Although the reign of King Edward VII of Great Britain was relatively short (1902-1910), the age that bears his name produced distinctive jewelry and ushered in several new designs and manufacturing techniques. During this period, women from the uppermost echelons of society wore a profusion of extravagant jewelry as a way of demonstrating their wealth and rank. The almost exclusive use of platinum, the greater use of pearls, and the steady supply of South African diamonds created a combination that will forever characterize Edwardian jewels. The Edwardian age, truly the last era of the ruling classes, ended dramatically with the onset of World War I.
Although the reign of King Edward VII of Great Britain was relatively short (1902-1910), the age that bears his name produced distinctive jewelry and ushered in several new designs and manufacturing techniques. During this period, women from the uppermost echelons of society wore a profusion of extravagant jewelry as a way of demonstrating their wealth and rank. The almost exclusive use of platinum, the greater use of pearls, and the steady supply of South African diamonds created a combination that will forever characterize Edwardian jewels. The Edwardian age, truly the last era of the ruling classes, ended dramatically with the onset of World War I.
