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.
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Bangle with Cultured Pearls and Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This elegant antique bangle is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcases a central row of 13 graduated cultured pearls, ranging in size from approximately 7.05mm to 5.2mm. Flanke...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beauvince Garland Bracelet (6.22 ct Diamonds) in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This elegant bracelet showcases one signature motif: a larger round diamond framed by a delicate halo, linked by openwork ribbon-and-foliate sprays. Set in white gold, the design has...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Style Rose-Cut Diamond Sapphire Bracelet 14K Yellow Gold & Silver
Located in Marcianise, IT
An exquisite, highly elegant, and masterfully detailed vintage link bracelet designed in a romantic 1950s interpretation of the classic Edwardian style. This beautiful piece features...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$4,340Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.19 in L 7 in
14K Yellow Gold Octagon Cut Blue Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
The wearing of charms may have begun as a form of amulet or talisman to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. This blue sapphire bracelet has a oval cut gemstone and diamonds in 18K Go...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
David Yurman Cable Flex X Bracelet, Sterling Silver & 14k Yellow Gold
By David Yurman
Located in McLeansville, NC
Circumference: 6.75 in. with 1 in opening Width: 5 mm Weight: 17.2 dwts. / 26.7 grams Stamps: "925 585 DY" *single X cuff SKU: B1319 A Couple Of Things to Note: * This is a vint...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Ella Gafter 14.50ct Diamond Cuff Bracelet in 18k White Gold, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The cuff bracelet with diamonds features 14.50 carats of round diamonds, and 4.10 carats of custom cut baguette diamonds, all of top quality (F/VVS). The cuff bracelet displays both...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold and Diamond Link Bracelet, 9.13ct
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This bracelet, offered by Claris-A, features a continuous sequence of rectangular links with softly rounded edges, each link fully set with closely aligned diamonds for a uniform, ra...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,826Sale Price|20% Off
L 7.09 in
Mid Century 14K Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet with Rose-Cut Diamond, Circa 1950s
Located in Marcianise, IT
This 14-karat yellow gold bracelet is a true work of art with an antique flair, perfect for those who appreciate vintage and classy jewelry. Each detail of the bracelet is meticulous...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Southwestern Cuff Bracelet, Sterling Silver & 14K Gold, 1990s
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous vintage cuff bracelet is a combination of sterling silver and 14k gold. Measurements: 3/8 of an inch wide - Inner circumference of 6 3/4 inches including the 1 inch gap Weight: 31.8 grams Marks: MM Rogers...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
White Jade Bangle 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 73.1 Grams Bracelet Circumference: ~6.75" (17.1cm) Inside Diameter: 2.20" Bracelet Width: 15.2 mm Stamped: "14K" Conditi...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$50,000Sale Price|20% Off
L 7 in
Alexander Beverly Hills 22.46ct Elongated Oval Diamond Bracelet 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern elongated oval cut diamond tennis bracelet with smaller round diamonds. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. 45 oval cut diamonds, 13.92 carats. Approximately F/G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Enamel Diamond Blue Sapphire Cuff Bracelet
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A beautiful enamel bracelet cuff handmade in 14K gold and sterling silver. It is set in 3.0 carats sapphire and 2.72 carats of sparkling diamonds. Clasp...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold, Enamel
$5,297 / item
W 1.97 in L 2.37 in
14K Yellow Gold 2.02 CT Multi Sapphire Heart & Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in Jaipur, IN
Personalisation elevated to fine art — this 14K solid yellow gold hinged bangle features pave-set diamond script letters across its face, accented by multi-coloured natural sapphires...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl & Sapphire Cuff Bracelet
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are definitely loving this unique beauty! This stunning bracelet is a great combination of gold, pearls, and multicolored sapphires. Bracelet Details Material: 14K Yellow Gold We...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amwaj Rose Gold Bangle with Multi-Cut Diamond
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Amwaj high jewellery bangle in 18 karat rose gold is designed to embrace the wrist with exquisite brilliance. Round diamonds emphasize the design's dramatic layers. Grouped by a stri...
Diamond, Rose Gold
2.59ct Diamond Pavé Geometric Paperclip Link Bracelet in 18K White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Elevating contemporary industrial geometry into fine luxury, this statement chain bracelet redefines the classic paperclip motif through bold architectural proportions. Alternating e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Reproduction Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet - The bangle contains a cushion shape rose cut diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15.5 ct Fancy Cut Diamond Bracelet in 18K White Gold
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
15.5 ct Fancy Cut Diamond Bracelet featuring a gorgeous array of diamonds in various cuts set in 18k White Gold.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Diamond and Amethyst 9 Carat Gold Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite antique bangle. Set with nine Amethyst stones which total 1.25ct. In between all f these gorgeous lilac stones are pairs of diamond points. A...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
Edwardian Sapphire Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Hinged Cuff Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Sapphire Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Hinged Cuff Bracelet. Featuring nine cushion cut sapphires with a total weight of approximately 4.20 carats. Accented by 22 old European cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 1.00 carat, graded I color, SI clarity. Crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Original antique box included. Circa 1900. The bracelet best fits a 5 inch wrist to 6 ½ inch. About this Item: Regal doesn't begin to describe this exquisite Edwardian sapphire bracelet...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
Sold
W 0.25 in L 6.75 in
Edwardian 1.04 Carat French Cut Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Gold Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a gold bangle with a centralized dimensional platinum bow ribbon motif. Featuring a French cut diamond bezel set as the bow's knot - weighing approximately 0.40 carat. H ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Silver and Rose Gold Bangle, Horseshoe and Riding Crop
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't help but fall in love with this gorgeous antique, Edwardian, sterling silver and gold equestrian themed bangle. The bangle is wider at the front with profusely engraved se...
9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Edwardian Ornate Gold Detailed Silver Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The front of this silver bangle has delicate gold overlay in the shape of gorgeously detailed leaves. Modelled in silver. Inner Diameter: 69mm (from hinge to clasp) Band Width: 19mm...
Gold, Silver
Edwardian Ornate Gold Detailed Silver Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The front of this silver bangle has delicate gold overlay in the shape of gorgeously detailed leaves. Modelled in silver. Inner Diameter: 69mm (from hinge to clasp) Band Width: 19mm...
Silver, Gold
Edwardian Pearl and Enamel Yellow Gold Horseshoe Bangle
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This could be your lucky bangle! The horseshoe is surrounded by beaded gold which is then followed by blue enamel and the main detail are the graduated split pearls. Inner Diameter...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Edwardian Natural Pearl, Diamond and Platinum Bracelet, circa 1915
Located in Aspen, CO
Natural pearls strung on platinum and accent with a fine diamond clasp. This platinum bracelet made in the early 20th century is 7.25 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. The natural o...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Platinum Bracelet, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Exquisite antique bracelet handmade in the early 1900's with a beautifully intricate floral, open-work design. This piece was both grain set and rub-over set with 423 old cut diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
M. Buccellati 18 Karat Leaf Cuff Bracelet with Sterling
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Take a look at this gorgeous two-toned cuff bracelet. Large textured yellow gold leaves wrap around the bracelet while sterling sliver adds a place contrast in the form of high polis...
18k Gold
Diamond and Pearl Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Aspen, CO
Small seed pearls and diamonds are set into this gold bangle bracelet, it is marked 14K and has the maker's initials KGJ. There are 68 natural small pearls and 7 round brilliant cut...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Early Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Spaulding & Co Hinged Wide Bangle Bracelet
Located in Birmingham, AL
This 14k yellow gold Etruscan style wide bangle bracelet best dates back to 1890-1910. The bracelet is 52mm wide around the outside and 62mm wide at the oval portion in the very cent...
14k Gold
Antique Silver Cuff Bracelet
Located in Baltimore, MD
Sterling silver Edwardian cuff bracelet engraved with leaves and birds. Wonderful to wear with other silver pieces or mix it with gold. This bold cuff cmeasures 2" wide, the int...
Sterling Silver
Edwardian Gold Horseshoe Nail Bracelet 1908
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Charming Edwardian gold bracelet. The 14k tapered (5/8"-1/4") rich-colored yellow gold bracelet in the shape of a rounded horseshoe nail. This Edwardi...
14k Gold
Edwardian Diamond Pearl Platinum & Gold Bracelet / Clip Pair
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A pair of stunning Edwardian bracelets that transforms into a pair of clips. Beautiful, rare and versatile! You can wear one bracelet or two, a bracelet and a clip or two clips - d...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold