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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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...
Victorian Carved Coral Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Carved Coral Earrings from the 19th Century. Original Etruscan work caps in 14k gold with more modern 14K ear wires. Coral is carved and patinaed. 1880's Italy. Tota...
Coral, 14k 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
$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 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
Antique Victorian Brooch Turquoise 15ct Gold Double Heart Lover’s Knot 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
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
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
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 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
No oil Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
No oil Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural Colombian emerald with no oil in an open back claw and cutdown setting with an a...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 necklace watch chain in 18 karat gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian necklace watch chain in 18 karat gold. Antique bar-link chain. The fluted cylindrical links, with a polished finish, alternate with small faceted oval links. The chain is e...
Gold
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 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
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 Gold Etruscan Locket with Pearls
Located in New York, NY
Substantial Victorian Etruscan Locket in 14k gold with Half Pearls from the mid 19th Century. Elaborate Etruscan decoration throughout. Origi...
Pearl, 14k 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
Victorian Persian Turquoise and Seed Pearl Dove
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Persian Turquoise and Seed Pearl Dove from the late 19th Century. Pave turquoises and pearls are used to decorate the dove in fli...
Pearl, Turquoise, Silver, Gilt Metal
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring Heirloom Jewelry
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring Heirloom Jewelry This original 19th-century Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the clas...
Diamond, 14k 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
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
Antique 1.40 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking cluster ring from the late 19th century. This exquisite piece showcases a deep blue sapphire at its centre, surrounded by a frame of round faceted old mine-cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 14K Gold Trilogy Ring, 2.30 Ct Old Mine Diamonds, Circa 1890
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Find This quite extraordinary antique Victorian period ring is the embodiment of beauty during that period time, 1890/1900 ca Glorious Victorian hand craftsmanship of solid 14 k...
Diamond, 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 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
Antique 1883 Silver Ivy Oval Locket Necklace
Located in New York, NY
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 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
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 Tri Color Gold Filled Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Tri Color Gold Filled Bangle. Late 19th Century with tri colored gold applications on Etruscan work base. Very good condition. 5/8" wide, Interior diameter 2.2" x 2". Sma...
Gold Plate, Gold-filled
$6,498Sale 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
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 colour of the setting sun, imperial topaz gets its n...
Imperial Topaz, Diamond, Platinum, 18k 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
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
Victorian Coral Bud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Coral Bud Earrings from the late 19th Century. Carved genuine coral shaped as apples, set with 14k gold with original wires. Bud is 3/8" across. 1880's Italy. DOMESTIC SALE...
Coral, 14k 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