Everything to Know About Edwardian Era Jewelry

The Edwardian Era, spanning from 1901 to 1918, was a time of significant change and refinement in society, reflected not only in politics and culture but also in fashion. Let’s dive into the world of Edwardian Era Jewelry, exploring the historical backdrop, the influence of Queen Alexandra, and the delicate artistry of filigree design.

Historical Tapestry of the Edwardian Era

The Edwardian Era followed the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 and lasted until World War I. It is a time characterized by a sense of optimism, technological progress, and a departure from rigid Victorian ideals. In fact, in the years leading up to his Rule, King Edward VII and his Queen Alexandra took over the societal ideals of modernity and broke many rules from Victoria’s social playbook. From hosting gatherings to changing up fashion styles, the couple was held in high regard by the high society of the time.  

To put into perspective the world events and the coming of modernity, the Edwardian Era is marked by events such as the construction of the RMS Titanic, the first manned flight by the Wright brothers, and the formation of the British Labour Party. These developments contributed to a sense of progress and hope for the future - a change we can markedly see in the fashion and jewelry differences between the Victorian and Edwardian Eras. 

Queen Alexandra - Mother, Socialite, and Trendsetter

As mentioned above, the king and queen broke a lot of expectations as they came into society as a young couple under Victoria's mourning rule. They were very social, even after having children, and Alexandra was particularly known for being social and her unusual style preferences. High society women, and eventually society as a whole, adopted many of Alexandra’s preferences. A few we know today still - such as wearing makeup with a red lip, “princess” cut dresses (named so after her), and in the jewelry world -  she wore choker-style and large pendant necklaces with a drop-style pearl or gem. The reason behind her preferred jewelry is speculated that she had a surgery of some kind when she was a child that left a large scar on her neck that she covered by necklaces and pendants.

The high society women of the time adopted almost all of Queen Alexandra’s fashion trends and we gather that alongside the fancy clothes and lacy dresses, the jewelry had to match. Thus creating the hallmark of the entire Era - filigree metalwork. Filigree design is the delicate lacy metalwork that almost all Edwardian Era jewelry boasts and you can read more about the creation process here.

Filigree Design

Edwardian jewelry, renowned for its intricate filigree work, sometimes utilized platinum due to its strength and malleability. Platinum's white color complemented the diamonds and pearls, creating a harmonious and luminous effect. 

While platinum was the metal of choice for its white color, gold remained a popular and more affordable choice for its warmer hues and makes up a lot of the jewelry that we see today over 100 years later. Jewelers skillfully combined both metals in some pieces to enhance the contrast and create visually stunning designs.

In conclusion, Edwardian Era Jewelry encapsulates a moment in history where elegance and refinement reigned supreme. Influenced by Queen Alexandra and the grandness of the progress of the times, these pieces continue to captivate us today. The delicate filigree work in precious metals serves as a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the era, preserving the allure of Edwardian jewelry for generations to come.

Copper Canary has a beautiful assortment of genuine Edwardian antiques. We invite you to shop our online selection or to stop into our Meridian, Idaho showroom and try on some items for yourself.