Victorian Ornate Gold Etruscan Link Book Chain Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
This gold book chain from the Victorian era (ca1880) is quite an outstanding piece! English in
15k Gold
$900 / item
Satin Silver Victorian Book Chain c.1860
Located in Stamford, CT
This silver book chain proudly suggests that simplicity is beautiful. Do as you wish with it. Wear
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Etruscan Revival English Book Chain Collar 15 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
An amazing Victorian period English book chain collar designed in sought after Etruscan design
Gold, 15k Gold
$600Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.58 in W 19.3 in D 0.79 in
19th C. Nickel Silver Métal Extra Blanc French Adjustable Book Chain Dog Collar
Located in Haarlem, NL
An impressive antique white metal or nickel silver adjustable book chain linked collar, probably
Nickel
Unavailable
W 0.48 in L 19.69 in
Victorian Silver Book Link Chain and Locket with Birds, Animals, circa 1880
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
This fabulous and one-of-a-kind Victorian antique book link chain is beautifully adorned with rose
Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Book Link Collar 18 Carat Gold on Silver circa 1880 Chain
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This stunning Victorian book collar link chain is crafted in Silver and gilded in 18ct Yellow Gold
18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
W 4 in L 17 in
20th Century Art Nouveau Gold Book Chain Choker Style Necklace & Earrings S/3
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-20th Century Art Nouveau Gold Plate Stamped Book Chain Swag Pendant Choker Style Necklace
Victorian Book Chain Link Gold Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
book chain. Beadwork accents decorate the oval-shaped connectors, which alternate with folded panel
15k Gold
Victorian Unusual Etruscan Link Gold Book Chain Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
bracelet is crafted in vibrant 18kt yellow gold, and is comprised of an alternating design of 12 book chain
18k Gold
Victorian Sterling Silver Book Chain
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This Victorian era necklace is known as a 'book' chain and has been manufactured from sterling
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Book Chain Necklace, Collar Necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique Victorian silver collar or book chain necklace. There is so much detailing
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Moon and Stars Book Chain Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
One of the most charming book chain collars I have ever seen is gold on sterling with raised
14k Gold, Vermeil
Antique Sterling Silver Victorian Book Chain Necklace Hallmarked Birmingham 1883
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Book Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Hallmarked Birmingham 1883 Makers Mark M J G
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 1880s Emerald and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
unembellished. The locket suspends from a substantial 15k yellow gold 18" book link chain via a spring loaded
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 2 in Dm 1.75 in L 17.5 in
Victorian 15.26 Ctw. Old Cut Diamond Starburst Pendant & Antique Gold Chain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
fitting is removable. The 14k yellow gold Victorian "book-chain" style link is reversible. Total weight is
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Book Link Chain
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow and rose gold estate Victorian book link chain measuring 18 inches long.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
VIntage Sterling Silver 3-D Panel Deer Floral Necklace
Located in Wallkill, NY
5 Panels of Deer in a forest scene. Stationery Book Link Chain with C closure. Measuring 17.5
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Book Chain Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
One of the most charming book chain collars I have ever seen is gold on sterling with raised
14k Gold, Vermeil
Victorian Rose Gold Fancy Book Link Necklace, Circa 1880
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A fine antique Victorian 9k rose gold fancy book link chain hand crafted circa 1880. The main links
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Gold Fancy Book Link Necklace, Circa 1880
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A fine antique Victorian 9ct yellow gold fancy book link chain hand crafted circa 1880. The main
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Rare Gold Book Chain Necklace
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely antique 14K yellow gold book chain necklace with bead detail. This 1890 antique is rarely
14k Gold
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$38,800Sale Price|20% Off
Syna Yellow Gold Cuff Diamond Bracelet
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Diamond 7.50 carats approx. Open cuff bracelet About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing inspiration from little things, Dharmesh & Namrata Kothari have c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1860 Ancient Revival Ram Ring in Solid 22Kt Yellow Gold With Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
Ancient revival ring with a ram. This is a very unusual and beautiful ring designed in the 19th century with a mix of ancient Etruscan and Egyptian revival patterns. The ring is of ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Etruscan Revival 15k Gold Victorian Large Locket
Located in New York, NY
Stunning example of Etruscan Revival craftsmanship, this 15k antique Victorian locket is substantial in size with exquisite details. The center boasts a beautiful rose gold locket do...
15k Gold
$1,765 / item
Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring....
Garnet, 14k Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Albert or Necklace Chain with T-Bar
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delightful 9ct rose gold chain has fancy links and two dog clips to fasten. It could be used as an albert, necklace or wrapped around your wrist to make a bracelet! Length: 42c...
Gold, Rose Gold
Italian 1970 Modernist Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 21.60 Ctw Diamonds And Coral
Located in Miami, FL
An Italian modernist cocktail ring. Fabulous cocktail ring created in Italy back in the 1970's. This modernist ring has been crafted with a solid and bold construction in solid yell...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1960s Retro 18 Karat Rose Gold Curb Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head and rhinoceros head hallmarks. This vintage bracelet features 3 rows of articulated gourmette link. The edges are chased on both sides and ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Platinum, 1920s Art Deco Three Stone Oval Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Oval Diamond Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1920s Step back into the elegance of the 1920s with this exquisite Art Deco diamond ring. Showcasing a stunning design, the ring f...
Diamond, Platinum
22 Karat Yellow Gold Flexible Cuff Style Bracelet with Granulated Design
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This luxurious textured gold bracelet is crafted in opulent 22 karat yellow gold. The bracelet boasts a wide and flexible design, composed of a series of intricate wire flower motifs...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$74,670Sale Price|20% Off
Retro Reversible Sapphire Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1940
Located in London, GB
A retro reversible sapphire signet ring 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1940. This unusual and ingeniously crafted ring comprises of a deep blue cabochon sapphire, engraved with a seal ...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Diamond Marquise/Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian marquise/navette-shaped ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold, and adorned with a fantastic arrangement o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Butterfly Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional yellow gold butterfly brooch from the 1970s is adorned with round brilliant cut white, champagne and cognac diamonds, totaling approximately 35 carats. The retro bro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$760Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.17 in W 7.88 in D 0.79 in
1950s Sterling Silver English Padlocked Charm Bracelet with Seventeen Charms
Located in Haarlem, NL
This English 1950s heavy sterling silver bracelet has 17 large three-dimensional charms and opens or closes with a heart shaped padlock on a little safety chain. Some of the charm...
Sterling Silver
Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø 5 US/ 4.4gr
Located in SE
A Ring with crown in White Gold or Platinum on solid 18K Yellow Gold band holding lab -made Red - Pink Ruby accented with 6 rose cut Diamonds. Hallmarked / tested 18K. European made...
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Pearl Yellow Gold Mesh Necklace With Earrings
By Elsa Peretti
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18k Yellow Gold Pearl Mesh Necklace and matching earrings by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. With 55Pearls from 5mm to 4.5mm. Comes in the original Tifanny & co Box. Length of necklac...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
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. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
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 David Webb necklaces — 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 Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.