Garland Style

Garland Style refers to an elegant jewellery design characterised by motifs inspired by garlands, wreaths, flowers, leaves, ribbons and flowing botanical forms. The style became particularly fashionable during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and is strongly associated with Belle Époque and Edwardian jewellery.

Garland-style jewellery often uses delicate arrangements of diamonds, pearls and precious metals to create a light, airy appearance. Platinum became especially important because its strength allowed jewellers to construct extremely fine openwork and intricate settings while keeping the overall design delicate.

Bows, ribbons, floral sprays and scrolling foliage were frequently incorporated into garland designs. Millegrain detailing and pavé-set diamonds could be used to emphasise the fine outlines and create additional sparkle.

Garland jewellery is closely associated with the refined aesthetic of the Belle Époque and Edwardian periods, although similar naturalistic designs appeared before and after these periods.

Garland Style is primarily a design vocabulary rather than a strict historical period. A jewel can therefore be described as garland style without necessarily being strictly Edwardian or Belle Époque.

At Weldons, garland-style jewellery is valued for its elegance, delicate craftsmanship and characteristic combination of floral forms, diamonds and fine platinum work.

Period: Particularly late 19th and early 20th century
Typical materials: Platinum, diamonds, pearls and gold
Characteristic motifs: Garlands, flowers, leaves, bows, ribbons and foliage
Associated styles: Belle Époque and Edwardian