Identifying Jewellery Eras: Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco Explained

Welcome to my very first blog post! I’m so excited to start blogging for SoBi & co. It feels like the perfect way to share my love of vintage and antique jewellery with you all. One of the things I enjoy most is learning (and teaching) the stories behind these beautiful pieces. Every ring, necklace, or pair of earrings has a history, and each era of design leaves its own distinctive mark.

So, I thought I’d begin with a little guide to three of the most popular and collectible jewellery eras: Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco. If you’re just starting to explore vintage jewellery, these are great periods to get familiar with.

🌹 Victorian Jewellery (1837–1901)

The Victorian era is one of my favourites because it’s so full of sentiment and symbolism. Queen Victoria’s long reign influenced jewellery for decades, and her personal life was often reflected in what people wore.

• Early Victorian (Romantic period): Think delicate and sentimental, hearts, bows, flowers, serpents (symbols of eternal love), and lockets. Pieces were often crafted in yellow or rose gold with seed pearls or turquoise.

• Mid Victorian (Grand period): When Prince Albert died, the Queen went into mourning, and jewellery took on a darker, heavier look. Jet, onyx, and garnets were popular, often in bold designs.

• Late Victorian (Aesthetic period): Jewellery became lighter and more playful again, with stars, crescents, and colourful gemstones. Diamonds were also more available by this time thanks to new discoveries.

  
  

💡 How to spot it: Warm gold tones, intricate details, and symbolic motifs that feel romantic and meaningful.

Victorian pieces carry so much heart and sentiment, each symbol tells a story of love, memory, or devotion. That’s why they’re still so meaningful today; wearing Victorian jewellery feels like carrying a little piece of history and romance with you.

👑 Edwardian Jewellery (1901–1915)

Edwardian jewellery (sometimes called “Belle Époque”) is just so elegant and refined. It’s all about lightness and delicacy, but with a luxurious touch.

• Platinum was widely used for the first time, which allowed jewellers to create incredibly fine, lace-like designs.

• Diamonds were everywhere, set in motifs like bows, swags, garlands, and wreaths.

• Pearls and coloured stones like sapphires, rubies, and emeralds added softness and colour.

  
  

💡 How to spot it: Platinum or white gold settings, airy designs, and motifs that look like garlands or lace.

Edwardian jewellery is the definition of elegance. With its delicate, lacy designs and timeless diamonds and pearls, it remains effortlessly wearable over a century later. These pieces remind us that true style never fades.

✨ Art Deco Jewellery (1920s–1930s)

If Victorian was romantic and Edwardian was elegant, then Art Deco is bold, modern, and glamorous. I always think of the Roaring Twenties and the sparkle of The Great Gatsby when I see these pieces.

• Jewellery took on strong geometric shapes, squares, chevrons, triangles, and sunbursts.

• Bright colour contrasts were in fashion, with diamonds paired with onyx, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and enamel.

• Statement cocktail rings, long drop earrings, and bold bracelets were some of the most iconic designs of the era.

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💡 How to spot it: Clean lines, symmetry, and bold glamour. If it feels dramatic and stylish, it’s probably Art Deco.

Art Deco jewellery has a confidence and boldness that still feels modern now. Its strong shapes and dazzling colours capture the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, perfect for anyone who loves jewellery that makes a statement.

Why I Love This Journey

For me, learning to identify jewellery eras is like stepping back in time. It connects us not just to the craftsmanship of the piece, but to the lives and stories of those who wore it before.

At SoBi & co, I carefully choose vintage and antique jewellery that reflects the beauty of its time, while still being wearable and meaningful today. Whether you fall for the romance of Victorian jewels, the grace of Edwardian designs, or the bold confidence of Art Deco, there’s something magical waiting for you.

Thanks for reading my very first blog, I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

Nicola x