Edwardian Jewelry: Circa 1890-1915
The Edwardian period of jewelry (circa 1890-1915) was typified by the use of diamonds, platinum and pearls. Color was at a minimum and a neutral and icy palette was in vogue. Hints of color increased as the period progressed toward the Art Deco period after 1915. Platinum came into its own for the first time in jewelry history. Its superior strength even thin and finely wrought allowed gemstones and diamonds to appear prominently with the metal a mere lace backdrop. While gold jewelry was still produced, the most formal of jewelry called for white metal. Look for the farmland style easily recognized by its neoclassical leaf motifs set with diamonds.
Interestingly, it was the first time that America and its designs came to the forefront of the jewelry world. Industrials and their wives and daughters such as Marjorie Merriweather Post (of breakfast cereal fame) or the likes of Mrs. Corneilus Vanderbilt, along with the meteoric rise of the wealthy class, led the world in our showy layers of diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds.