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Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

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Victorian 18K gold black enamel pearl locket pendant
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale a magnificent French work, Victorian era 18K gold locket pendant. The front of the locket
Category

19th Century French High Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Diamond and Blue Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in NEWARK, GB
A splendid, fine antique Victorian locket pendant. Made from rich bloomed 18kt gold with a brushed
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian 1.80 Ct. Diamond Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
This stunning Victorian era rare locket, shows its preciousness by the exquisite Turquoise Robin
Category

1880s European Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 1.80 Ct. Diamond Enamel Locket Pendant
Victorian 1.80 Ct. Diamond Enamel Locket Pendant
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H 1.34 in W 0.71 in
Antique 18k Gold Mourning Locket, Black Enamel Cross Pendant
Located in NEWARK, GB
This beautiful antique 18kt gold Mourning locket is really a very special and sentimental piece
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Yellow Gold Emerald Coral Enamel Locket Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful Victorian locket pendant made of 18k yellow gold featuring emerald, coral and enamel
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Coral, Emerald, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Cabochon Sapphire and Enamel Locket
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A perfectly round and mid-size 18k yellow gold locket displaying the complex beauty that is
Category

1890s Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby & Enamel Bird Locket
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, sapphire, ruby, enamel, and yellow and rose gold locket pendant
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
bale. Tested as 18 karat gold. With maker's mark. Circa: 1870's. Measures: 1 5/16 x 2 1/8 inches. Total
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian 18kt Diamond & Enamel Portrait Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely gorgeous gold and enamel locket from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This wonderful piece
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Diamond Initials Pearl Enamel Oval Locket Pendant
Located in Vilnius, LT
This is an amazing Victorian oval locket pendant crafted in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1880. The
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Antique 18ct Gold & Blue Enamel Victorian Belt Buckle Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belt Buckle Locket 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Lovely, Victorian oval shaped locket
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian 1870 Geometric Enameled Oval Pendant Locket in 18kt Gold with Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Very rare pendant locket from the Victorian Era. Exceptional piece, created in England during the
Category

1870s English High Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Diamond Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant / Locket, circa 1865
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
within. The Victorian pendant suspends from an 18" 18k yellow gold fine trace chain via a flared ring
Category

1860s Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Yellow Gold Victorian Cross Locket Pendant - 18k Antique Restons Unis
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Victorian Date: 1860 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Material Information Enamel Color: Blue
Category

1860s Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Onyx, Diamond, Pearl and Enamel Yellow Gold Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
pendant is suspended from a contemporary 18k yellow gold 18" curb chain via an integrated tapering bale
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1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian natural pearl and enamel locket, English, circa 1870.
Located in London, GB
Victorian natural pearl and enamel locket. Set to centre with a natural half pearl in a closed back
Category

1870s English Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique 0.45 Carat Diamond Enamel and 16K Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold locket pendant; part of our diverse Victorian jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and
Category

1880s Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel Pearl circa 1860
Located in London, GB
A Victorian pendant in 18 karat yellow gold set with enamel and pearl, circa 1860. This exquisite
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1860s British Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel Pearl circa 1860
Victorian Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold Enamel Pearl circa 1860
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W 1.19 in D 0.48 in L 3.15 in
Guiliano Rock Crystal Enamel Natural Pearl Locket Pendant c.1870
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in Stamford, CT
This rock crystal natural pearl and delicate enamel locket is a rare piece of jewelry history made
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 1850s 18K Gold Blue Enamel Pearl & Garnet Snake Necklace
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
four round pearls, two cabochon garnets, and cobalt blue enamel, set in 18 karat yellow gold, with 18
Category

Mid-19th Century European Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Enamel and Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Highlighted by polychrome cloisonné enamel, this 19th century Latin cross pendant is intricately
Category

1870s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel, Gold

Enamel and Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
Enamel and Gold Cross Pendant Necklace
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W 2.375 in L 3.125 in
Victorian Large 18 Karat Enameled and Moonstone Pendant Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely magnificent moonstone pendant necklace from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This
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1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Moonstone, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Large 18 Karat Enameled and Moonstone Pendant Necklace
Victorian Large 18 Karat Enameled and Moonstone Pendant Necklace
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H 1.13 in W 0.88 in D 0.75 in L 18.25 in
French Antique Gold, Enamel, Diamond, Pearl Necklace with Bird and Heart Locket
Located in New York, NY
An antique early Victorian gold, enamel, diamond, and seed pearl necklace comprised of a gold and
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1840s French Early Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Late 19th C Enamel Miniature Pendant Necklace of Cupid and Psyche with Locket
Located in Hummelstown, PA
18k gold with a soft bloomed finish. The pendant features a hand painted oval plaque depicting Cupid
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Carlo Giuliano Etruscan Revival Amethyst Locket
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in Napoli, IT
revival, reproducing his well know granulation work Large sized locket, 18 Kt solid gold Distinctively
Category

1850s European Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Victorian Stunning Pavé Diamond Heart Shape Locket Pendant 4 Leaf Clover Inside
Located in London, GB
A stunning late Victorian diamond heart shaped pendant locket c.1896, the domed heart fully pavé
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Coral, Diamond, Enameled Locket Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
A magnificent coral locket/pendant from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Made of vibrant 18kt gold, the
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Turquoise Blue Enamel, Gold, and Diamond Oval Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian period enamel and diamond locket pendant featuring turquoise blue enamel on
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Black Onyx 3.50 Carat Coral and Demantoid Garnet Yellow Gold Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
garnet, 12ct karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse Victorian gemstone jewellery and estate
Category

1890s Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Coral, Garnet, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Victorian Black Onyx 3.50 Carat Coral and Demantoid Garnet Yellow Gold Locket
Victorian Black Onyx 3.50 Carat Coral and Demantoid Garnet Yellow Gold Locket
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H 0.61 in W 1.57 in D 0.61 in Dm 1.57 in L 2.87 in
Antique 18 Kt Gold Locket Alpha Omega Christogram Bible Quote 2.Book of Samuel
Located in Munich, Bavaria
relief and highlighted with black enamel. The locket has a bible verse inscribed on the reverse. The
Category

1860s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Carlo Giuliano Hardstone Cameo of Bacchus Gold and Enamel Pendant, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
An antique hardstone, pearl and enamel pendant by Carlo Giuliano c.1883, the pendant centred with
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Gold, Blue Enamel, and Gemstone Snake Necklace with Locket
Located in New York, NY
diamond and blue enamel pendant with a locket back, in 18k gold. Approximately 17" long, snake head and
Category

1840s Early Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Mid-19th Century Blue Enamel, Rose Diamond, and Gold Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian period blue enamel, diamond, and gold locket pendant centered by an oval
Category

1850s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique Seed Pearl Infinity Pendant Locket
Located in New York, NY
Dating from the 1880s, this antique Victorian pendant locket with seed pearls and enamel is set in
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian Pearl Star Turquoise Enamel Gold Brooch or Pendant
Located in Stamford, CT
A granulated jewel of a brooch, set in 18kt soft toned gold, showcases a star of gleaming natural
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Enamel Snake Mourning Stick Pin with Hair Locket, Inscribed 1852
Located in Danvers, MA
A stunning piece of antique early Victorian Mourning jewelry, this enameled Snake Stickpin is
Category

Mid-19th Century British Georgian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Gold, Silver, Enamel

Victorian Heart-Shaped Blue Enamel Pendant-Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel, pearl and diamond pendant-necklace, the heart-shaped locket
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel pendant-necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian heart-shaped blue enamel, pearl and diamond pendant-necklace, the heart-shaped locket
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

15k Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Pendant
Located in London, GB
pendant is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked, tested as 20ct gold. This sumptuous Victorian
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet and Chrysoberyl Pendant
Located in London, GB
18ct gold. This gorgeous Victorian Holbeinesque pendant comes from the extensive antique collection of
Category

1870s British Holbeinesque Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Garnet, Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet and Chrysoberyl Pendant
Located in London, GB
, gross weight 18.9 grams. This antique pendant is in fine condition. Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold
Category

1870s British Holbeinesque Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel

Victorian Holbeinesque Garnet Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque garnet, chyrsoberyl, gold and champlevé enamel pendant, to the centre with
Category

1870s British Holbeinesque Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Early Victorian Blue Enamel, Pearl and Diamond Locket
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian blue enamel, pearl and diamond locket, to the centre a 18th century miniature
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1840s English Early Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Gilt Blue Enamel circa 1880 Locket
Located in Lancaster , GB
This wonderful antique 18ct Gold Gilt locket is from the Victorian era, Circa 1880. The piece
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique 18 Karat Gold Victorian Locket Pendent
Located in Houston, TX
Antique 18k gold Victorian locket pendant. It is a portrait locket. This locket pendant in enamel
Category

17th Century British Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Mourning Locket Pendant in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Onyx
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique mourning locket pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. Important locket pendant enamelled in
Category

1860s French Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Victorian Carlo Giuliano Etruscan Revival Amethyst Locket
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in Napoli, IT
Etruscan revival, reproducing his well know granulation work Large sized locket, 18 Kt solid gold
Category

1870s British Etruscan Revival Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Victorian 18k Enamel Locket
Located in Montgomery, AL
the romance and grace of the Victorian era. Captivatingly set in luxurious 18k gold, this locket
Category

1850s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Era 18k Gold Enamel Cherubs Photo Locket Pendant
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale a Victorian era 18K yellow gold photo locket, a treasure imbued with nostalgia and
Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian era 18K gold natural pearl enamel miniature portrait locket pendant
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale an extraordinary Victorian era enameled miniature portrait locket pendant, a true
Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Enamel Garnet Gold Etruscan Revival Locket Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18k yellow gold sculptural pendant, almost Aztec in its rendering, but distinctly Etruscan in
Category

1860s Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Cherub Mourning Locket Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Enameled oval locket depicting two hand painted winged cherubs floating among a cloudy blue sky, no
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian Era Cleopatra Enamel Diamond Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
, heart-shaped locket pendant features a finely painted enamel profile of a female wearing a gold royal
Category

Mid-19th Century Swiss Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Enamel

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Enamel Locket
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Enamel Locket. This beautiful locket is
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Ruby, Diamond, Pearl and Enamel Locket Pendant
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An elongated cushion of 18 karat yellow gold is appointed with old mine cut diamonds, a deep pink
Category

1880s Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian Cabochon Garnet Enamel Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
French, mid 19th century An antique 18K gold oval locket pendant is set with two cabochon cut
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Garnet

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Blue Enamel Cross Locket
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
a fine Victorian lady and gentleman. Modelled in 18 yellow gold. This piece is in its impressive
Category

1860s Unknown High Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Blue Enamel Cross Locket
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Blue Enamel Cross Locket
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W 1.11 in L 1.38 in
Victorian Enamel Diamond Gold Locket “Dieu Vous Garde”
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
store relics of your beloved. The gold looks like 18k, but the piece is stamped 15k. The locket measures
Category

1880s Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

15k Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Old Cut Diamond Seed Pearl Enamel Oval Locket Pendant
Located in Vilnius, LT
This is a Victorian oval locket pendant crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1880. The piece is highly
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian Emerald Coral and Enamel Yellow Gold Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive antique locket pendant has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pendant has a circular form
Category

1880s Unknown Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket

Materials

Coral, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate antique victorian 18k gold enamel pendant locket for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using 18k Gold, Gold and Yellow Gold. If you’re looking for an antique victorian 18k gold enamel pendant locket from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. While most can agree that any antique victorian 18k gold enamel pendant locket from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Diamond version from the 5 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cabochon and rose cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for an antique victorian 18k gold enamel pendant locket, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Antique Victorian 18k Gold Enamel Pendant Locket?

The price for an antique victorian 18k gold enamel pendant locket starts at $1,000 and tops out at $6,985 with these necklaces, on average, selling for $2,975.

A Close Look at victorian Jewelry

The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.

The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.

Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, 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 era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.

Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs. 

Finding the Right necklaces for You

We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.

Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers. 

In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs. 

For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone. 

Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt

On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.