The 
Edwardian Era is named after the British Monarch Edward the VII . (See Left ) Although his reign was quite short (1901-1910) he and his Queen, Alexandra were quite influencial.
The couple were married in 1863 but Edward did not assend to the throne until after his Mothers death in 1901. His Mother, Queen Victoria ruled England from1837 untill 1901.
Queen Victoria
Victoria spent much of her public life in mourning for her late husband . As Victorian propriety demanded she dressed accordingly. Ladies in mourning were restricted to wearing black , grey or shades of greyish purple (the color being tied into specific periods) The accompanying jewels worn were often in similar tones of blacks and purples. Jewelry was generally quite massive in appearance.
Victoria still held sway even toward the later part of her reign but as she aged , Edward and Alexandria undertook many of Queen Victorias Public duties. The couple was very visible in society and had a great effect on the fashion of the day.
Alexandra was charming , beautiful and stylish. Ladies strove to immitate her style . Notice the chocker or “dog collar” style necklace that she is wearing .(see image below) This look was created by her to disguise a small scar on her neck and the style became all the rage . The “dog collar ” style is still popular with designers today.
Alexandra
Edward and Alexandra were young and influencial during a period of great prosperity for the upper classes. It was a period of political stability a well as an era of exciting new technological discovery. Gas lighting was replaced by the invention of electrical lighting.
Colors became more subtle in the ladies wardrobe. Jewelers enhanced the dress of the day by creating lighter, airy designs and utilizing pastel gemstones such as aquamarine, Montana sapphires and seed pearls. Jewels did not require mass or intensity of color to have an effect under the new electric light . Diamonds twinkled under the new lights. Seed pearls were very popular as evidenced in the following .
Edwardian Seed Pearl Brooch
Notice the delicate quality to the work in this Edwardian seed pearl brooch.
Edwardian Chocker c.1910
Today it is difficult to imagine how an individuals could so inflence their times to such an extent as to have their name applied to an era . Just mention the Edwardian age and it conjures images of lively times, beautiful clothes and the exquisite ‘Garland style of Jewelery” we now define as Edwardian. Please look for my next blog on the Jewels of the Edwardian Era.
