A PORTRAIT: 
EDWARDIAN ELEGANCE AND ARTISTRY

When Edward VII ascended the throne in 1901, he and Alexandra set the tone for a wealthy new era known as La Belle Epoque. This new era saw England as a dominant global force, greatly influencing the rest of the civilized world. Based on wealth and not on lineage, this new prosperity was preoccupied with status and luxury and chose fashion and elegance as its guiding light.

 

Alexandra personified Edwardian elegance: the hourglass    silhouette, the upswept hair, the swan-like neck, the "colliers de chien" and ropes of pearls. The lacy looks of the era--with layers of delicate, mostly white on white fabrics--called for light and delicate jewelry styles. Incorporating the techniques of piercing and filigree, and using the strength of platinum to create invisible settings,   produced the desired light and lacy looks.