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 Victorian Australian Opal & Old Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1890s, 18ct Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. The ring is set with three natural oval cabochon Australian opals ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
French Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Drop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Gorgeous antique french old mine cut earrings with a small drop and lever backs. The photos don't do the diamonds justice. They are bright and lively in a way that only hand cut anti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Victorian Turquoise 15ct Gold Double Heart Lover’s Knot Brooch, Circa 1880’s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An elegant Victorian turquoise and 15ct gold brooch dating to the late 19th century, designed as a pair of beautifully interlocking hearts in a flowing infinity-style arrangement. T...
Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold
Large Victorian Classical Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch 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...
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 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 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 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
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 Opal, Diamond & Demantoid Garnet Cluster Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This stunning late Victorian cluster ring is set with the most gorgeous combination of stones- opal, diamond and demantoid garnet. A fiery cluster of opal cabochons are set around a ...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 15k Gold
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 gunmetal photo locket which ca...
Metal
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 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
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 Paste Harlequin Long Chain, 56', Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This colourful antique harlequin long chain is set with a rainbow spectrum of paste stones- white, pink, yellow, blue, green, purple and red. Dating from the turn of the century, cir...
Multi-gemstone, Base Metal
Certified Colombian Emerald Articulating Drop Brooch with Natural Pearls
Located in London, GB
A striking late Victorian articulating drop brooch, crafted in gold and silver-topped gold and set throughout with approximately 8.43 carats of old mine-cut diamonds. The elegant geo...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver
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
Victorian French Grand Size Carnelian Watch key Pendant or Fob
Located in Stamford, CT
An 18kt gold French Carnelian Large Scale Watch Key, so sleek and smooth it looks modern. It is in fact late Victorian. The Watch Key has a commanding presence as its size and smooth...
Carnelian, 18k 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 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
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
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
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 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
Victorian Oval Rock Crystal Egg with Tudor Rose
Located in Stamford, CT
The symbolic rock crystal egg is beautifully clear with a wheat sheaf design engraved. Symbolism was important in Georgian and Victorian jewelry. The wheat...
Sterling Silver
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 14k Gold Diamond Sapphire Butterfly Brooch, Circa 1899, Russia
Located in Victoria, CA
A captivating antique Russian brooch crafted in 14k gold in St. Petersburg between 1899 and 1908, embodying the refined artistry of the late Imperial era. Designed as a delicate butt...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique French 18K Gold Cuff Bracelet with Pearls
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian Flower cuff bracelet in 18 karat gold. Cuff bracelet decorated with a silver floral branch adorned with fine pearls and half-pearls, positioned in the center of the setting...
Pearl, 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
Late Victorian Amethyst & Seed Pearl 9 Carat Yellow Gold Lavaliere Style Pendant
Located in London, GB
Delicate and beautifully detailed, this English Late Victorian pendant, dating to the 1890s, carries the soft, romantic character often found in English jewellery of the period. Met...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Mesh Coin Purse #23779
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Mesh Coin Purse- Theis elegant Tiffany & Co. 14K yellow gold mesh purse features a beautifully detailed floral filigree ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian 10 Karat Gold & Seed Pearl Stick Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Late Victorian 10k gold & seed pearl stick pin. With a lotus shaped flower that has a small white round seed pearl set at its center. Si...
Pearl, 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
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
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
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
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 the late Victorian era, back in t...
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
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
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 Coral Button Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Coral Button Brooch of beautifully matched coral buttons from the late 19th Century. Wonderful coral color, Gilt metal. 1880's Ita...
Coral, Gilt Metal
1890s Antique Italian Red Sardinian Coral Necklace (Triple-Strand!) +Natural+
Located in Galveston, TX
A private piece from a family collection, never before offered for sale. Single-family ownership for 135 years. The finest quality antique coral, natural, undyed. This necklace repr...
Coral, Sterling Silver
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
Antique Bohemian Gold Filled Garnet Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Antique Bohemian gold-filled bangle bracelet. Prong set with garnets in a flower pattern to the top and around the circumference of the bra...
Garnet, Gold-filled
Minerva intaglio ring in 22 karat gold, signet ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Minerva intaglio ring in 22 karat gold. Ring centered with a carnelian intaglio probably depicting the goddess Minerva, holding a spear in her right hand and accompanied by a bird on...
Carnelian, Gold
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
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
Antique 14K Gold Russian Enamel Miniature Egg Pendant, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
A super charming antique Russian made miniature egg pendant dating to circa 1900. The egg tapers down in shape, and is finished with the most gorgeous white and green guilloché ename...
14k Gold, Enamel
Antique 1897 Enamel Hair 9ct Gold Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
This exceptional late Victorian mourning ring, hallmarked for Chester, 1897, is a beautifully preserved example of sentimental jewellery from the era. Crafted in rich 9ct yellow gold...
Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
Antique Diamond Platinum Ten Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Set in platinum are twenty three Miner's Cut H/VS diamonds, 1.25 carats total weight, beautifully arranged in a lattice inspired design on this fine antique ring...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Pear Sapphire & Diamond Halo 18 Carat Yellow Gold Coronet Cluster Ring, c.1890s
Located in London, GB
You cannot help but fall in love with this beautifully detailed Late Victorian coronet cluster ring, dating to the 1890s and crafted in rich buttery 18 carat gold. At its heart sits...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,138Sale Price|20% Off
Old Diamonds 18 Kt Yellow Gold and Ruby Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
A must of a design for this clamper bracelet, with a snake shape. The snake body is composed of black enamel that's alternating with the 18 Kt yellow gold carved design, and on top o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,546Sale Price|20% Off
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique 2.00 Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Antique Dutch 2.00ct Rose-Cut Diamond Ring This original 19th-century Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the classic silver over gold style of the p...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, c.1870s
Located in London, GB
Introducing a delicate Late Victorian five stone diamond ring, dating to the 1870s and finely crafted in rich 18 carat gold. The ring features five graduating old mine cut diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15k Gold French Emerald Coiled Snake Earrings, Circa 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
A striking pair of antique earrings, modelled as super cool coiled snakes. The bodies coil around themselves, leading to the emerald set "brains" (0.37ct each) that are finished with...
Emerald, 15k Gold
Antique Engraved 1888 Sardonyx Intaglio Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Antique Sardonyx intaglio ring with engraving on the underside of the head that reads "Engine co 20 to Lieut J.P. Dean Nov 2 '88" A very special...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$30,000Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN 1880 Convertible Necklace In 18Kt Gold Graduated Amethysts & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian 19th century necklace with graduated Amethysts. A magnificent and exceptional necklace created in the United Kingdom during the late High Victorian era, circa 1870–1880. T...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k 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
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
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