Sterling Engraved Rectangle Locket

Commonly made from platinum, Edwardian jewellery was fabricated with meticulous detail while still being lightweight and comfortable to wear. During this time, the "millegrain" technique emerged, which involves creating a decorative boarder along the edges of jewellery with small metal beads. Paving the way for “White on White” fashion, Cartier became the official jewellery supplier to King Edward VII. Both the use of invisible settings and millegrain details in platinum jewellery cemented Cartier as a powerhouse of the era. Nearing 1910, “Black and White” took over from the “White on White” aesthetic. Platinum pieces containing pearls and diamonds were worn on black ribbons, and darker stones or enamel were used as accent details. After the start of World War I, life changed dramatically. Jewellery materials, specifically platinum, all but disappeared. Instead, these precious metals were used in the making of weaponry, thus bringing the Edwardian Era to a close.