Antique Jewelry: Edwardian Necklaces

Edwardian necklaces are highly coveted items of antique jewelry. They are generally crafted of white gold or platinum, and contain diamonds and pearls. The women of the era favored a white-on-white color scheme for their jewelry.

Choker necklaces were popular during this era, as they were a favorite jewelry item of King Edward's wife Alexandra. The negligee necklace was also in vogue; it consisted of two pendant drops of unequal length, suspended from a chain. These drops are often separated by a filigree diamond-set plaque.

Another style of Edwardian necklace that can be found in antique jewelry stores are sautoirs. The sautoir has a pendant or tassel suspended from a chain, or long rope of pearls. The chain is often platinum, sometimes with diamonds interspersed among the links. Pearl tassels with diamond caps, or filigree diamond pendants, hang from the ends.

Antique necklaces from the Belle Epoque era are considered to be in the "garland style." Ribbons, bows, garlands, flowers and leaves are typical motifs for Edwardian necklaces. Briolettes sometimes hang from the bottom of the pendants.