The movement called Edwardian in Great Britain was dubbed La Belle Époque (beautiful era) in France. Arising in the mid-1880s and flowing through the Edwardian era, jewels of this period were made possible through the use of platinum and the abundance of diamonds coming from South Africa. This era of unparalleled prosperity fueled a heyday for jewelers with newly minted millionaires desiring to display their wealth.

Belle Époque jewelry is characterized by garlands and swags of foliate motifs, lace, and bows. Designs reflect the neoclassical and rococo motifs of 18th-century French courts.