To the Edwardians jewellery was status and was aimed toward the upper classes, it was in this period the jewellery changed drastically. Before this jewellery was large but with the Edwardians, it became delicate and intricate and lace like.
One of the major reasons it changed was because of a new invention called a oxyacetylene torch. This invention meant that platinum could be used in ways never before, the torch was the first time platinum could be heat to the high temperature it needs to be worked in. Before this platinum was backed with gold, the same as silver.
The new way of working with platinum meant that more intricate designs that looked like lace could be made. The favourite designs of the Edwardians were, bowes, garlands, laurel wreaths, lace and tassels.
One of the biggest trends of this period was the 'dog collar' something that reminds me of the wicked step mother in Cinderella. What do you think? It started trending in France, then England adopted the trend and made it famous when the Princess of Wales started wearing them.
The lasting legacy of Edwardian jewellery has to be the earrings. Before this the earrings worn were studs of diamond or pearl, the new earrings being made where made to move when worn and sway with the lighter designs. I for one, am very grateful for this I love long dangling earrings.
Tiaras became popular and essential for the elite classes, the new platinum designs meant that tiaras where now lighter and easier to wear. From tiaras came bandeau, worn on the forehead and tied with ribbon at the back.
Rings became bigger and worn on more then one per a finger. Most where Bowes or garlands with a large centre stone.
After 1910 the fashion was to have monochrome jewellery. This black and white trend used platinum and black stones like onyx. The colours also meant that it did not violate mourning etiquette.
The Edwardian period ended with the death of the king and the start of the First World War.
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