Diamond Mourning Cross
Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Enamel, Gold
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Brooches
Rhodium, Base Metal, Brass, Enamel
1990s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
1990s European Top Handle Bags
2010s French Top Handle Bags
Late 20th Century British Pendant Necklaces
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
Recent Sales
Antique 1870s Belgian High Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bangles
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Emerald, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Belgian Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Beaded Bracelets
White Diamond, Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold,...
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 18th Century British Brooches
Diamond, 15k Gold
Antique 1870s French Victorian Brooches
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1870s Victorian Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 1870s British High Victorian Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century British Victorian More Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1860s Victorian Bangles
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings
Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 1850s Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Rose Gold, Enamel
Antique 1860s English Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Antique 1820s Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique 1850s Unknown Early Victorian More Rings
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Georgian More Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
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.
Read More
Inside the Mansions of HBO’s ‘Gilded Age’ with Set Decorator Regina Graves
Graves filled scores of opulent rooms with furniture and treasures to tell the story of how new money remade New York society.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Why Victorian Snake Jewelry Is Anything but Scary
Representing everlasting love, serpentine often appear on fashionable gems from the era on Queen Victoria.
The Original American Silver-Making Company Is Back in the Spotlight
A new show at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, in Providence, reveals why the various and sundry creations of the Gorham Manufacturing Company still shine.
See How New York City Designers Experiment on Their Own Homes
There are many lessons to be learned from the lofts, apartments and townhouses of architects and decorators in Manhattan and beyond.
Canadian Designer Philip Mitchell Masterfully Balances Tradition and Glamour
Enriching rooms with layers of visual interest is key to the New York– and Toronto-based decorator’s signature style.
How to Buy a Vintage or Antique Engagement Ring
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.