The Edwardian jewelry period lasted from 1901 to circa 1920. Edward VII and his lovely Danish bride, Alexandria, brought a cosmopolitan flair to fashions and jewelry during this exuberant time in history.
Edwardian Jewelry Designs
During the Edwardian jewelry period, jewelers used platinum and diamonds to create intricate and delicate filigree patterns that resembled lace. Light and airy designs became hallmarks of Edwardian jewelry and Edwardian rings. Alexandria wore a choker type necklace called a "dog collar" which became popular during the Edwardian jewelry period. Pearls were quite fashionable, along with jewels for the hair, or "tiaras" combined with beautiful dangling earrings. King Edward enjoyed sports and encouraged the use of sporting motifs. He also helped make his good luck stone, the peridot, very popular. The elegance, beauty and superb craftsmanship of Edwardian jewelry and Edwardian rings has remained unparalleled through the ages.
In this heavenly Edwardian antique engagement ring, an old European cut diamond is bezel set in a hand wrought and engraved platinum mounting. Weighing 2.06 carats, the diamond seems to float angelically above a scroll motif shank and under bezel. Like a golden orb of light, the diamond's cut and color maximizes its beauty under candelight. Circa 1910.
An elaborate platinum filigree mounting holds an old European cut diamond in this late Edwardian ring. With a color of L, a clarity of VS1, and weighing 0.78 carats, this old European cut diamond is GIA certified. French cut blue sapphires and single cut diamonds dance amidst the filigree. This delightful mix of blue and white adds interest to the mounting of this romantic Edwardian ring. Circa 1920.
A handwrought Edwardian mounting is set with a 0.41 carat, J color, VVS2 clarity transitional cut diamond in this romantic filigree ring. Diamond studded flowers on the shoulders and a dazzling filigree design intriques the eye from every angle. Details: Handwrought platinum mounting. Transitional cut diamond; 0.41 carats. Old style single cut diamonds; 0.78 carats. Circa 1910.
Lacy silken threads wrap the finger in radiance with this Edwardian inspired diamond engagement ring. A platinum band with open cutwork down the shoulders lends a tonal backdrop to the fifty-eight round full cut diamonds that accentuate it. A GIA-certified round brilliant cut diamond serves as the piece de resistance in this antique style engagement ring. This G-colored, SI1-clarity diamond centerpiece weighs 1.22 carats. The combined weight of all the diamonds is 1.72 carats. This is a new diamond engagement ring inspired by Edwardian jewelry designs.
Edwardian Antique Style Filigree and Diamond Cross
Filigree and diamonds join forces to create this romantic Edwardian antique style cross. The points of this handcrafted cross, which is made of platinum-topped 18k yellow gold, are tipped with hearts for added romance. Nineteen rose cut diamonds are bead set into the filigree. A bezel set single cut diamondis at the center of this antique style antique cross. In total, these diamonds weigh 0.12 carats. Circa 1950 or after.
Delicate carvings and delightful shimmer soften up angular edges in this three stone antique diamond engagement ring. The platinum setting of this Edwardian engagement ring is accented with sunburst, chevron and feathery elements. The squared-off top of this antique engagement ring cradles a trio of old European cut diamonds. Ranging in color from G to H and in clarity from VVS2 to SI2, the three stones have a combined diamond weight of 0.73 carats. Circa 1920.
A pear shaped aquamarine dangles from a cream colored pearl in this elegantly simple antique Edwardian pendant. A teardrop aquamarine hangs suspended from a14k yellow gold bail. This focal point green-blue gemstone weighs 4.10 carats. It is topped with a dainty round prong-set cream pearl. For added radiance, the bail of this antique Edwardian pendant is set with two rose cut diamonds totaling 0.05 carats. Circa 1900
Antique pearl and diamond bracelets in 14k yellow gold wrap the wrist in classic elegance.Three cream-colored oval freshwater pearls are interspersed between diamond bars. The twenty-four old mine cut diamonds that accent this bracelet are set in white gold top plates and total 0.03 carats. A safety chain adds security. Circa 1900.
Antique Filigree Engagement Ring with an Old European Cut Diamond
A pierced filigree mounting and a bead set Old European cut diamond create an enchanting design for antique Edwardian engagement rings like this one. The old European cut diamond that is tucked in the center of this antique engagement ring radiates with 0.12 carats of diamond sparkle. K in color and SI1 in clarity, this diamond solitaire is set in a millgrain-trimmed square top plate. An 18k gold mounting provides a tonal backdrop for this Edwardian filigree antique engagement ring. Circa 1920.
Pearls and sapphires are delicately suspended from a lacey chain of filigree in this Edwardian antique necklace. Accented with ten cream colored pearls, this antique necklaces dream catcher pendant dips to a Y to draw attention to the décolletage. A pair of square faceted step cut blue sapphires adds an understated touch of color to this antique necklace. This light and airy Edwardian filigree necklace has a platinum pendant and 14k white gold figaro cable link chain with filigree panels. Circa 1910