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 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
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
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 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
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 Black Onyx and Seed Pearl 15 Karat Gold Star Brooch, circa 1870
Located in Honolulu, HI
This Victorian-era oval brooch, circa 1870, is a refined example of 19th-century sentimental jewelry. The piece features a high-polished black onyx plaque centered with a 15-karat ye...
Onyx, Freshwater Pearl, 15k Gold
Victorian Mother-of-Pearl and Paste Gold-Tone Horn Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
This Victorian-era novelty brooch, circa 1890, is masterfully carved from a single piece of luminous mother-of-pearl in the protective "Corno" or Italian horn silhouette. A popular t...
Base Metal, Brass, Gilt Metal
Italian Renaissance Revival Seed Pearl Gold-Filled Fleur-de-lis Brooch 1900
Located in Honolulu, HI
Acquired in Milan, this antique Italian brooch features an elegantly reimagined Fleur-de-lis motif, reflecting the humanistic spirit of the Renaissance Revival. Crafted in gold-fille...
Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate, Gilt Metal
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
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 Shell Cameo and Gold Tone Spinning Locket Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exceptional example of late-Victorian ingenuity, dating to circa 1890, features a masterfully hand-carved natural shell cameo set within a highly functional rotating frame. The ...
Other, Gold-filled
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
$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
Antique American 14K Rolled Gold Rectangular Shell Cameo Ring with Seed Pearls
Located in Honolulu, HI
An elegant piece of American antique jewelry, this ring features a finely carved rectangular shell cameo set in a high-quality 14K rolled gold mount. The substantial 14K gold layerin...
Pearl, 14k 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
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
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 Gold and Platinum Amethyst and Diamond Cross Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An antique amethyst and diamond cross necklace. The necklace is composed as a delicate double-chain arrangement, set with 12 bezel-set square amethysts, accented with 10 round amethy...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Platinum
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
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
Cabochon Turquoise & Old Cut Diamond 18K Gold and Platinum Coronet Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A truly charming and authentic late Victorian cluster ring, full of the romantic character that defines the finest pieces of the 1890s. At its centre sits a beautifully smooth turqu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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 14K Iridescent Enamel Blooming Flower Brooch
Located in Upland, CA
About This Brooch: This late Victorian brooch captures the delicate beauty of a blooming flower with soft pink, green, and yellow iridescent enamel. A bezel-set Old European cut dia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Carved Carnelian Intaglio 18k Gold Heron Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A whimsical and graceful antique Victorian carved carnelian intaglio ring. Sweet and sentimental, the rich umber gemstone carving of a statuesque standing heron with her wings open. ...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral Cabochon Victorian Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Coral Cabochon Victorian Brooch from the late 19th Century. Very dimensional layered construction with Italian origin coral cabochons likely ...
Coral, Silver
Victorian Painted Miniature Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Painted Miniature Brooch with a surround of half pearls. A finely painted miniature watercolor of a young child playing a harp in t...
Natural Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
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 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
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
$1,591Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond And Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.68 carat. Totally is ruby 0.22 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 7....
Diamond, Ruby, 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 Pressed Horn Mourning Brooch, c.1880
Located in London, GB
A poignant and beautifully crafted example of Victorian mourning jewellery, this antique brooch dates to around 1880. The piece features an intricately carved floral design, formed f...
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Antique Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Six Point Star Brooch, With Rays Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
An antique diamond six point star brooch, with rays, with an old-cut diamond, in a cut down setting, in the centre, with an air gap surrounded by a flower, grain set with old-cut di...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
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
$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 Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Earrings, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A pair of antique diamond earrings, mounted in silver-upon-gold, set with old-cut diamonds, in sweeping and curling motifs, claw and micro-claw set, with hook fittings. Circa 1890.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Diamond, Silver, Gold Twelve Point Star Brooch, Circa 1880, 11.26 Carats
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond star brooch, with twelve points, set with old-cut diamonds, with an estimated total weight of 11.26 carats, with a cushion shaped old-cut diamond, in the centre, ...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
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
Victorian French watch chain links in 18k gold, Antique twisted chain
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian twisted watch chain in 18 karat gold. Watch chain composed of slender, openwork links with a gold twist in the center. This watch chain can be worn as a necklace. Late 19th...
18k Gold
Vintage 9K/ 14K Yellow Gold Snake Necklace with Rubies and Diamond.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, with a 9K Yellow Gold Chain, this antique snake necklace captivates with it's expertly detailed textural scales, and unique antique chain. There are 2 Rou...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
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
14k Rose Gold Crescent Brooch with Blue Sapphire & White Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This late Victorian-style brooch features a central blue sapphire surrounded by a radiant array of white diamonds. The crescent shape is adorned with alternating sapphires and diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Rose Gold
Antique C.1898 Sapphire and Pearl Bangle Bracelet in 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique C.1898 Sapphire and Pearl Bangle Bracelet in 9ct Yellow Gold delightful sapphire and pearl bangle, so sweet! The item co...
Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 1837 Sterling Silver Glass Jewellery Box
Located in London, GB
This rare and beautifully crafted antique jewellery box dates to the very start of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1837. The domed lid is made of sterling silver, intricately adorned with ...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Carved Moonstone and Diamond Angel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Wonderful and rare carved moonstone cherub brooch from the late Victorian era. Intricately carved moonstone putti head with incredible detail in the r...
Diamond, Moonstone, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Etruscan Revival 18K Yellow Gold and Turquoise Bracelet.
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Stunning Antique Etruscan Revival 18K Yellow Gold and Turquoise Bracelet is a gorgeous one of a kind. Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold circa 1870, the design features 5 chains of gold...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Victorian 2.30 Ct Old Diamond Cut 14 KT Gold ring
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
Antique Victorian 14K Gold Reverse Intaglio Essex Crystal Dog Portrait Stickpin
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This Victorian stickpin features a finely detailed reverse intaglio crystal depicting a hunting dog, beautifully hand-painted and carved in reverse beneath a domed crystal cabochon. ...
Crystal, 14k Gold, Gold