The longest-reigning queen in British history, Queen Victoria, passed away on January 22, 1901, at the age of 81. The Victorian era, which saw major social and economic transformation in Britain, came to an end with her death.
When Queen Victoria passed away, Prince Edward, who had been the Prince of Wales, succeeded his mother as King Edward VII. For many years, Edward had been eager to ascend to the throne and assume the responsibilities of king. His reign was distinguished by a concentration on diplomacy and strengthening connections with other European nations. He was also renowned for his love of socializing and entertaining.
Britain continued to go through considerable social and economic transformation during Edward’s rule, notably the growth of the suffragette movement and the growing power of labor unions. The focus of Edward’s reign was on social reform and enhancing the lives of common people, and he was regarded as a modern and progressive ruler.
But Edward’s rule was short-lived because he passed away in 1910 at the age of 68. His son, George V, replaced him and went on to lead Britain through World War I and the turbulent years that followed. On August 9, 1902, Edward was crowned king in a lavish ceremony that was attended by numerous international dignitaries and members of the royal family.
One witnessed the coronation.
The Edwardian era, also known as “La Belle Epoque” in the rest of Europe, was characterized by excess and prosperity for the upper classes, led by the opulent King Edward VII. The king developed a reputation as a playboy who enjoyed gambling throughout his brief reign.
The jewelry trends of the day were significantly influenced by Edward’s love of all things extravagant. Edward held spectacular society balls and soirées in addition to his magnificent coronation, which was attended by royalty and aristocracy from all over the world, competing to look more opulent than anyone else. This resulted in an enormous demand for elaborate jewelry from those who moved in these circles. In Edwardian high society, extravagant displays of material wealth were commonplace.
Jewelry from the Edwardian era is delicate, lovely, and expertly created utilizing priceless, durable materials like platinum and diamonds.
In a fight against mass-produced jewelry, hand-crafted jewelry came back into popularity, and the look used 18th-century inspiration to become airy and detailed. Traditional design elements like bows, garlands, ribbons, and lace were prevalent. Fashionistas of the era were especially enamored with the complex design of these delicate-looking accessories.
Because platinum, which gained popularity at the beginning of the century, was robust enough to be used to make the lighter, millegrained, and diamond-encrusted “lace” jewelry that so beautifully complemented the era’s fashionable, feminine pastels, platinum was employed extensively in the creation of Edwardian jewelry.
The De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd. was established in 1888, which made diamonds widely accessible and reasonably priced during the Edwardian era. As new gemstone cuts were introduced, jewelry of the era frequently combined many diamond cuts into a single design.
However, because they were more expensive than diamonds in the Edwardian era, pearls were the true prestige symbol. The pearls’ size and quality were crucial. The delicate ‘white’ theme of Edwardian jewelry was maintained by these bright stones, and many designs used both diamonds and pearls.
In keeping with the airy, ethereal fashions favored by society women, “invisible settings,” where diamonds seemed to float on the skin, and lace-like filigree settings, where fine metal thread and tiny metal beads were utilized to form an intricate design, were popular.
Platinum was used to create millegrain, another well-liked new decorative method. In order to give jewelry a softer, lighter look, it added a border of delicate balls and ridges around a gemstone or around the borders of a design.
Popular Edwardian Styles
Sparkling diamond and pearl filigree tiaras were in style throughout the Edwardian era, inspired by the plethora of glam celebrations held at Buckingham Palace. A other, more understated look was to wear a bandeau with a feather accent.
Following the conservative Victorian era, necklines started to become more exposing, which gave necklaces a new significance. The popular colliers de chien (or “dog collars”), which might be constructed from a ribbon embellished with a brooch or gemstones or could be a number of pearl threads strung together to make a “choker,” were among the popular styles of the time.
Long necklaces were also very fashionable. Full-length pearl “chains” were worn below the waist. The neck was wrapped excessively in sautoirs, which are long ropes of pearls or beads with fringed tassels at either end.
In keeping with current fashion, Cartier designed an extended, double-pendant lavalier necklace that bears the name of the French actress Ve Lavallière. (A négligée is another name for this delicate, double-pendant design.) Paul LeGrand created the characteristic necklace for Boucheron, another popular brand of the time, which had strung pearls divided by diamond rondelles.
Ethereal and light bracelet designs featured swirling swirls and floral patterns and were typically worn alone. Bracelets with elaborate front parts that taper to delicate chain links over the underside of the wrist were one style.
Edwardian rings were glitzy, lovely, elaborate affairs, and authentic examples from that era still make excellent engagement rings today. They frequently featured fashionable, elaborate techniques like filigree and millegrain and were fashioned of platinum and diamonds—the more, the merrier. The best way to wear an Edwardian ring is alone or with a plain wedding band.
ABOUT US
Adaezze Ndira Jewellery Company is a family owned Vintage, Engagement Rings, and Jewellery Gift online store.
All Rights reserved @ Adaezze Ndira Jewellery Company Powered by Raw Gold & Diamond Co.