Edwardian Engagement Rings

Jewellery of the 'Belle Époque'

During the Edwardian period (1901-1910) the use of platinum in engagement rings became particularly popular, rather than gold which had been favoured by the Victorians. Platinum high tensile strength allows very fine and extravagant settings to be created, while its white sheen highlights diamonds to excellent effect. Nonetheless, coloured gems experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Edwardian period, with sapphires often being used as the main gemstone for engagement rings, and small diamonds being used for decoration.

Edwardian style engagement rings are still very popular today, reflecting the sophisticated fashion of this optimistic period between 1901 and 1920. A prosperous ‘Belle Époque’, this was the era that witnessed the development of new technologies such as the car, the aeroplane and the cinema. Often featuring filigree detail, engagement rings from this period usually include antique stones in Old Mine or Old European cuts, though today’s versions are often set with brilliant cut diamonds for extra sparkle.

It was during the Edwardian period that the use of platinum in engagement rings became particularly popular. Its density allowed very fine settings to be created for stones, giving a light and even ‘invisible’ appearance. Platinum’s white sheen also highlighted diamonds to excellent effect, and pearls were used for the same reason. But coloured stones also experienced a resurgence in popularity. King Edward’s wife Alexandra was particularly fond of amethyst. Within the suffragette movement, amethyst was sometimes combined with pearls and peridots - the green, white and violet stones standing for ‘Give Women the Vote’.

If you are considering commissioning an Edwardian style engagement ring, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to discuss your requirements in more detail. You can also browse examples of vintage engagement rings that we have made for previous clients.