Opulent & distinctly feminine, the Edwardian era dates from around 1890 – 1915. Usually, but not exclusively, made in platinum or white gold, Edwardian engagement ring designs tend to feature romance, lace-work, filigree elements, scrolling and millgrain.

Diamond Edwardian style engagement ring

Quite often a centre stone is accented by sculpted elements, such as birds, flowers or scroll-work.

Edwardian Heart shaped diamond and sapphire engagement ring Diamond Edwardian style engagement ring

Stones used in vintage Edwardian jewellery were usually rose cut diamonds (or “old cut”), which have a very distinctive look and ‘feel’. This can make creating a bespoke Edwardian style engagement ring or piece of jewellery really fun, because the use of brilliant cut diamonds can add a modern Edwardian twist and provides a starting platform to play with your design. During our time working with clients at Hot Pink, we have created quite a few bespoke rings that have drawn from the Edwardian aesthetic, some are shown below.

Edwardian inspired ring. See more details about this project here. See more about the Edwardian inspiration used for this special ring here. See more about this custom Edwardian inspired ring here.

Pearls were often used alongside diamonds in Edwardian style jewellery and engagement rings. From a design perspective, this gave the look of the times, which was quite “white on white” and lace-like. You will find with “Edwardian style jewellery” that the size, shape and design can vary quite a bit, but the recognisable thread that is always evident are the lace inspired design elements – like the millgrain and setting styles.

Pearl and diamond Edwardian gold and platinum ring Natural pearl and diamond Edwardian twin ring

Genuine Edwardian engagement rings, if found in good condition, are not cheap. Prices can enter into 5 figures! So, being able to create your own Edwardian style and inspired jewellery is an exciting process! You can draw from a wealth of design elements and styles and these considered details or style elements are what sets jewellery apart from the crowd, giving that special ‘something’ extra to a ring or jewellery design. Being able to create such stunning jewellery without the hefty price tag is what Hot Pink was born out of. We’ve worked with heirloom stones of sentimentality, we have echoed long lost family jewels and we have helped clients to create and style the engagement ring of their dreams.

Vintage Tiffany & co Edwardian engagement ‘moval’ diamond ring $100,000 French Edwardian pearl, diamond, sapphire and platinum bracelet

Edwardian style jewellery has and will stand the test of time and can offer elegance and class in your designs.

The skill and craftsmanship of these vintage pieces is really worth seeing, such as at the V&A museum, as it shows the skill and mastery of stunning jewellery during an era, which is always an interesting insight into the people and thinking of specific times in our history. Jewellery is as ancient as we are and we have a lot we can tell you about it, but that is for another day!

Don’t miss the next article in our vintage and antique styles series where we will continue to give you design ideas, considerations and jewellery inspiration!

By Gia Belloni.

CREDITS

Diamond Edwardian style engagement ring – Lang Antiques 

Edwardian heart shaped diamond and sapphire engagement ring – Lang Antiques

Pearl and diamond Edwardian gold and platinum ring  – The Three Graces antique jewelry

Natural pearl and diamond Edwardian twin ring – Lang Antiques

Vintage Tiffany & co Edwardian engagement ‘moval’ diamond ring – Lang Antiques

French Edwardian pearl, diamond, sapphire and platinum bracelet – Lang Antiques