Belle Epoque
Belle Époque jewellery refers to jewellery produced during the period of relative peace, prosperity and artistic development in Europe from approximately 1870 to 1914. The term is French for “beautiful era” and is particularly associated with the elegance and sophistication of Parisian society at the turn of the twentieth century.
Belle Époque jewellery is characterised by delicate, intricate designs, often drawing on floral garlands, bows, ribbons, scrolls and other naturalistic motifs. Jewellers frequently used platinum because its strength allowed them to create fine, lightweight settings with intricate pierced work.
Diamonds and pearls were especially popular, often arranged in elaborate garland-style designs. Sapphires, emeralds and other coloured gemstones were also used. Fine millegrain detailing was commonly employed to add texture and definition around gemstone settings.
The Belle Époque overlaps with both the Edwardian and late Victorian periods, and the terms are sometimes used together when describing jewellery from the early twentieth century. However, Belle Époque is primarily a cultural and stylistic term, rather than a strict reign-based jewellery period.
The style represents the refined elegance of the period immediately preceding the First World War, before the more geometric and modern aesthetic of Art Deco emerged.
At Weldons, we select Belle Époque jewellery for its elegance, craftsmanship, quality and historical character, with each piece individually assessed and described.
Period: Approximately 1870–1914
Typical materials: Platinum, gold, diamonds, pearls and coloured gemstones
Characteristic features: Garland designs, bows, ribbons, floral motifs, delicate platinum work, millegrain detailing and intricate openwork
