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.
Antique Brooch French 18K Gold & Silver Diamond Transformable Dog Roses, 1880
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional late 19th-century French transformable brooch designed as a naturalistic branch of dog rose, finely set throughout with rose-cut diamonds. Details: Late 19th century,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Floral Spray Brooch with Old European and Rose Cut Diamonds 19th Century
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking late 19th-century diamond floral spray brooch, acquired from Bonhams Paris, designed as a large naturalistic flower with cascading leafy sprays, curling stems and diamond-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$440Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1880s Victorian Multi-Color Lava Cameo Link Bracelet Grand Tour Italian
Located in Honolulu, HI
A exceptional Victorian era Grand Tour link bracelet featuring ten hand-carved natural Italian lava stone cameos, dating to circa 1880s. Carved from authentic volcanic lava rock, each oval panel showcases a classical profile motif in a stunning array of natural earth tones—ranging from soft gray, charcoal, and terracotta brown to subtle olive-khaki shades. The multi-colored lava cameos are individually set in classic bezel frames and connected by double jump-ring links. Measuring 17 cm in length and weighing 10 g, this delicate yet historic piece drapes comfortably on the wrist. Complete with an antique spring ring clasp, it stands as a wonderful specimen of 19th-century Italian Grand Tour souvenir jewelry...
Brass
$632Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1890s French Antique Mother of Pearl and Silver-Tone Rosary Description:
Located in Honolulu, HI
A stunning example of 19th-century French religious craftsmanship, this antique rosary features hand-carved Mother of Pearl (MOP) beads that radiate a...
Silver Plate
19th Century Hungarian Citrine and Enamel Pendant
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Hungarian Citrine and Enamel Pendant of silver with natural pearls. Wonderful hand enameled details with floral designs. These are usually set in gilt 800 silver. Lovely...
Citrine, Freshwater Pearl, Silver, Enamel, Gilt Metal
$288Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Sterling Silver Black Onyx Bird Claw Charm Necklace Circa 1880
Located in Honolulu, HI
An edgy and highly collectible late 19th-century Victorian silver necklace, featuring a masterfully sculpted bird’s claw gripping a solid, po...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
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 Vulcanite & French Jet Glass Mourning Brooch C-Clasp c. 1880s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An authentic Victorian era (circa 1880s) composite mourning brooch featuring a dramatic interplay of materials and textures. The tiered, architectural oval base is masterfully molde...
$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 Victorian 18K Gold Moonstone Eight-Ray Star Brooch, Circa 1890
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking antique Victorian moonstone brooch, designed as an eight-rayed celestial star and set throughout with graduated cabochon moonston...
Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Antique bracelet with blue enamel, citrine and diamonds 18k gold 32.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold hinged bracelet with blue enamel and set citrine and rose-cut diamonds 0.20 ct – G/H – SI/P Detailed description The top of the bracelet is 2.2 cm wide by 1.2 cm hi...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
c. 1820s–1840s Georgian Hand Engraved Gold Filled Pocket Watch Key Fob Pendant
Located in Honolulu, HI
An authentic Victorian era pocket watch fob, masterfully constructed with a flexible expansion mesh link body. Crafted in warm gold-filled metal, the piece features an articulated concertina-style link pattern that broadens at the center. The fob is anchored by a classic intaglio wax seal...
Gold-filled
$424Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1890s Victorian Gold-Filled Book Chain Necklace with Detachable Cross
Located in Honolulu, HI
Antique Victorian gold-filled book chain necklace, circa 1890s. Features a highly detailed, hand-engraved Gothic-style cross pendant. A key feature is the specialized open-clasp mech...
Gold-filled
Late Victorian 4.18 Ct No Heat Ceylon Sapphire 1.70 Ct. Old Diamond Rare ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This antique early 20th Century is a dream to any lover of rare finds. Date 1920 circa, Italian origin. It has been hand created by a past master to make it stand perfectly on finger...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Italian 800 Silver Florentine Lily Fleur de Lis Brooch C. 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
An authentic antique late Victorian era silver brooch featuring the iconic Giglio di Firenze (Florentine Lily) motif, dating to the late 19th century (circa 1890s). Crafted in solid...
Silver
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 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Gold Griffin Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Gold Griffin Pendant with diamond accent in mouth. The chain is a pinkish ornate link in 10k gold matched to this late 19th Century griffin brooch in 14K. The ornat...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k 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
Victorian Black Glass Intaglio Classical Cameo Pendant Necklace c.1890s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An impressive and bold antique Neo-Classical Revival pendant necklace (circa 1890s–1910s). The focal point is a large circular pendant housing a matte black molded glass intaglio de...
Silver Plate
Flower Brooch Victorian Antique 15ct Gold Pearl & Diamond, Circa 1880
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An elegant Victorian Antique pearl and diamond floral spray brooch crafted in 15 carat yellow gold, dating to the late 19th century. Details • Period: Late Victorian, circa 1880–19...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
$680Sale Price|20% Off
1880s Victorian Restored Onyx Cameo Double Tassel Book Chain Slide Necklace
Located in Honolulu, HI
A masterclass in Victorian ingenuity and versatility, this rare c. 1880s antique piece functions as a dual-purpose convertible brooch and pendant necklace. At its center rests a met...
Onyx, Gold Plate
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
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
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
Antique Pair Of Scottish Dirk Brooches Sterling Silver Citrine Agate Jasper
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This pair of Scottish kilt pin was created in the last decades of the nineteenth century out of sterling silver. These kind pf pin are known as dirks, small replicas of traditional Scottish daggers...
Antique Gold Ring with GIA Certified Russian Emerald & Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Victorian Period 18K yellow gold ring is set with one center emerald cut Russian emerald surrounded by a total of twenty two old mine cut diamonds. It is as sophisticated...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
Antique Rose-Cut Diamond & Pearl Link Bracelet, mounted Silver over Gold.
Located in OVIEDO, AS
The bracelet features repeating floral/starburst motifs, each centered with a pearl and surrounded by rose-cut diamonds arranged in petal-like marquise and teardrop-shaped frames. Th...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
Vintage cocktail 18k Rose Gold Snake Ring, 6.30ct Old European Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique vintage 18k rose gold cocktail snake ring set with 21 old European cut diamonds. A true statement piece for the finger! The head of the snake is decorated with an old Europe...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Victorian Cassis Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant Necklace HEB Chain c. 1880s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exceptional Victorian era (circa 1880s) book chain necklace crafted with intricately linked rectangular motifs resembling the bound spine of a book. This piece features a versati...
Gold Plate
Antique Victorian 1887 Ladies Pocket Silver Watch
Located in New York, NY
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...
$280Sale Price|20% Off
c.1900 Victorian Sterling Silver Peridot Glass & Seed Pearl Circle Brooch
Located in Honolulu, HI
An antique late Victorian open circle brooch, dating to circa 1890. Crafted from sterling silver (stamped on the reverse), this elegant ring-shaped brooch features alternating rows o...
Pearl, Peridot, Sterling Silver
Late Victorian Bohemian Blue Glass Bead Necklace with Filigree Brass
Located in Honolulu, HI
Antique Late Victorian Bohemian Blue Glass Bead Choker Necklace with Filigree Detailing Description: This exquisite antique choker necklace is a remarkable survivor from the Late Vi...
Rock Crystal, Brass
$240Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1890s Victorian Mother of Pearl Openwork Loop Brooch Pin in Rose Gold Tone
Located in Honolulu, HI
A charming Late Victorian era antique brooch featuring a smooth, iridescent Mother-of-Pearl cabochon set in a graceful openwork wire frame. Dating back to circa 1890s, this British-o...
Brass
Victorian Gold Band, Anna Blair Sept. 28 ‘77, Size 6.5, Circa 1870s
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Step into the world of sentimental jewelry with this classic Victorian gold band featuring a rich patina. This antique piece boasts a beautiful inscription that rea...
Gold
C1880 15K Natural Jade Drop Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love these Victorian natural jade drop earrings. At 1.5 inches long they are the perfect length and the contrast between the gold flower top and the jade is striking. The construc...
18k Gold
$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 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
19th Century Dutch Sapphire and Rose Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Dutch Sapphire and Rose Diamond Cluster Ring from the 19th Century. Cluster design with natural navy sapphires with chunky rose diamond concentric pattern. Elaborate hand etch...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
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
$392Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1890 Victorian Rose Gold-Filled Pocket Watch Case Locke
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite antique late Victorian pocket watch style locket, dating to circa 1890. The case is crafted from a warm, rose-toned gold-filled metal, featuring a classic ribbed watch-t...
Gold-filled
Victorian Bois Durci High Relief Goddess Cameo Mourning Brooch Greek Key C.1860
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exceptional and substantial antique Victorian mourning brooch (circa 1860–1870), expertly crafted in dark matte Bois Durci (hardened wood composition) showcasing a dramatic high-r...
Gold Plate
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
Pigeon blood Burmese ruby and diamond ring, late 19th Century.
Located in London, GB
Pigeon blood Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set to centre with a rare cushion shape old cut natural no heat Pigeon blood Burmese ruby in an open back grain setting with a weight of 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian Onyx & Floral Motif Oval Brooch – Warm Rose Gold Filled (c. 1880s)
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exquisite Victorian-era oval brooch (circa 1880s) is a beautiful example of the sentimental jewelry often found in the late 19th century. At its center lies a smooth, polished b...
Onyx, Gold-filled, Rose Gold
Antique 14 Karat Gold Multicolor Enamel Floral Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A charming floral locket pendant, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and accented with colorful enamel. The oval locket features a finely textured and hand-engraved surface decorated ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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
$328Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Late Victorian Angel Skin Coral Cameo Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in Honolulu, HI
An antique late Victorian cameo brooch dating to circa 1900, featuring a finely hand-carved natural Angel Skin Coral cameo depicting the classical profile of a young woman. The carvi...
Coral, Silver Plate
$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
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
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Victorian Revival Spiral Sun Oxidised Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This dazzling 2.05 carat diamond pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, designed with a refined silhouette that exudes timeless sophistication while offering radiant brilliance a...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling 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
Victorian Hand Carved Shell Cameo Goddess Pendant Necklace c. 1890s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite Victorian era (circa 1880s–1890s) hand-carved shell cameo pendant necklace, featuring a finely detailed classical profile of a goddess, likely Flora, adorned with hair f...
Gold Plate
Antique c.1860–1880 Victorian Gold Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in New York, NY
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
Oversized Victorian Locket with Moonstone
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Victorian Gold Filled Locket with Moonstone from the late 19th Century. Art Nouveau floral design with genuine moonstone. Large scale with...
Moonstone, Gold Plate
$568Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Scottish Banded Agate T-Bar Watch Chain Conversion Necklace Circa 1880
Located in Honolulu, HI
A beautiful piece of history repurposed for contemporary wear. This necklace features an original late 19th-century Victorian British watch fob assembly, showcasing a magnificent, hi...
Agate, Gold Plate
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
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