Also called Aesthetic period jewelry, historians have determined that antique late Victorian jewelry and watches are representative of an era that lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque.
Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her emotions were reflected in her fashion and in what we now call Victorian jewelry. By about 1880, Queen Victoria and her constituents were ready to look to the future. The dark skies were parting and fashion was changing. There was also a major shift in industry.
While in the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign the focus was on manufacturing, toward the later years there was a renewed interest and appreciation of the handmade. The late Victorian period (1880–1901) was referred to as the Aesthetic period and coincided with these changing tastes.
The Aesthetic Movement, concerned with “art for art’s sake,” began in Britain around the 1870s and became recognized by designers and artists worldwide, eventually resulting in the Arts and Crafts movement (1880s–1920s).
Stylistically, jewelry of this time period did not resemble its earlier Victorian counterparts, in fact it was in complete opposition to what preceded it. Gone were the mourning jewelry, heavy brooches and large necklaces. Late Victorian-era jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty. Women still layered pieces, though, and favored smaller scatter pins. Jewelry also became an evening accessory and not so visible during the day.
Women were starting to actively participate in sporting events (socially, of course, not professionally), so athletic motifs showed up on their accessories. Lockets and heart pendants remained popular, but the REGARD or DEAREST rings of the early Victorian period were replaced by Mizpah pieces, which means “the Lord watches over me” in Hebrew. These items were exchanged between two people to symbolize a close bond.
Diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the Aesthetics movement felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
The Brits still looked to their monarchs to dictate the latest trends. Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law Alexandra famously wore a dog-collar necklace, also known as a collier de chien, made up of multiple strands of pearls, to hide a scar. This style of necklace quickly rose to prominence. Toward the end of the 19th century, solitaire rings were also becoming fashionable thanks to Tiffany & Co.’s advent of the six-prong diamond setting in 1886. Platinum was starting to be used in jewelry production as well. Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings.
Women were the biggest influences on jewelry. They joined the workforce, fought for their independence and overall began to lead a much more active lifestyle. Jewelry had to become comfortable and serve multiple purposes. While in the United States, the Gibson Girls lifestyle was emulated by young women, and starlets became trendsetters.
Finally, the international expositions made the world seem like a much smaller place and jewelry from North Africa and India captured people’s attention, appealing to those who already favored Revival jewelry from the Etruscans to the Romans.
Find antique late Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Colombian Emerald & Old Mine Diamond Ring, 18K, France
Located in Northampton, MA
Sleek and classic, this hefty, substantial (9 grams) men's ring (although a woman could certainly wear it) features an incredible rich green GIA. certified F1 emerald from Colombia t...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Victorian GIA Certified Colombian Emerald & Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
It is an authentic Victorian emerald and diamond ring. The star of the show is the emerald, which is Colombian, the most desired origin. The color is a beautiful vivid green. The eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Victorian Silver Chased Curb Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Victorian Silver Chased Curb Link Bracelet from the late 19th Century. Elaborately chased links are hollow but not flimsy. Wonderful quality. Incredibly modern design for men...
Silver
Antique 19th Century 18k Yellow Gold Burma Ruby Five Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
A superb antique 18k yellow gold ruby five stone ring circa 1880. The rubies are certified by the American Gemological Laboratory as Burma with no heat treatment. The rubies are acce...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Allsopp Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heraldic Crest Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an oval-shaped signet face centering a carved intaglio heraldic crest Displaying a flower with scrolling vines above a crest with stars and a bird Flanked by rounded shou...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch-Pendant from the 1870's. Charming design with angel putti playing with florals. Likely French in origin with hand painted porcelain in a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel, Silver
Pair of Victorian Taille d'Epargne Enamel Bangle Cuffs
Located in Riverdale, NY
Pair of 14K Victorian Taille d'Epargne Enamel Bangle Cuffs from the 1870's. Lovely matching pair with ornate black enamel designs of elegant fruit baskets and Victorian tracery on bo...
14k Gold, Enamel
Late Victorian 3-Stone Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This pretty antique cluster ring is set with three juicy rubies, surrounded by a cluster of old cut diamonds that rest in fine gold settings with a finely pierced gallery. The three ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Rivière necklace with amethysts, second half of the 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique necklace made of sterling silver (0.990 fineness). The necklace is decorated with a single row of 25 amethysts, each gradually changing in size. The amethysts weigh a total o...
Amethyst, Silver
Ceylon Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1880, Nearly 7 Carats
Located in Northampton, MA
Late Victorian Ceylon Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1880 – Nearly 7 Carats This exceptional late Victorian cluster ring showcases the enduring elegance of 19th-cen...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Ladies Hunter Elgin 4 Color Gold Pocket Watch and 18k Gold Chain
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique 14k four color gold hunter case pocket watch made by the Elgin Company around 1908 (based on movement serial # 13333340) features an elaborately decorated 14 c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Coral Pendant Drop Earrings
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Victorian Coral Pendant Drop Earrings from the 19th Century with screw back fittings. Italian coral beads with original gold filled settings...
Coral, Gold Plate
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Diamond and Certified No-Heat Burma Pink Sapphire Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Natural, unheated Burmese pink sapphires and a halo of single-cut diamonds surround a central oval pink sapphire in this late Victorian ring. Cra...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Portuguese 5ct Unheated Burmese Raspberry Spinel & Old-Mine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary, investment-grade heirloom centred on an approximately 5.00-carat natural, unheated Burmese spinel of exceptional museum quality, originating from Mogok, Burma (Myanmar), with no indications of heat treatment. The centre stone displays a highly coveted, deeply saturated raspberry-pink hue with outstanding transparency and an ultra-rare 100% eye-clean clarity profile, radiating remarkable brilliance and life. Sourced from the historic old mines of Mogok — the legendary "Valley of Rubies" — this completely untreated specimen is an absolute rarity at this significant carat weight; fine unheated Mogok spinels...
Diamond, Spinel
Victorian French Jet Cameo Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian long french jet earrings of faceted and smooth jet cabocheons, round beads and tear drop shaped drops. With focal cameo ovals facing one ...
Enamel, Steel
$624Sale Price|20% Off
Late Victorian Era Sterling Silver and Mother of Pearl Whistle Chatelaine
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exquisite piece is a rare example of 19th-century vanity history, featuring a whistle crafted from natural Mother of Pearl and heavy-gauge sterling silver. Historically associat...
Silver
Victorian 14K Gold Serpent Bracelet with Garnet & Diamonds, 1890
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This captivating serpent bracelet is crafted in rich 14K yellow gold, featuring a finely woven herringbone-pattern chain that coils elegantly around the wrist. The articulated snake'...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$632Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Mother-of-Pearl Scent Bottle Pendant Necklace, C. 1890–1900
Located in Honolulu, HI
An antique Victorian scent bottle pendant necklace, circa 1890–1900. The three-dimensional bottle is formed from two matching convex mother-of-pearl panels secured within a brass fra...
Brass
Antique 1883 Silver Ivy Oval Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
This Victorian silver oval locket is a beautifully restrained example of late 19th-century craftsmanship, combining crisp engraving.The front is decorated with a central engraved fol...
Silver
Antique Victorian Opals Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Ring, Circa 1890s, UK
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Details * Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring * Circa 1890s *...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Enamel Guilloche Sterling Silver Brooch with Morning Glory
Located in New York, NY
This round brooch is sterling silver and set with Guilloche enamel detailing and features a stylized morning glory floating on a stylized geometric sinuous background.It is marked 92...
Silver, Enamel
VICTORIAN Antique Bracelet 18K Rose Gold Silver Top 6.50 CTW Rose Cut Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
This important antique estate bangle bracelet features a magnificent, multi-tiered floral cluster densely encrusted with approximately 6.50 carats of natural rose-cut diamonds. Maste...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Ladies Elongated Diamond Platinum and Gold Wrist Watch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Elegant elongated platinum rectangular head with diamond frame with hinged pierced diamond garland chevron lug sides. The band is a double woven 9k white gold design terminating wit...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Kashmir Sapphire, Diamond and 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian Kashmir sapphire and diamond cluster ring, with a cushion shaped Kashmir sapphire, in a claw setting, surrounded by an old-cut diamond cluster, in crown claw setting...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Feather Brooch with Sapphire & Diamond, 1910
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch set with sapphire and brilliant cut diamond up to 0.25 carat - F - VS detailed description: The size of the brooch is 6.0 cm by 3.4 cm wide Weight 11.9 gram...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$952Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Late Victorian Moonstone and Paste Sterling Silver Draped Necklac
Located in Honolulu, HI
A rare late-Victorian sterling silver necklace set with luminous moonstone cabochons and finely cut Victorian paste stones. Each moonstone displays a soft, internal glow—an opaline s...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
Large Victorian Gutta Percha Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Imposing Victorian Gutta Percha Cross Pendant from the 1870's. Large cross pendant set with gutta percha cabochons on a mixed link chain with heavily hand etched rectangular stations...
Victorian Bird Aesthetic Sterling & Rose Gold Bracelet
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Beautiful Aesthetic movement European Victorian sterling silver, yellow and rose gold bird and bamboo pattern bracelet. The details on this piece are lovely, with a large ro...
Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique c.1860–1880 Victorian Gold Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
This exquisite mourning ring is a poignant example of Victorian sentimentality, beautifully crafted in gold with a hand-engraved and black enamel face. At its centre lies a compartme...
Gold, Enamel
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Starburst Ring, Celestial, 1899, Size 4.25, 18K
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Add a touch of enchantment to your collection with our Antique Celestial Ring. This stunning piece boasts a rare old mine cut ...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
VICTORIAN Bohemian 1880 Gilt Festoon Necklace With 112.90 Ctw Of Natural Garnets
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian large festoon necklace with Bohemian red garnets. This is a fabulous and rare antique festoon Bohemian necklace created in England during th...
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant in 14k gold. Beautiful detailing with tiny ruby eyes. 1870's USA. 18" chain in 14k gold, pendant .5 high.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming 19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch circa 1870's, Italy. Designed as a micromosaic of a pharaoh head set in 14k setting of gold bead and twisted wirework. Very fine...
14k Gold
Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle from the 19th Century. Set with ruby pastes and faux half pearls on the top with hinged opening. 3/8" wide. 1880's USA.
Gold-filled
Victorian Cabochon Garnet Snake Necklace with a Heart Locket in Original Case
Located in London, England
Few motifs in Victorian jewellery are as symbolic as the snake. Popularised after Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a serpent engagement ring in 1839, the snake became a symbol of et...
Garnet, 15k Gold
$879Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold Marquise Chalcedony Signet Ring, England
Located in Honolulu, HI
A quintessential example of late Victorian craftsmanship, this authentic 9K yellow gold signet ring features a smooth, marquise-shaped chalcedony with a mesmerizing, misty lavender g...
Chalcedony, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Original Victorian Coral Beads
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Coral Beads on original cotton cord from a period jewelers lot. Genuine coral beads, great to wear loosely tied on back or wit...
Coral
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace. Weve assembled these pieces from the same era together. A brown hemp/linen twine slide necklace holds a ...
Metal
Antique Victorian 1887 Ladies Pocket Silver Watch
Located in London, GB
This finely crafted antique pocket watch is a strong example of late 19th-century British horology, combining decorative silver casework with a carefully detailed enamel dial. The wh...
C1940 14K Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Flush Mount or Gypsy Three Stone Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love this three stone ring for its eye catching, red white and blue array which includes a substantial sapphire, ruby and diamond. Our ring weighs a hefty 10 grams. Three stone ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Bohemian Garnet Silver Bangle Bracelet
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Amazing Victorian Bohemian garnet bracelet encrusted in lovely deep red garnets. Nice round sparkly bangle bracelet with a lovely red...
Garnet, Silver
Antique Ruby Cabochon and 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An impressive natural red ruby cabochon weighing approximately 3.75 carats and measuring approximately 9.88mm centers this late Victorian ring. The center stone is held in a sculptur...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Silver-Upon-Gold Brooch, circa 1875
Located in London, GB
A Victorian oval diamond openwork brooch, with a centre cluster, set with a cushion shaped old-cut diamond, surrounded by old-mine cut diamonds, in claw settings, enclosed by four tr...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings from the late 19th Century. A pair of chased ovals with wreath motifs each have an urn shaped drop hanging fro...
Gold-filled
19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Exceptional 19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch circa 1870's, Italy. Designed as a micromosaic of a pharaoh head set in 14k setting of gold bead and twisted wirework. Incred...
14k Gold
Antique 19th Century Imperial Russian Diamond & Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The crowned double-headed eagle at the center of this grand bracelet is the Imperial coat of arms of the Russian Tsardom, a symbol Russia adopted from the Byzantine Empire in the 15t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Pair of Antique Late 19th Century Pearl and Diamond Pendent Earrings
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A PAIR OF LATE 19TH CENTURY PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS From the top of each pearl suspending vertically set from three graduated old brilliant-cut diamonds suspending, appro...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Jade Pendant Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
A certified natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade hololith (a ring made from one piece of stone) is adorned with a handmade 18K rose gold bail that attaches to the jade through ...
Jade, 18k Gold
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian High-Relief Lava Cameo Brooch Pendant, c. 1880s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exceptional late 19th-century Victorian lava cameo brooch-pendant, hand-carved from authentic Vesuvian volcanic stone. Originating from the traditional "Grand Tour" era, this pie...
Brass
1880's Victorian Antique Mediterranean Coral Drop Earrings in 12K Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Italian 19th Century Victorian Coral Earrings in 12K Gold These elegant Italian Victorian earrings date to the 19th century and feature beautifully preserved Mediterranean coral dro...
Coral, 14k Gold
Victorian 3.60 Ct Certified Burma Natural Sapphire 2.30 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Tradition Spectacular Victorian period Diamond and Sapphire cluster ring which is in the tradition of the antique jewellery, 1890/1900 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Diamond, Silver and Gold Crescent Pendant, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
An antique diamond crescent pendant, set with a row of old-cut diamonds, graduating from the centre, in cut down settings, surrounded by old-cut diamonds, in a grain set channel, wit...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Edwardian Certified 6.35 Ct Imperial Topaz 1.20 CT Diamond three stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Find Imperial Topaz is also known as “precious Topaz”. It is the most sought after in the Topaz family, considered to be the color of the setting sun, imperial topaz gets its na...
Diamond, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold, Platinum
Burmese Ruby and Diamond Floral Cluster Statement Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
This Burmese Ruby and Diamond Statement Bracelet is an opulent fusion of classic elegance and contemporary floral design. Handcrafted in luminous 18K white gold, the piece features a...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian Shiebler Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Shiebler Pendant Necklace composed of a late 19th Century winged lion whistle pendant attached to antique Victorian silver chains...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold & Red Champlevé Enamel Cufflinks
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A superb and rare pair of antique cufflinks in bloomed yellow gold and vivid translucent red champlevé enamel, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1885–1901. Each cufflink pr...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Continental Silver Hunt Scene Repousse Box
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant Continental Silver Hunt Scene Repousse Box. Hand repousee with hunters with boar, dog and boar. 1900's European hallmarks. Handmade. 5.75" x 4" x ...
Silver
Antique 9ct Gold Jade etched Medallion pendant
Located in London, GB
Antique - Victorian Era - Circa 1800s 9ct Rose Gold swing Mounted Centurion etched Shield jade medallion Condition : very good - there is a drilled hole in the jade so definitely som...
Jade, Gold
Antique Victorian Gold and Turquoise Memorial Brooch, ca. 1870–1890
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A beautiful late 19th-century brooch, finely crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and adorned with vibrant turquoise cabochons. At its center sits a domed cluster of round cabochon-cut tu...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$2,503Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Cameo Large Brooch Pendant Depicting Ceres, circa 1890
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An elegant late 19th century Italian shell cameo pendant necklace, finely carved to depict the classical goddess Ceres (Demeter) in profile, her flowing hair adorned with wheat sheav...