcasing the pai...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1910s 4.83 Carat Amethyst and Pearl Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 4.83 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold pendant and 9 karat yellow gold chain; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive Edwardian amethyst necklace...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Peridot Old Mine Diamond Pearl Festoon Swag Necklace Antique Gold
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU - BELLE EPOQUE FESTOON NECKLACE WITH THE MOST GORGEOUS NATURAL ROUND FACETED PERIDOT GEMS SET WITH PEARLS AND AN...
Pearl, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite Large Coral Beaded Necklace
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Beaded necklace with exceptionally large gradient size coral beads. Largest stone is over 1 inch across! Coral is natural, with semi-smooth beads that still retain the "raw" look wit...
Coral
Certified Colombian Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Heart Shape Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Certified Colombian Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Heart Shape Necklace 1 cabochon emerald set in the center surrounded by baguette & round cut diamonds 840 round cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Emerald
Navajo Coral Beaded Necklace
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Native American Navajo Indian coral and sterling four strand necklace by artist Doreen Leyba. Premium grade coral graduated beads with sterling silver barrel and beads. Stamped Sterl...
Coral, Sterling Silver
A Link Diamond Riviera Necklace
By A Link
Located in Bethesda, MD
Stunning classic graduated Diamond Riviera Necklace designed by A Link & Co. The necklace features 115 shimmering diamonds weighing 9.97 cara...
Diamond
$28,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
L 16 in
16.50 Carat Natural Diamond Tennis Necklace G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
16.50 Carat Diamond Tennis Necklace G SI 14K White Gold 16 inches 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond N...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Important Burma Ruby and Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A stunning high quality Burma Ruby and Diamond Necklace. 39.30 carats of fine Burma Ruby graduated to an over 4 carat center Ruby. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
32 Carat Cuban Link Diamond Necklace 18k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
32 ct Total Weight Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Cuban Link Chain Necklace is a stunning and bold piece of jewelry. The necklace weighs 316.4 grams and measures 22 inches in length, w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Seed Pearl Platinum Bib Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Outstanding Edwardian Diamond and Seed Pearl Platinum Swag Bib Necklace, linking 18K Gold chain inter-spaced with Seed Pearls. Center accented by Hand set Diamonds,...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, 18k Gold
Suffragette Edwardian Dog Collar Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Suffragette rare Edwardian Dog Collar necklace of silver plated metal with purple and emerald green faceted vari size round and rectangular flexible link crystals. Length 13" x W 3/...
Silver Plate, Base Metal, Brass
Edwardian Silver, Paste & Pearl Choker Necklace
Located in London, England
High pearl and diamond chokers were brought into fashion by Queen Alexandra, who boasted a huge collection of this type of jewel. Often they were made of natural pearls and diamonds ...
Pearl, Silver
Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Floral Choker Velvet Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Floral Choker Velvet Necklace. This gorgeous Edwardian pearl and diamond floral basket choker is crafted in platinum. This amaz...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Sold
W 0.67 in L 14.97 in
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Button Whole Crystals Omega Snake Mesh Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Button Whole Crystals Omega Snake Mesh Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Maybe some of colour loss and light scratches, barely noticeable. Ma...
Gold Plate
Cartier Oriental Saltwater Pearl, Platinum & Diamond Collier de Chien, c. 1910.
By Cartier
Located in Aspen, CO
Exquisite woven natural Oriental Pearl, Platinum and Diamond Collier de Chien, Cartier, New York, signed and numbered, Edwardian, circa 1910. Seventy-nine diamonds of high color (approximately G/H) and high clarity (approximately VS) describe a buckle and clasp motif for the front of the neck and finished with a diamond clasp. The estimated diamond weight is 1.65 cts. The clasp is fitted with an invisible spring mechanism which will expand (or contract) the length 3/8th of an inch. The total length of the Collier de Chien (dog collar) is 13 inches expandable to 13 3/8th inches. The width varies between .50 inches and .75 inches. The piece has a weight of 22 grams. The natural pearls which are woven into a complex but subtle pattern consists of sizes ranging from 1.7 to 2.7 mm. The pearls, all with clean surfaces (or skins), are well matched in their luminescence and color. The collar is in fine condition and was may have been recently restrung. While it would not be an easy alteration, it could be lengthened (with matching natural pearls) or shortened. We would quote a price, and the time involved, if such an alteration is requested. Notes from the archives: Several reasons place the time for creation of this Cartier piece to be quite early in the firm's history in New York. While it was Louis who put in place the plans for Cartier, New York, which began in late 1909 on lower Fifth Avenue, it was Pierre who actually operated the New York store just as Jacques was the brother selected for London with Louis holding down Paris of course. Since roughly 1903, Edwardian jewels emphasized designs that combined platinum, diamonds and natural pearls so that by 1910 such examples were de rigueur for a proper lady. For example, Nadelhoffer (p. 49) shows an oriental natural pearl dog collar done in 1908 by the Paris shop for the Princess de Ganay in which the weaving is quite similar to the woven seed pearl work in our piece. Similar to most Cartier dog...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Snake Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Snake Necklace 18ct Gold Circa 1910 This stunning Edwardian 18ct gold snake necklace is a timeless piece of jewellery that is sure to turn heads. The snake's head is ado...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold
W 0.67 in L 14.97 in
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Button Whole Crystals Omega Snake Mesh Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Button Whole Crystals Omega Snake Mesh Necklace, Gold Plated Very good condition. Maybe some of colour loss and light scratches, barely noticeable. Ma...
Gold Plate
Vintage Edwardian Style Pearl Choker
Located in New York, NY
This vintage pearl collar choker draws clear inspiration from antique collar choker styles popular in the Edwardian era. Its five strands of pearl...
Pearl
Sold
W 0.67 in L 14.97 in
Christian Dior Vintage 1980s Whole Crystals Button Snake Omega Gold Necklace
Located in Wokingham, England
Good condition. Some of colour loss and light scratches. 100% genuine. Marked 'Chr.Dior (C) '. It is over 40 years old. This is a very stylish and rare piece of jewellery. Length:...
Gold Plate
A diamond and cultured pearl chocker necklace
Located in London, GB
A diamond and cultured pearl chocker necklace, the Edwardian diamond centerpiece with openwork scroll design decorations, set with old European cut diamo...
Platinum
Sold
W 0.6 in L 14.57 in
14 Karat Gold and Red Coral Three - Strand Beaded Necklace Early 20th Century
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique necklace made of natural red coral beads with 14 karat golden clasp. The bracelet features three strands of round - shaped beads. The diameter of the beads is ca. 5 mm and the color is red. The clasp features a rectangular shape with two natural round red coral cabochon coral stones and a rope motif decoration. The clasp is stamped with 585 that stands for the 14 karat gold content. The necklacet is subtle yet eye catching and it suitable for daily or evening occasions. The condition is really good and there are no flaws to be mentioned. The red coral jewelry...
Coral, Gold
Fine circa 1910 Cartier Paris 15.4 Ct Diamond & Platinum Necklace
By Cartier
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite circa 1910 Cartier Paris 15.4ct Diamond & Platinum necklace in th...
Diamond, Platinum