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.
Edwardian 12 MM. Mabe Split Pearl 1.60 Ct Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Queen of Seas Prised for millennia, pearls are organic gems with strong associations with the Moon, great value, and weddings Emblem of Purity, rewarded in history by Kings and Q...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
1910 Edwardian Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a gorgeous Edwardian engagement ring showcasing a dreamy old mine-cut diamond set in Platinum! Crowned by a 0.79 ct icy white old mine cut diamond at its center, this platinu...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Dating from circa 1910, this Tiffany & Co. Edwardian three-stone saltwater natural pearl and diamond ring is mounted in platinum. The ring centers a natural white button pearl measur...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cross over Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian natural pearl and diamond cross over ring, the natural pearl weighing 1.54 carats, accompanied by GCS Report, set in cross over style with an old brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 0.94 carats, to curved diamond-set shoulders, all set in platinum to a yellow gold mount, circa 1915, the head measuring 1.1x1.2 cm, gross weight 2.80g. Finger size K 1/2 This ring is in very good condition. Tested as 18ct gold and platinum. This graceful Edwardian cross...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Legacy Collection 1.54 Ct E VS1 Diamond Engagement Platinum
Located in beverly hills, CA
Tiffany & Co Legacy Diamond Engagement Ring Edwardian Style features a full circle of bead-set diamonds that elegantly showcase the center stone cut to maximize brilliance. Stamped T...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 14 Karat Gold & 0.73 Ct. European Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine diamond solitaire ring. With round old European cut diamond prong set in a classic 14k gold setting. The diamond measures approx. 1 carat (by calculation) with SI2 I-co...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1920's 18K White Gold Engagement Ring .22ct
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1920's 18K White Gold Engagement Ring .22ct. The center Eurpoean cut diamond has a quality of H color and VS1 clarity. The setting has filigree workmanship and orange blossom flowers...
18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian .20ct Diamond 18K White Gold Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Super sweet Edwardian 18K white gold filigree .20 carat diamond ring from the Edwardian era, 1905-1915! Lovely and romantic! This ring f...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mark Broumand 6.0mm Handcrafted Wedding Band in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This comfort-fit 18k rose gold wedding band showcases beautiful hand engraved details throughout its entire circumference giving it a unique vintage look. We custom craft each eterni...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Platinum Engagement Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamond 0.50ct G-vs1
Located in Radolfzell am Bodensee, BW
Platinum Engagement Ring - handmade in the platinum manufactory of Henrich & Denzel in pure perfection. The purity of nature, exquisite materials and a contemporary formal idiom ar...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 0.92ct I-VS1 Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Classic Setting solitaire engagement ring in platinum, featuring a 0.92 carat round brilliant diamond, I color, VS1 clarity, excellent cut, polish, and symmetry, in...
Diamond, Platinum
26455 Tiffany & Co Platinum 0.85ct H VS1 Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Round excellent diamond weighs 0.85ct Diamond H color VS1 clarity Diamond laser inscription ''T&Co. G04220378'' Ring size 4 (this ring is resizable) Ring stamped ''Tiffany&...
Diamond, Platinum
26660 Tiffany & Co Platinum 1.25ct H VS1 Round Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Center round diamond weighs 1.25ct Diamond H color VS1 clarity Diamond has laser inscription ''T&Co.J10080067'' Ring size 5 (this ring can be resized) Ring stamped ''© Tiffany ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring. 14k Gold Old European Cut diamond floral Ring
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Art deco Amazing Art Deco Solitaire ring. Diamond set in a square table. 14k ...
14k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring. 14k Gold Old European Cut diamond floral Ring
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Size: 4 1/4 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Art deco Amazing Art Deco Solitaire ring. Diamond set in a sq...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. .72ct H Color VS1 Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. .72 ct Diamond Engagement Ring Plat H VS1 Box & Papers Tiffany & Co. solitaire engagement ring with a 0.72 ct single round brilliant cut diamond center stone. This Tiffany ring has the serial number of the diamond engraved inside the ring. Sold As is great preowned condition as shown in photos. Comes with papers & boxes. Tiffany diamond ring size 6...
Diamond, Platinum
1910 Edwardian 18K White Gold/Platinum .75cttw Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1910 Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 18K White Gold & Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75cttw Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Col...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Victorian .90ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Stamford, CT
Circa 1890's elegant Victorian era cluster ring featuring approximately .90 carat total weight of shimmering old mine diamonds. The 16 diamonds are arranged in a traditional clustere...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co. Platinum Round Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: Platinum Center Diamond: 1 round brilliant cut = 1.12cttw Color: H Clarity: VS2 GIA: 12912357 Serial: 18539837/E 12010XXX Ring Size: 6 (please allow up to 2 additional busi...
Diamond, Platinum
Original Tiffany & Co. Platinum 1.75 Carat D-E VVS Natural Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Original Tiffany & Co Platinum 1.75 Carat D-E VVS Natural Diamond Eternity Band. Ring contains 20 (appx 2.9mm) Round Brilliants, weighs 2.8 grams, size 4.75.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum GIA 1.56ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Gorgeous Chunky Old Mine Cut - Prong Set- I Color - SI2 Clarity - 1.0ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complet...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Legacy 0.66 Carat Cushion Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
Tiffany & Co Legacy Engagement Ring Style: Cushion Diamond surrounded by bead set diamonds Serial Number: 31025605/O1150332 Metal: Platinum Size: 5.5 Total Carat Weight: 0.66TCW Ma...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Platinum Cushion Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A rare and pristine Art Deco cushion sapphire platinum diamond ring by Tiffany & Co. circa 1925. This ring features a blue cushion shaped sapphir...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Argyle Pink Diamond and White Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This beautiful ring is featured by Argyle Pink Diamonds and White Diamonds set in PT900 platinum and 18 Karat pink gold. It holds connotations of romance and would be a spectacular g...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Filigree 14K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Lovely ring, that I am sure will sell fast! Edwardian 14K Gold Filigree in beautiful yellow gold, diamond is set in white gold. Dating back to the 1900's, it is rare to find...
Diamond, 14k Gold
An Edwardian three-stone diamond ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian three-stone diamond ring, the three old European-cut diamonds weighing 0.47 carats and assessed to be of G colour and SI clarity, all claw set in platinum collets, to ye...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond 1/2 carat 18K White Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Sweet Antique Edwardian diamond, 18K white gold ring. Two diamonds sit side by side in the front, measuring approximately 3.8mm each—roughly .50 total carat weight. It look...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 1905 9 Carat Lover's Knot 9 Carat Rose Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Our antique 1905 Lover's Knot ring is the most beautiful reminder of everlasting connection between two souls. The unique design features a looped love knot crafted from 9ct rose gold, this precious metal adds an extra touch of elegance and femininity to this piece. The ring has a number of hallmarks indicating it was assayed in Birmingham, England in 1905 set in 9ct gold. This piece is timeless and sophistication, making it the perfect gift for an unforgettable moment. This remarkable ring will be a cherished treasure for years to come, ensuring that your loved one remembers you every time they look at it. This piece was made by maker 'The Albion Chain Co' from Albion Street...
Rose Gold
Antique Edwardian Precious Opal 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Our antique Edwardian Opal 18ct gold ring is elegance and sophistication. Expertly handmade in 18ct gold featuring a oval precious opal. The opal has a magn...
Opal, Gold
Gold and Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A sweet 14 carat yellow and white gold ring with three diamonds on gold stems like a stilized flower in mille-griffe setting with underneath two gold leaves set...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian 18ct Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian era 18ct white and yellow gold 'toi et moi' ring featuring two antique old Eureopean cut diamonds intertwined together. In English 'toi et moi' translates to 'you and me', ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Rose Cut Diamond Flower Halo Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 8 Take a trip back in time and discover this incredible vintage rose cut diamond cocktail ring. This dreamy, romantic piece featur...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
6.64cttw Two Stone Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
6.64cttw Two Stone Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring. Vintage two-stone diamond ring set with two old European-cut diamonds weighing 6.64 cttw. Each diamond is accompanied by a GIA certificate. Center diamonds are 3.30ct and 3.34ct respectively. Both are graded K color VS1 clarity and mounted in filigree platinum and diamond split shank mount. Diamonds on the setting are of 0.65cttw (approx.) Great finger coverage. Crafted in Platinum. WHAT IS AN OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND: An old European cut diamond is a round diamond primarily cut between 1890-1930. They were especially common during the Art Deco period. These antique diamonds were one of the predecessors to the modern round brilliant cut diamond, which is now the most popular diamond shape. An old mine European cut diamond is an excellent choice for antique jewelry. In terms of the setting, OEC diamonds look great with settings that feature details and intricate designs, highlighting the stone's beauty. WHY WE LOVE IT: Here at The Back Vault estate jewelry, we specialize in everything vintage...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Ring with Moonstone and Diamond
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A sweet Edwardian platinum ring set with a round, silky white moonstone engraved with the face of the moon. Around and underneath the six prongs are different size and shape old cut ...
Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum
Antique Edwardian French Platinum Gold Double Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A stylish antique Edwardian platinum topped 18k gold double diamond ring, circa 1900. This interesting ring is sort of a play on a bypass style, th...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Navette Shaped Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Edwardian open navette shaped diamond ring circa 1910. Perfect for a right hand ring or avant-garde engagement ring. Bezel set old European cut diamonds are connected by ...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Cross over Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Edwardian diamond cross over ring. Diagonally set to centre with two round old cut diamonds in open back claw settings with an approximate comb...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Bezel Set 1.89Ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a perfectly hand-crafted platinum Edwardian era engagement ring. Starting at the shanks, which is engraved with a leaf like repeating pattern that almost wraps completel...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.52 Carat Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.52 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set five stone ring; part of our antique estate jewelry collections. This stunning antique Edwardian 5 stone diamond ring...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold