As the curtain begins to fall on the final season of Downton Abbey, fans are bracing themselves for a bittersweet goodbye - not only to the beloved Crawley family and their loyal staff, but also to the exquisite period fashion that has made the series such a visual feast. For jewelry lovers, Downton Abbey has been a dream. From Edwardian tiaras to Art Deco sautoirs, the show’s wardrobe has consistently delivered an authentic and awe-inspiring representation of early 20th-century style.

At the heart of this brilliance is the work of costume designer Caroline McCall and jewelry designer Andrew Prince, whose collaboration brought to life the evolution of fashion, from the conservative elegance of the late Victorian era to the bold glamour of the 1920s.

Victorian Silver & Gold Natural Pearl, Sapphire, and Diamond Necklace // Walton's Jewelry Archive

Late Victorian Jewelry on Screen

Downton Abbey spans a transformative period in jewelry history. Set in the early 20th century, the first season takes place in the shadow of the Victorian era, and its jewelry reflects this legacy. The late Victorian period (circa 1880-1900) was marked by sentimentality, with lockets, brooches, and rings often carrying hidden compartments or symbolic motifs. We see echoes of this in the Crawley family's more restrained pieces, jewelry meant not only for decoration but also to speak of family, memory, and duty.

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French Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bracelet // Walton's Jewelry

Enter the Era of Art Deco Jewelry

As the series moves into the 1920s, the styling shifts dramatically. The Art Deco movement bursts onto the scene with bolder lines, geometric patterns, and the use of colorful gemstones like onyx, emerald, and sapphire. Long necklaces, dramatic earrings, and stacked bracelets begin to appear, each piece reflecting the growing independence and confidence of the women who wear them.

Characters like Lady Mary Crawley and Lady Edith each have their own distinct style arcs, mirrored in their jewelry. Mary's pieces often strike a balance between tradition and strength. Her tiaras and pendant necklaces capture the glamour of the period, demonstrating how jewelry was both a marker of status and a reflection of the broader artistic movements of the time. Edith's jewelry evolves along with her character, becoming more refined and cosmopolitan as she finds her voice.

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The Dream Team: Caroline McCall and Andrew Prince

The authenticity of these designs did not happen by chance. Costume designer Caroline McCall worked closely with jewelry designer Andrew Prince, whose background in antique-style fine jewelry brought an exceptional level of authenticity to the show. Prince previously designed pieces for The House of Fabergé and private collections, but his work for Downton Abbey introduced his craftsmanship to an entirely new audience.

Prince's commitment to historical accuracy is evident in every tiara and brooch featured on screen. He used hand-set Swarovski crystals and old-world techniques to recreate period-appropriate pieces that wouldn't look out of place at a royal gala, or in a 1920s English drawing room. His informed replicas drew inspiration from original antique jewels to create pieces that could withstand close camera work while also reflecting the grandeur of the Crawley family’s world.

This collaboration highlights an essential truth: jewelry is never just ornament. It is character, history, and narrative condensed into gold and gemstone.

Highclere Castle 2019 // Main location of Downton Abbey // Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Legacy of the Jewels of Downton Abbey

For antique and estate jewelry collectors, Downton Abbey underscores how jewelry functions as a bridge between personal story and cultural moment. From Victorian sentimentality to Art Deco innovation, the show traced the evolution of jewelry design with remarkable fidelity.

For those just beginning to explore antique jewelry, the series offers an accessible education: how platinum supplanted silver, why geometric cuts defined the 1920s, and the power that sentimental motifs held in the 19th century. It demonstrates that jewelry is not static. It evolves, reflecting the people and eras it adorns.

Now, as we bid farewell to Downton Abbey, its jewelry leaves behind a legacy that collectors and enthusiasts alike will continue to treasure. And as collectors and admirers, we'll continue to draw inspiration from the Crawley family's jewelry box long after the final credits roll.

 At Walton’s Jewelry, we have more than 50 years of experience serving Historic Downtown Franklin and the greater Nashville community. Each member of our team has trained at The Gemological Institute of America and has a deep passion for preserving the history and beauty of antique jewelry. Whether you are a Tennessee local looking to stop by our showroom or prefer to view our selection virtually, we invite you to explore our newest arrivals and reach out with any questions you may have.