Also called Romantic period jewelry, antique early Victorian jewelry and watches were a celebration of the young monarch’s love.
When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. While this may seem a bit simple for our contemporary tastes, the serpent symbolizes eternity, and has become a popular motif in jewelry. The tail in the serpent’s mouth forms an unbroken circle. This dewy-eyed happiness trickled down to the masses and men and women favored jewelry that was sentimental and full of symbolism. Today, antique Victorian jewelry is very coveted and highly collectible.
Romantic period jewelry tends to be feminine and ornate. Flowers, hearts, birds, and bows were just some of the common decorative motifs. These pieces were embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise. It was common to express your devotion with jewelry — REGARD and DEAREST rings were particularly popular. These rings were set with stones that corresponded to each letter: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond.
Most often, the design of the ring was simple, with the stones going across the shank of the ring in a line, but it was not uncommon to see a REGARD ring in a flower formation, with each stone set in the petal of the flower.
Another common early Victorian ring style was two hands clasping a flower or stone. They came in many styles and were made of coral and ivory but also of gold with precious and semiprecious gemstones. These rings, while not exclusively Victorian, are often associated with the time period and symbolized friendship. Lockets enclosed with hair, cameos depicting cupid or a loved one’s face and enamel pieces were also popular.
The early Victorian period corresponded with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Jewelry, no longer made only by hand, became more affordable during the 19th century. The growing middle class also helped increase the demand for it. This was reflected in how women styled their jewelry; they were not afraid to adorn themselves from head to toe with stacking and layering in between. Considering the time period (this was before the California Gold Rush), a lot of pieces in the Romantic period were made using low-karat gold or were gold-plated. Fine gold wire was also employed frequently to add to the design. This is a nice trick to know when determining the date of Victorian jewelry.
Find a range of antique Romantic period brooches, necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Victorian ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 18k gold 7.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.40ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 9.25 - EU. 19.25(61) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 4.3 mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.35 ct, F/G, SI Detailed description: The pendant measures 2.0 cm high and 1.2 cm wide. Total weigh...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Vicorian ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold with silver ring with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 8.5 mm wide and 4.1 mm hi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with 14k gold and silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct - F/G - SI - 44 cm long Detailed description: necklace is 44 cm long and 1.0 mm wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring, Rose-Cut Diamond 0.40ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold solitaire ring set with a rose-cut diamond up to 0.40 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 3.5 - EU 14.5(45) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 7.9 mm wide and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN earrings with rose cut diamonds up to 3.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver earrings set with rose-cut diamonds up to 3.50ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.9 cm long by 1.7 cm wide Weight 8.8 grams...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamond sup to 3.00ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a silver pendant set with a rose-cut diamond, totaling approximately 3.00 ct – G/H - SI - 42 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 42 cm long a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.60ct – G/H - SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.20ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S 7- EU 17.25(54) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.4 cm wide and 7.5 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
necklace with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 3.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold necklace with a gold and silver center piece set with old mine and rose cut diamonds. 3.00ct – G/H – VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklac...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamond up to 1.20ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace and gold and silver solitaire pendant set with rose-cut diamonds total approx. 1.20ct – G/H - SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklac...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Ring with rose cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 14k gold and silver 8.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver cocktail ring with rose-cut diamonds totaling 1.80ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.2 cm wid...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds up to 1.50 ct – G/H – SI – 8.8 grams Detailed description: The pendant measures 3.1 cm long and 2.4 cm wide....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold with silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds total. 0.60 ct - G/H - SI – dimensions 2.7 cm long by 1.7 cm wide Detailed description the pendant is 2.7 cm long and 1.7 cm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Choker with rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with gold and silver centerpiece set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.30ct – G/H – SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the length of the necklace is 45 cm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold necklace with gold and silver pendant set with old mine and rose cut diamonds. 1.20ct – G/H - SI - 50cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 50 cm l...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Pearl bead necklace and 14k gold and silver loch with rose diamonds up to 0.30ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold net silver clasp set with rose diamonds up to 0.30ct – G/H – SI on a pearl necklace – 80 cm long – 55.1 grams Detailed description the length of the necklace is 80 cm long...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
An early Victorian topaz and diamond cluster ring
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian topaz and diamond cluster ring, the cushion-shaped golden topaz estimated to weigh 6 carats, set to the center of an old-cut diamond cluster surround, the diamond...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Fine Large Antique Victorian 15K Rose Gold Banded Agate Natural Pearl Cross
Located in New York, NY
Elegant cabochon banded agate, natural pearl 15K Rose Gold large antique English cross 19th Century Composed of well matched banded agate cabochons forming an elongated vertical white line against a dark background with each arm ending in three silvery white natural pearls. Original bale of substantial size centered with a dimunitive cabochon banded agate flanked by natural pearls. Banded agate has been prized for its beauty and protective powers for thousands of years, making it particularly well suited for a cross. The gem is thought to shield the wearer from negative energies, promote calmness and enhance self-confidence. Victorian banded agate jewelry...
Agate, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian RIng with rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 5.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct - F/G - P - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.5 mm wide Weight: 5.7 gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 14k Gold and Silver Brooch with Pearl and Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch set with pearl and rose cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.0 cm long and 2.8 cm wide Wei...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch, 26g, Circa 1880, Lady's Head
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold brooch with cameo - image of a lady's head Detailed description the brooch is 5.0 cm high and 3.8 cm wide total weight: 26.0 grams set with: - 3.2 cm x 2.5 cm x ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Branch Brooch with Pearls & Rose Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold branch brooch with stone pearls and rose diamond up to 0.20 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.7 cm long and 2.6 cm wide Weight: 8...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 1.00ct 14k yellow gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with old mine cut diamond 1.00 ct - K - P1 - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) detailed description: the top of the ring is 9.5 mm wide weight 5.5 grams ri...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Amethyst Poured Glass Filigree Necklace 1930s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage 1930s Amethyst Poured Glass & Filigree Necklace A rare and exceptional Vintage Amethyst Poured Glass Necklace. The colour and calibre of the amethyst poured glass in t...
$1,352Sale Price|20% Off
18K Ring Intaglio Engraved Sardonyx Depicting Horse, English, Circa 1850
Located in Northampton, MA
This late Georgian / early Victorian 18K rose gold ring holds a rectangular-cut deep brown sardonyx gemstone that has been artfully carved -or etched, rather- to depict a horse trott...
Agate, 18k Gold
14k gold and silver earrings with rose-cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - 11.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver earrings set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct – G/H - SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earrings are 5.7 cm long by 1.2 cm wide Weight 11.7 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 14k Red Gold Brooch with Ruby and Diamond, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold brooch with ruby and rose and old mine cut diamond 1.00 ct Detailed description the brooch is 3.1 cm high and 2.8 cm wide total weight: 9.0 grams set with: - 1 x ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Imperial Topaz & Pearl Gold Ring Certified Untreated, London, 1843 Size 10.5
Located in Northampton, MA
This vivid pink imperial topaz ring -hand-crafted in England over 180 years ago- is one of the rarest and most unapologetically regal rings you will ever encounter. A size 10.5 ring, it was originally created for a man. But could of course be worn by anyone today. In the era this ring was created, men wore pearls. And no man would feel uncomfortable wearing a flashy pink gemstone because there is absolutely no other gemstone that looks like this. Topaz is a common gemstone and is typically white. It is irradiated to achieve its popular blue and pink colors. But naturally pink topaz is not common. It is in fact exceedingly rare, considerably rarer than diamonds. And this particular natural pink topaz gem is vividly saturated. It flashes purple. Having reviewed images of the pink imperial topaz necklace and earrings King Charles presented his wife, Queen Camilla...
Natural Pearl, Topaz, Pearl, Imperial Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
Early Victorian 28.43ct Natural No-Heat Ceylon Sapphires and Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
An exceptional Early Victorian sapphire and diamond brooch, designed as a cruciform quatrefoil centred by five richly coloured natural Ceylon sapphires. The brooch is set with a pri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique Necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 14k gold 6.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with centerpiece set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.25ct - G/H - SI/P - 44 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 42 cm long by 1.3 mm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$2,400Sale Price|50% Off
Tourmaline & Natural Pearl Ring, Georgian
Located in Northampton, MA
A bright pink tourmaline weighing .60 carats is surrounded by 10 luminous natural saltwater pearls in this antique buttery 18K yellow gold ring. This gorgeous jewel dates from around...
Natural Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Victorian Necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace set with rose diamonds total. 1.50ct – G/H – Pique1 - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace is 45 cm long by 0.7 mm wide the dimension...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Brooch with pearl, ruby, sapphire and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k gold and silver brooch in the shape of a butterfly with pearl, sapphire, ruby, and rose diamonds total approx. 0.90ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN sword-shaped pin with old European diamonds 18k gold and platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold and platinum sword-shaped pin set with pearls and an old European cut diamond, total approx. 0.15ct – G/H – SI detailed description: the dimensions of the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 18k gold and silver 3.6 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold and silver ring with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.35ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.9 cm wide and 0.4 cm high ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver entourage pendant set with rose-cut diamonds. 2.50 ct - G/ - SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long and 1....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 20k Yellow Gold Marquis Ring with 1.50ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
20k yellow gold marquis ring with old mine cut diamond. 1.50ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide and 4.7 mm high ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with coral 5.2 grams 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a pendant set with coral – 5.2 grams – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. The pendant is 3.3 cm high and 1.2...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with pearl and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with a pearl and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.10 ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with a rose-cut diamond, totaling approximately 1.50 ct – G/H - SI – 60 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 60 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring with rose-cut diamond total 0.10ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 9.5 – EU. 19.5(61) Detailed description the top of the ring is 9.0 mm wide and 4.0 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$799Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch/Pendant with Diamond, 14K Gold
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Capture the elegance of the Victorian and Art Deco eras with this exquisite Antique Shell Cameo Habillé Brooch/Pendant. Hand-carved from genuine natural shell, likely carnelian, this...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Brooche with blue enamel and rose diamonds 18k gold, silver 13.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold with silver brooch with blue enamel and set with rose cut diamonds total approx. 0.20 ct G/H - SI/P - 3.5 cm x 2.3 cm detailed description The brooch is 3.5 cm wide and 2....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique 9ct Gold, Early Victorian Lava Cherub Cameo Portrait Pendant
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cherub Pendant 9ct Gold Tested Circa 1860s Introducing an exquisite early Victorian cherub pendant. This angelic cherub cameo is hand-crafted from lava and elegantly fra...
Gold, 9k Gold
C1840 18K Early Victorian or Late Georgian Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Silver set diamond cluster ring with 18k gold band and a closed locket back which has possibly lost its crystal cover but is still in remarkably good condition. Each side of the gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Swiss Minute Repeater Hunter Case Pocket Watch by William Schochlin
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This antique 55mm hunters case 18K gold minute repeater pocket watch, was crafted by venerated Swiss watchmaker, William Schochlin during the late 1800's. The high grade and entirely...
18k Gold
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring with rose-cut diamond total 0.10ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 8.5 - EU. 18.5(58) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 5.3 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
c1860 15K yellow gold Turquoise snake ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love this unusual and extremely rare 18ct gold Victorian snake ring with a cushion cut diamond head and studded with pave turquoise. It was made during the Darwin years when nature was a often source for fashion. Since ancient times snakes have been seen as a symbol for “Eternal love” and "Eternal life" so they were and still are often used as wedding rings, commitment rings...
18k Gold
Bracelet with turquoise 18k yellow gold 18 cm long 24.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold bracelet set with turquoise - 18 cm long Detailed description: The bracelet is approximately 18 cm long and 1.4 cm wide, and has a safety chain. Total bracelet wei...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Amethyst paste riviere necklace, sterling silver, 19th Century
Located in NEWARK, GB
A tremendously good antique riviere necklace. Early Victorian era this beautiful antique riviere necklace borrows much of its design elements from the...
Sterling Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.9 mm wide. The ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Pearl bead necklace with 14k gold, silver middel piece with old mine cut diamond
Located in The Hague, ZH
Pearl necklace with a 14k white gold clasp and a gold and silver centerpiece set with old mine cut diamonds totaling approx. 1.50ct – G/H – SI and a pearl – 42 cm long Detailed desc...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace with coral 11.8 grams 14k yellow gold 11.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a centerpiece set with various coral shapes – 11.8 grams – 50 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 50 cm long and 1.2 mm wide The centerpiece...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pair of French Antique Silver Paste Horn Hair Pin with Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and rare pair of antique French hair pins from early 20th century, crafted in silver and set with sparkling paste stones. Each pin features an elegant openwork horseshoe...
Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds and old cut diamonds. 1.00 ct - F/G, G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with alexandrite and diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace and a gold and silver pendant set with alexandrite and old mine cut and rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.20ct – G/H – SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the ...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian ring with cameo 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with cameo - ring size U.S. 8.5 – EU. 18.5(58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide and 9.6 mm high Ring size U.S. 8.5 – EU. 18.5(58),...
14k Gold
VICTORIAN bracelet with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
VICTORIAN 14k yellow gold and silver bracelet set with rose diamonds up to 0.50ct – G/H – SI – 18.5 cm long – 27.4 grams Detailed description the length of the bracelet is 18.5 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 14k Gold & Silver Branch Brooch with 2.00ct Diamonds, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver branch brooch with rose cut diamond up to 2.00 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 6.8 cm long and 3.4 cm wide Weight: 21....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver