Edwardian jewellery is light and delicate, with pearls, garlands and pale colour, from about 1901 to the First World War. Art Nouveau jewellery, from about 1890 to 1910, is built on flowing lines and natural forms. The two overlapped, which is why some pieces are described as both.
Edwardian: light, lacy and pale
The Edwardian era takes its name from King Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910. In jewellery the style is usually dated from about 1901 to the First World War.
After the heavy, ornate jewellery of the Victorian years, the Edwardian look was lighter:
- Fine, openwork settings that looked like lace.
- Garlands, ribbons and bows.
- Pearls and pale, airy colour.
A small pair worn with day clothes is the easiest way to wear it. For a wedding, the softness of the Edwardian look works well with pearls and a pale dress. We explain how to choose in Something Blue: Choosing Intaglio Jewellery for Your Wedding.
Art Nouveau: curves and nature
Art Nouveau is French for new art. It flourished from about 1890 to 1910 and rejected the heavy historical styles that came before. Its signs are:
- Flowing, curving lines, sometimes called the whiplash line.
- Natural forms: flowers, leaves, insects and long hair.
- Soft colour and an interest in unusual materials. The French jeweller René Lalique, the best known name in the style, worked in glass and enamel as well as stones.
Art Deco, which followed, turned away from curves towards straight lines. See Art Deco Earrings: Geometry, Long Drops and How to Wear Them Now for the contrast.
| Feature | Edwardian | Art Nouveau |
|---|---|---|
| Mood | Light, delicate, formal | Flowing, natural, artistic |
| Lines | Lace, garlands, bows | Curves and whiplash lines |
| Colour | Pale and soft, with pearls | Soft and muted, with natural tones |
| Dates | About 1901 to the First World War | About 1890 to 1910 |
A short timeline
- About 1890. Art Nouveau takes hold, first in France and Belgium.
- 1901. Queen Victoria dies and Edward VII becomes king. The Edwardian era begins.
- 1910. Edward VII dies. Art Nouveau is fading by now, and simpler, more geometric shapes are coming in.
- 1914. The First World War begins. The Edwardian style is usually considered to end around this time.
Pearls and the Edwardian look
Pearls suit the pale, soft palette of the Edwardian years. Many of our Edwardian style pieces carry pearl accents or pearl drops, and a pair with one drop is easy to wear. Water and perfume dull any finish, so put pieces on last and take them off first. The jewellery care guide has the details.
Why some titles name both
The two styles overlap in time, so a piece can borrow from each. Several of our titles say Edwardian Art Nouveau style. Read that as a mix of looks and not as a date. Every piece is newly made by hand.
Pieces to look at
In the intaglio earrings collection:
- Yellow square intaglio earrings in an Edwardian Art Nouveau style
- Blue laurel wreath intaglio earrings in an Art Nouveau style
- Intaglio glass earrings in an Art Nouveau style
- Green intaglio earrings in a dainty Edwardian style
- Green fleur-de-lis intaglio earrings, Edwardian style with pearls, one of the pairs in the fleur-de-lis collection
For a pendant or a matching set, look at the yellow intaglio pendant necklace in an Edwardian style and the blue glass intaglio necklace set in an Edwardian style with pearl.
How to wear them
- Keep it small. The Edwardian look is delicate. A small pair or a single pendant carries it.
- Choose pale colours for lightness. Clear, blue and yellow keep the mood airy.
- Use curves with curves. An Art Nouveau style pair suits soft fabrics, loose waves and rounded necklines.
- Do not overload. One piece at a time lets the carving be seen.
Wearing the two together
Edwardian and Art Nouveau pieces share a softness, so they sit well together. An Edwardian pendant and an Art Nouveau pair, for example, are both gentle in outline and neither competes with the other. Avoid mixing either with a strong geometric Art Deco piece in the same outfit, where the lines would argue.
Choosing for a gift
Earrings are the easiest gift in this style, because they need no size. A small Edwardian style pair is a quiet, flexible choice. A set gives you a pendant and earrings together, ready to give in their box.
If you are still deciding between eras, Victorian Jewellery: The Three Periods and the Look That Keeps Returning covers the one that came before.
Every piece is made by hand to order and sent in a gift box. It is dispatched within 2 to 5 business days and arrives 15 to 20 days after you place it, dispatch included.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Edwardian era in jewellery?
From about 1901 to the First World War. The name comes from King Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910.
What is Art Nouveau jewellery?
Jewellery from about 1890 to 1910 that uses flowing curves and natural forms such as flowers, leaves and insects. René Lalique is its best known maker.
How do I tell Edwardian from Art Nouveau?
Edwardian jewellery is light and lacy, with garlands, bows and pearls. Art Nouveau jewellery is curved and natural, with flowing lines.
Are the Edwardian style pieces antique?
No. Every piece is newly made by hand. The title describes a look, not a date.
Which style suits a wedding?
Many people choose the Edwardian look, with its pale colour and pearl drops. The wedding guide has more on how to choose.