| Edwardian Jewelry |
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Antique jewelry is fashionable and is highly in demand all over the world among the elite and art lovers. Antique jewelries are priceless and carry significant values due to its characteristics of the ages when it was produced. A typical antique jewel costs ranging from thousands to millions of dollars depending upon its age and workmanship. Antique jewelries are appreciated by knowledgeable individuals due its significant value and uniqueness. These master pieces cannot be reproduced not only due to its exorbitant cost involved and but also lack of workmanship of yesteryears. An antique jewelry needs to be of minimum 100 years old for designating it as an antique jewelry. A period jewelry is a one that reflects the characteristics of certain periods when it was made such as Victorian period, Edwardian period, Gothic period etc.
The Edwardian era fall between 1901 and 1915, after the king Edward of England succeeded the throne after the death of Queen Victoria. This period is often referred ‘Gilded Age’ by historians and considered to be the most glorious years especially for arts and culture. King Edward along with his wife, Queen Alexandra triggered a golden era in fashion and jewelry. During their period fashion occupied a predominant position in social status among elite and upper middle class in England. People accumulated new wealth as a result of industrial revolution which brought new industries such as automobile, cinema and airplane making them richer.
Edwardian jewelry became very famous due to its unique manufacturing techniques and skilful workmanship. Edwardian jewelries are made using precious metals and gems such as platinum, diamonds and pearls in delicate designs and astonishing styles. The Edwardian jewelries represent the luxury and high social status. These jewels come in different styles such as flowers, garlands, swags of foliage, laurels wreaths, ribbon ties, scrolls, feathers mounted in diamonds and platinum and pearls. In Edwardian jewels the diamonds are shaped in tiny sizes and blended with soft materials such as silk, lace and feathers giving complete femininity to the lady who wears them.
Platinum became predominant in Edwardian jewelry due to its light weight and hard nature. Very small amount of platinum is used to hold diamonds and gemstones in jewels. Filigree patterns and saw piercing techniques were used to give a lacy looks for Edwardian era jewels. White gold alloy were used as a substitute of platinum. White-on-white is the very popular style during Edwardian ear among elite. Pearls and diamonds were used on jewels along with platinum to give effect to this white-on-white style. Decorative motifs such as bows, swags, tassels, ribbons, wreaths, flowers and garlands were used to in Edwardian jewelry to reflect Rococo and new-classical influence on them. Necklaces with pendants with two drops of different lengths that hangs from a central element were worn during Edwardian era.
There is considerable influence of Indian style in Edwardian jewelry. When Queen Alexandra visited India along with King Edward she fell love with the fashionable jewels worn by the princes and kings in India. She fascinated these beautiful ornaments such as diamond aigrettes, long pear chains and chokers. When she returned to England she asked to implement these new styles and designs in jewel making. A special type necklace called ‘dog collar’ was one of the favorite ornament of Queen Alexandra and later became a part of legend of Edwardian ear jewels. As King Edward was fond of sports he popularized the use of sporting motifs. He was also instrumental in popularizing in good luck stone and the peridot.
Although, most Edwardian jewelry were very expensive and luxurious there were affordable varieties made during that period. Gold and white alloys were used in these jewels instead of platinum to cut down the cost. Jewel items such as bar brooches, gypsy rings for men and women, bangles with half hoop pear studded bangles, bracelets made of gold and pears are some of the Edwardian era less expensive jewel items. |
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