Natural pearls also retained their popularity, and while the first cultured pearls were being harvested in Japan, they wouldn’t become accessible to the public until 1921. Other gem materials used during this period include amber, amethyst, moonstone, chrysoberyl, malachite, tourmaline, peridot, horn, tortoiseshell, and demantoid garnet.
Common gem-cutting styles during the Belle Époque were:
♦ Rose Cut: Round shape with a flat bottom and domed top.
♦ Old Mine Cut: Rounded square shape with multiple (58 or more) facets – similar to the modern round brilliant cut.
♦ Old European Cut (from 1890 onwards): Round shape with a small table, large culet, and 58 triangular facets.
♦ Cabochon (especially in Arts & Crafts jewels): Flat bottom with a rounded top.