While we consider what do considerably more than a passing hobby (100 years under our platinum belt buckle), we recognize that there are a crop of jewelry makers out there, some good…some, well…watch the video, courtesy of the comedy show Portlandia.

Over the years, we’ve written repeatedly about various periods of jewelry throughout history. One common theme? You can always see its influence in jewelry today. Edwardian jewelry is no different (with some beautiful examples below). So what defines the Edwardian period? According to Antique Jewelry University:

The last decade of the nineteenth century, the fin de siècle, was a time when the rejection of the machine-made jewelry that had once been welcomed as an innovation, caused an about face in fashion and design. Jewelry went from large and ostentatious to ethereal and delicate almost overnight. Employing what was to become known as the “garland” style or style guirlande, jewelers who chose not to embrace Art Nouveau or the Arts and Crafts movement borrowed the fluidity of their lines and incorporated them into more traditional motifs thereby creating Edwardian jewelry.

Here are a few examples:

Edwardian Bow Necklace

Edwardian Negligee

Edwardian Platinum Earrings

Edwardian Diamond Ring

Queen Consort Alexandra of Great Britain.

Heart shaped jewelry has been around a long time. But does it read as a tad tacky or too “teenage” for grown-up tastes? This piece in My Jewelry blog addresses the ways in which heart jewelry can be worn tastefully and when to tone it down a bit:

Heart shaped jewelry remains classic. However, as we see all too often on the red carpet, too much of anything can be tacky. As with any variety of jewelry, it is important to practice moderation. Unless it is Valentine’s Day, avoid drenching yourself in heart-themed jewelry pieces and wear only one or two at a time. For a very understated look that can go all the way to the boardroom, try stud earrings in which the metal is in the form of a heart or that feature small gems in a diamond cut. If your workplace isn’t very formal, you may find that you can get more playful – consider a heart-shaped bangle or a bracelet that has a heavy heart theme. You may even be able to pull off a single piece of statement jewelry, such as a chunky ring featuring a gem in a heart cut or a sparkling, heart themed brooch. Also remember that heart shaped pendants and lockets never go out of style.

Read more here.

One of our heart-shaped pieces, assuredly untacky!

Style 10590S Heart Shape Pendant With Genuine Brazilian Garnets And Natural Diamonds Heart shape pendant in 14kt white gold featuring approximately .06ct t.w. of genuine Brazilian garnets and natural diamonds. (Pendant only, chain sold separately) Trade Up Our Guarantee

MSRP: $499.00
Our Price: $339.00