Edwardian

Edwardian/Bel Époque Era circa 1890-1920 This was the first time jewelry was made to be worn at night, lit by electricity, not candles!lthough Edward VII died in 1910, the “Edwardian” style continued until the outbreak of the war. Delicate and elaborate filigree work with platinum and platinum over gold was being used.  White gold was being commercially used by the end of the era.  Millegrain accents, natural pearls, guilloché, lace style pins, ribbon wrist watches, calibré and cushion cuts, rectangular shaped mounts, foliate, swag, demantoid garnets, natural pearls, peridot, spinel, tourmaline, Ceylon sapphires and moonstones were all popular. World War I put an abrupt end to the light-hearted Edwardian spirit. Life changed overnight and jewelry all but disappeared, either hidden away in secure vaults or sold. Precious metal became scarce and platinum, which was used in the manufacture of armaments, disappeared almost entirely from the market!