Edwardian Era Brooches

The Edwardian times started from 1901 and continued till 1910. But the style of the Edwardian times carried on till the First World War. Brooches were a very important part of costume jewelry that the Edwardian women wore. People bought exquisite brooches to decorate their attire. They lend sophistication to the overall look.

Edwardian period brooches are exquisite in their design and stand for sophistication. Luxurious designs marked these brooches and extravagant materials were used to make them.

King Edward VIII was a very sophisticated man himself. He was a trend setter in England. Therefore, the entire nation followed the trend of wearing sophisticated jewelry and clothes and costume jewelry to enhance the look further.
The jewelry of the Edwardian times was different than the jewelry of the Victorian times. The Victorian jewelry was heavy, and ornate. Dark jewel tones were used on them.

However, the Edwardian jewelry was more light, romantic and whimsical. Unlike the dark colored jewelry of the Victorian times, the Edwardian men and women preferred to wear white jewelry made of platinum, white gold alloys and also diamonds.

Not only did the high society women put on Edwardian brooches, the people who were not so rich also wore them. Pearls along with diamonds and also several other gem stones were too in fashion. Lots of brooches were made from several varieties of white pearls. Some other materials that were used to make

Edwardian brooches were:
1. Molded glass
2. enamel
3. copper
4. brass
5. celluloid
6. And horn

The diamond and platinum brooches were very popular with people who could afford them those who were not so affluent wore less expensive brooches.
Art Nouveau had its influence on the Edwardian brooches. Some of the Edwardian brooches were made in very bold colors.

The Edwardian jewelry has Indian influences to some extent. In his visit to India, he fell in love with the jewelry that was created in India, especially the jewelry that the royals in India wore. Some Edwardian brooches survive till date and are found in the antique jewelry collection of some people.