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.
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
Joke Quick 3.91 ct Rose Cut Diamond Brilliant Cut Diamond Pavé Statement Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
Discover the beauty and precision of Belgian craftsmanship in this White Rose-Cut and Brilliant-Cut Diamond ring by jewellery designer Joke Quick. At the heart of this ring, created...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
No Heat Padparadscha Rose Cut Champagne Pink Yellow Diamond Blue Sapphire Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
No Heat Padparadscha, Rose Cut Champagne Pink Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire Ring A luminous one-of-a-kind ring in 18K rose gold, created by Belgian jewellery designer ' Joke Quick' ...
Padparadscha Sapphire , Blue Sapphire, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Pi...
$544Sale Price|20% Off
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
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 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
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
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 Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Silver-Upon-Gold Star Brooch, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique emerald and diamond star brooch, with a sugarloaf cabochon-cut emerald, in a crown claw setting, with old mine-cut diamonds, pavé set, in the points, mounted in silver-upo...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
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 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
$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
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 Hand-Carved Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch in Scalloped Wire Frame C.1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite British Victorian era brooch featuring a hand-carved natural shell cameo portrait set within a delicate wirework frame. Originating from the late 19th century, this piec...
Gold Plate
$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
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
$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 Era Watch Chain Necklace w American Waltham Watch Pendant
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
One must appreciate this Victorian Era 14 karat yellow gold heirloom ladies watch chain necklace outfitted with a miniature antique watch pendant...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
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 Victorian Aquamarine 5-Stone Half Hoop Ring in 18k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
This wonderful antique half hoop ring is set with five stunning aquamarines, 0.75 carat total and full of exceptional colour and light. The ring mount features the beautiful scrolled...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 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
$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
Antique Late Victorian 17k Rose Gold Opal Engraved Ring
Located in New York, NY
An oval cabochon cut opal weighing 1.02ct centers this antique 17k rose gold ring, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. A smooth bezel follows the gemstone’s outline, sur...
Opal, Gold, Rose Gold
$328Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Late Victorian Angel Skin Pink 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 pink cameo depicting the classical profile of a young woman. The carvin...
Silver Plate
$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
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 Burmese Sapphire five stone ring, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
Victorian Burmese sapphire five stone ring. Horizontally set with five oval old cut natural no heat Burmese sapphires in open back claw settings with an approximate total weight of 4...
Sapphire, Yellow 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
$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
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
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 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
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
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Pocket Watch by G Robertson, 1887
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...
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
$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 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 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
$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 Victorian Scottish Silver Cairngorm Citrine and Agate Brooch, 1870-1890
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique Victorian Scottish silver brooch, dating from the second half of the 19th century and designed in the tradition of Scottish pebble jewelry...
Agate, Citrine, Silver
Victorian Onyx and Half Pearl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Onyx and Half Pearl Brooch set in 14k gold from the late 19th Century. High quality manufacture. 1.5 x.25". 1880's USA.
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
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
Victorian Gunmetal Locket and Long Chain
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Gunmetal Locket and Long Chain from the late 19th Century. Original long chain interspersed with bar and bead sections. Original gunmetal hook and fittings. Large lo...
Base Metal
VICTORIAN brooch with blue enamel and pearl 7.7 gram 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold brooch with pearl and decorated with blue enamel – 7.7 grams detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 3.5 cm wide by 2.7 cm high weight 7.7...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
$440Sale Price|20% Off
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
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 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 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 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
19th Century French Tri Color Gold Ruby Brooch
Located in New York, NY
French Tri Color Gold Ruby Brooch set in 18k gold from the 19th Century, Originally a cover for a fancy pocket watch, this was converted in the peri...
Ruby, 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 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
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
Lovely Victorian Gold Griffin Brooch, 19th Century.
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Gold Griffin Brooch in 10k gold from the late 19th Century. Beautiful detailing set with a small diamond in mouth and green stone eye. Made as a watch holder brooch ...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold
$544Sale Price|20% Off
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
14K Gold and Enamel Decorated Knights Templar Masonic Fob Pendant
Located in valatie, NY
14K Gold and Enamel Decorated Knights Templar Masonic Fob Pendant. A fine example of a Knight's Templar fob charm or pendant made in 14k yellow gold circa 1900. The front depicts a ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Hand-Carved Bog Oak Rose Pendant Multi-Strand Necklace, c. 1880s
Located in Honolulu, HI
A magnificent Victorian-era mourning/sentiment necklace featuring an authentic, hand-carved Irish Bog Oak rose pendant dating to the late 19th century (c. 1880s). The central oval p...
Silver Plate