The Allure of Opal, Moonstone, Diamond & Topaz in Antique Jewellery
Antique jewellery has a special place in the hearts of UK collectors and those who appreciate craftsmanship with history. From Victorian sentimentality to the flowing elegance of Art Nouveau, gemstones such as opal, moonstone, diamond and topaz appear throughout British jewellery design. Each stone brings its own character, symbolism and aesthetic charm. Below, we explore their use and enduring appeal in antique pieces.
Opal in Antique Jewellery
Opal has been admired for centuries, but it found particular favour in the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria herself championed the gemstone. Celebrated for its shifting play of colour, opal displays flashes of greens, reds and blues that make each stone unique.
Antique opal jewellery typically features cabochon cuts and protective bezels, reflecting the stone’s delicacy. Cluster rings, brooches and sentimental pieces were especially popular. Today, Victorian opals remain highly sought after by UK collectors for their romantic and expressive nature.
Moonstone in Antique Jewellery
Moonstone’s soft, ethereal glow-known as adularescence-made it a favourite in Art Nouveau jewellery, which flourished across Europe, including Britain, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designers embraced moonstone for its mystical quality and its association with intuition and femininity.
In Edwardian Britain, moonstone was often paired with platinum lacework and delicate filigree, creating jewellery that felt both refined and otherworldly. Antique moonstone pieces remain a staple of UK collections, admired for their gentle luminosity and elegant styling.
Diamond in Antique Jewellery
Diamonds have long been the cornerstone of British fine jewellery. Their cuts provide valuable clues to a piece’s age: rose-cut and old mine-cut diamonds dominate Georgian and early Victorian jewellery, prized for their subtle sparkle under candlelight. These antique cuts are especially popular among UK buyers who value authenticity and character over modern brilliance.
By the Edwardian and Art Deco periods, jewellers adopted old European cuts and early round brilliants, made possible by new cutting techniques. These stones, combined with geometric motifs or intricate platinum settings, reflect the stylistic evolution of jewellery design in Britain.
Topaz in Antique Jewellery
Topaz appears throughout historic British jewellery, loved for its resilience and wide colour spectrum. Georgian jewellers often preferred warm sherry or imperial topaz, enhancing their richness with foiled, closed-back settings typical of the era.
Later Victorian and Edwardian designs introduced cooler shades such as pale blue topaz, frequently used in rivière necklaces, brooches and pendants. Topaz remains an accessible yet elegant choice for UK antique jewellery enthusiasts.
Why These Gemstones Continue to Captivate
From the romantic glow of opal to the timeless brilliance of antique-cut diamonds, each gemstone offers insight into Britain’s jewellery heritage. Their enduring popularity reflects both their beauty and the remarkable craftsmanship of the eras that shaped them. Whether collected, worn or gifted, antique gemstone jewellery remains a cherished part of British cultural and design history.
If you are looking for high quality antique and vintage gemstone jewellery, Laurelle Antique Jewellery provide a wide selection of hand-picked pieces from the Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian and Art Deco eras.
Our friendly staff are always happy to help with any questions you may have. Please get in touch on England: 0333 700 4500 or send us a message at enquiries@antiquejewellerygroup.com and let us help you find your perfect piece.
