‘Much display of jewelry is out of place for young ladies, and the kind of jewelry to be worn demands as careful consideration as that of the dress itself.’ The ‘Household Companion: Book Of Etiquette‘ of 1909 gives advice about how jewelry was worn in the Edwardian era.
How to wear jewelry (Household Companion: Book Of Etiquette, 1909)
In the morning: ‘only a simple ring or two are admissible, with, perhaps, a gold brooch, and a watch and chain’
In the street: ‘To wear much jewelry in the streets is in very bad taste, while in large cities it may subject the wearer to danger from robbery.’
In the evening: ‘Diamonds, pearls, and transparent precious stones generally belong to evening costume, […] they should not be worn in the earlier parts of the day’
While traveling: ‘In traveling it is inadvisable to make a display of jewelry’ because of the danger of robbery, especially if a lady is traveling alone.
The price of jewelry (Household Companion: Book Of Etiquette, 1909)
Not the most expensive jewelry is the best jewelry: ‘A simple and inexpensive jewel may occasionally have the effect of an exquisite work of art, while a large and showy brilliant may give the impression of vulgar display or showy overdress.’
Fake Pearl Jewelry (The Lady’s Realm, 1911)
There were already fake pearl necklaces in the Edwardian era, which ‘cannot possibly be distinguished from the genuine pearl of the ocean, being identical in shape, colour, and radiance.’ They are sold between one and three guineas. Here‘s a picture of a faux pearl necklace which is sold for three guineas. ‘There is a tiny knot between each pearl, as would be the case in a row of genuine pearls.’