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 Mother of Pearl Horn with Paste-Set Crown Cap, circa 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
A charismatic example of late 19th-century novelty jewelry, this Victorian brooch is carved from a single piece of luminous mother-of-pearl in the form of a protective horn. Often re...
Base Metal, Brass, Gilt Metal
Victorian 15K Gold and Onyx Star Brooch with Seed Pearls
Located in Honolulu, HI
This substantial Victorian brooch is a masterful example of 19th-century sentimental jewelry, merging dramatic contrast with delicate celestial symbolism. At its center lies a deep, ...
Onyx, Freshwater Pearl, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian Double Pink Paste Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Cotton Candy is the color of this pair of Victorian pink paste earrings, the color that is a favorite of paste lovers. Not one paste but two comprise each earring, one stone being a ...
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
Italian Antique Fleur-de-lis Brooch in Gold-Filled Metal with Seed Pearl, circa
Located in Honolulu, HI
Acquired in Milan, this exquisite antique brooch features the iconic Fleur-de-lis motif, reimagined through the expressive lens of Italian artistry. While often associated with Frenc...
Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate, Gilt Metal
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
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 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
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
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 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 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
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
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
Victorian 18K Gold Opal Five Stone Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Gold Opal Five Stone Ring This Antique English Five-Stone Opal Ring, crafted in 18k gold, dates back to the late 19th to early 20th century. It features a stunning row...
Opal, 18k 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
$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
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
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
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
Rare Late-Victorian 360° Spinning Cameo Locket Brooch with Ornate Scrollwork, ci
Located in Honolulu, HI
A magnificent example of late-Victorian ingenuity and sentimentality, this spinning cameo brooch (circa 1890) is a versatile treasure for the serious antique collector. At its heart ...
Other, Gold-filled
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
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
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 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...
$6,636Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
$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
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
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
Hungarian Coral and Seed Pearl Silver Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Hungarian Coral and Seed Pearl Silver Brooch from the late 19th Century. Set in a heavy sterling hand made mount with genuine coral cabochons, seed pearls and faux ruby pastes. 1.5" ...
Coral, Pearl, 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
$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
Antique French Enamel and Gilt Brass Vesta Case, circa 1880
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A delightful antique French vesta case (match safe), finely crafted in gilt brass and decorated with a colorful hand-painted enamel plaque. The enamel scene depicts a playful seaside...
Enamel, Brass
Victorian Trembler Spring Hat Pin w Amethyst Molded Glass Crystal - 7", ca 1900
Located in Tucson, AZ
A necessity during the Victorian Era, hat pins not only balanced precarious hats atop piles of hair but also moonlighted as weapons against overzealous gentlemen. Though teetering ha...
Crystal, Brass
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
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
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
Antique Gold Family Book Locket Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This Antique Gold Family Book Locket Pendant is a charming and sentimental piece of jewelry, designed to hold the memories of loved ones close. Crafted fro...
Gold, 9k 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
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 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
Late Victorian Floral 9 Carat Rose Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautifully decorative 9ct rose gold band features stunning floral style engraving. Made in Chester, England. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 Band Width: 7mm Weight: 3.4g
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
Antique Indian Gold Ruby Cabochon Ring Mughal Period
Located in London, GB
A scarce late Mughal period Indian gold and ruby ring dating from the mid-19th century. The cabochon cut ruby is belcher set in an open-backed mount and weighs approximately 1ct. Th...
Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold
Victorian Carved 1.25 Ct Five Stone Boat Ring 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This Gorgeous late Victorian five stone ring is 1900 ca. Enchanting boat shape skilfully carved and pierced with scroll work made of solid 18 KT gold – marked Facing up with a gradu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1880's Victorian Antique Mediterranean Coral Drop Earrings in 12K Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Italian 19th Century Victorian Coral Earrings in 12K Gold These elegant Italian Victorian earrings date to the 19th century and feature beautifully preserved Mediterranean coral dro...
Coral, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Circa 1900s Natural Old Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Totally is diamond 1.35 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1-S2 clarity. Ring size is US 6 We can make any size. The shank is r...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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
Antique Gold Reverse Painting under Rock Crystal of Dog Cufflinks, c. 1860
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique gold painting under rock crystal, these finely painted dogs with a tied pink ribbon are brimming with personality, they was made circa 1860. In both yellow and pink gold, t...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold
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