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 14k gold ring set with carnelian – 5.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold ring set with carnelian – 5.4 grams - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-shaped, measuring 1.9 cm by 1.4 cm wide and 4.1 mm...
Carnelian, 14k Gold
Antique Early Victorian Diamond Bangle Bracelet with Charm
Located in Stamford, CT
A blossom of old mine diamonds perches on your wrist as a Diamond heart reaches your hand. This romantic bangle was created c. 1840, and carries it’s original charm to us today, 179 ...
Diamond, 15k Gold
Antique Romantic Victorian Natural Coral "Eternal Knot" Brooch & Pendant
Located in Honolulu, HI
A poetic masterpiece from the Romantic Victorian Era (circa 1840–1860), this brooch is a wearable testament to the era's language of devotion. Inspired by the profound romance betwee...
Coral, Gold-filled
IGI jewel report Ring with rose cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
IGI Jewel Report - 14k red gold entourage ring set with a 1.00 ct rose-cut diamond, F-VS2 - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.5 cm wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 20k yellow gold 4.2 grams
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
Early Victorian 14k Pink Gold Cross Pendant with Jesus, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
Early Victorian 14k pink gold pendant in the shape of a cross with Jesus - 2.5 grams - 6.5 cm x 3.0 cm Detailed description: The pendant measures 6.5 cm long by 3.0 cm wide Weight...
Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian brooch with pearls and rose cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
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
Victorian Ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring with rose-cut diamond up to 0.35ct – G/H - SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.4 cm wide and 1.0 cm high. ...
Diamond, 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
Earrings with old mine cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold and silver stud earrings set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 0.70 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The front of the stud is 5.1 mm wide Total weight is 1.6 grams...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Men's Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.45ct 14k gold 3.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold men's ring set with emerald shape old mine cut diamond total approximately 0.45ct - H - SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) detailed description: the top of the r...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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 14k Yellow Gold Brooch with 0.25ct Rose Cut Diamonds, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch set with rose diamonds up to 0.25ct - G/H - SI detailed description: The size of the brooch is approximately 4.1 cm by 2.7 cm wide weight: 7.3 grams set wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early Victorian brooch with old mine and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver brooch set with old mine cut and rose diamonds up to 1.20ct – G/H – SI Detailed description the size of the brooch is 3.7 cm wide by 3.7 cm high weight...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 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
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.50ct 5.7 grams 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold ring set with old mine cut diamond up to 0.50ct - K/L - Pique - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) detailed description: the top of the ring is 9.0 mm wide by 5.9 mm high Wei...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant set with rose cut diamonds 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with gold and silver entourage pendant with rose diamonds. 0.30ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 1.0 mm wide siz...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$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
Necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 1.20ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.3 mm wide....
Diamond, 18k 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 brooch with old mine and rose cut diamond up to 5.70ct 14k gold silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver branch brooch set with old mine-cut and rose-cut diamonds, up to 5.70 ct - H/H - SI - size 14.5 x 14.5 x 1.5 cm. 8.4 cm x 5.4 cm Detailed description: Th...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$760Sale Price|33% Off
Vintage Virgin Mary Necklace French Medals Chunky Chain
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multiple Silver Medal 14k Gold Plated Chain Necklace Vintage locket Virgin Mary Blue Enamel Vintage French devotional necklace composed of six silver-tone religious medals, includi...
Gold Plate, Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
$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
Pendant with emerald up to 3.00ct and old mine cut diamond up to 2.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold pendant set with a 3.00 ct emerald and old mine-cut diamonds up to 2.00 ct – H/I - SI - Detailed description The pendant measures 2.8 cm high by 1.5 cm wide. Total...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Victorian 14k yellow gold branch brooch with rose diamond up to 0.50ct 7.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold branch brooch with rose diamond up to 0.50ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 4.7 cm long by 2.1 cm wide weight 7.1 grams set...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Medallion pendant with onyx and pearls 13.5 grams 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold medallion pendant with onyx and pearl detailed description The pendant is 4.5 cm long by 2.7 cm wide A photo can be placed behind glass in the pendant weight 13.5...
Onyx, Pearl, Yellow Gold
14k Rose Gold & Silver Pendant Necklace with Emeralds & Diamonds, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with a rose gold and silver pendant set with emerald and old mine cut diamonds. 0.50ct - G/H - SI - 50 cm long detailed description the necklace is 50 cm lon...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch with rose diamonds up to 0.40ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 3.5 cm long by 1.7 cm wide weight 5.6 grams...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian RIng with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver ring set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.40 ct – G/H – SI - ring size US 8 – EU 18(57) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide and 8.0 mm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Brooch with jade 14k yellow gold 12.9 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch with jade – 12.9 grams Detailed description: The brooch measures 8.0 cm long by 1.7 cm wide in a rectangular shape. Weight: 12.9 grams Set with: - 1 x 7.3...
Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pedant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace and a gold and silver pendant set with a 1.00 ct rose-cut diamond – G/H - SI - 50 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 50 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$470Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage style Rose cut Diamond Sterling silver ruby emerald Pearl Bee Brooch pin
Located in Delhi, DL
This Gorgeous Queen Bee Diamond Sapphire brooch is a unique handcrafted art. It brings back the memory of the Victorian era. It has been crafted in 925 sterling silver with 18K Gold ...
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
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
Early 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 up to 0.40 ct – G/H - SI - ring size US 9.25 - EU 19.25 (61) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 4.3 mm high...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Unheated Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique, Unique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring Untreated, unheated (No clarity enhancement/ No heat enhancement) Burmese 0.94 carats Ruby (Mogo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vicorian ring with pearls and rose cut diamond up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with pearls and rose diamonds totaling 0.20ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide by 8...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique 18k Gold & Silver Amethyst Pearl Clip-On Earrings, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold with silver ear clips with a central amethyst and entourage of pearls detailed description: the top of the ear clip is 2.3 cm high and 1.9 cm wide weight 13.6 grams set ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
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...
Victorian 18k Gold and Silver Brooch with 1.10ct Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold with silver brooch set with rose diamonds up to 1.10ct - G/H - SI - size 2.2 cm x 5.1 cm detailed description: the size of the brooch is 2.2 cm long by 5.1 cm wide, brooc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold and silver
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
Antique Pendant 16ct Aquamarine 1 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver / 8.8 gr
Located in SE
Old pendant with a large natural claw set Aquamarine surrounded with Diamonds halo. Likely German hand- made, ca. 19th cent. Silver clusters on solid 14K Green Gold. Measures : 31 m...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Silver
14 Karat Gold Micro Mosaic Floral Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful Micro-Mosaic Brooch and Pendant with a floral center. Does double duty, truly a wonderful piece. Antique C style pin back. Set in 14kt Yellow Gold . Measuring 1.83 in wide...
Gold
Victorian Natural Red Coral Gold Filled Twist Back Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Sweet Victorian natural red coral drop earrings with Gold Filled twist backs. The coral is natural red coral, and the earrings dates back to the Victorian Era, 1880's. These...
Coral, Yellow Gold, Gold-filled
Victorian Fleur De Lis Pendant Necklace Enamel Seed Pearl 14K Original 1850's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1850's Victorian Pearl Enamel 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Features Genuine Natural Seed Pearls 100% Natural Pearls Hand Painted Enamel Gorg...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$552Sale Price|20% Off
Sapphire Diamond Medal Necklace Silver & Gold Plated Virgin Mary
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sapphire Diamond Medal Necklace Silver & Gold Plated Virgin Mary Miraculous Medal Oval Chain Necklace Sapphire Diamond This Oval Virgin Mary in Silver with settings of a roun...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
14k gold pendant with cameo - lady's portrait - 12.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold pendant with cameo - lady's portrait - 12.0 grams Detailed description The pendant is 6.0 cm high and 3.4 cm wide. Total weight: 12.0 grams Set with: - 4.4 cm x 3.3 cm ...
14k Gold
14k Rose Gold Victorian Anchor Necklace with 1.01 ct Old Mine Diamond
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold anchor necklace with solitaire pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct – J/K - Pique – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18k yellow gold ring – 9.7 grams – ring size US 7 – EU 17.25 (54)
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring – 9.7 grams – ring size US 7 – EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 2.7 mm high. Ring size US 7 – EU 17.25 (54). Weight ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Virgin Mary Necklace Devotional Medals French
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Virgin Mary Necklace Devotional Medals French Antique French devotional necklace composed of three original religious medals including Virgin Mary and Immaculate Conception...
Gold Plate, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
Brooch with pearl, ruby and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold/ silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver brooch/pendant with pearls, ruby, and old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 0.80 ct – N/O, G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch/pen...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
14ct Gold Diamond & Ruby Necklace
Located in London, GB
14ct 585 Gold & Silver 925 15.75" Necklace Back & Chain is 14ct Gold and I believe the front is possibly silver or platinum 11 X GENUINE old mine c...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Victorian 14K Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, 2.10 Carats, Circa 1880s
Located in US
This Antique Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring boasts an impressive approx. 2.10 carats of natural diamonds of G-H color /VS-SI clarity grade making it a true statement pi...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian 28.00 Ct Garnet Rare French Origin 18 KT Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
Extra Ordinary An outstanding antique French origin bracelet, with mourning locket, 19th century Rare example as hardly seen, superbly hand made with eye catching cushion shaped link...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique Swiss Enamel and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1840
Located in London, GB
An antique Swiss enamel brooch, with an oval hand painted scene depicting mountains in the distance with a church surrounded by trees, with a feature tree, people and animals to the ...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
19th Century Austro-Hungarian Paste and Seed Pearl Collar Necklace
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
An elegant 19th century Austro-Hungarian paste collar necklace featuring richly colored faceted glass stones set in gilt metal. The design alternates larger oval amethyst-colored pas...
Silver Plate
Medal Necklace Sapphire Diamond Vintage French Medal
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Miraculous Medal Oval Chain Necklace with Sapphire and Diamond on Vintage Gold-Plated Chain Vintage French devotional necklace featuring an oval Virgin Mary medal set with blue sapphires and a diamond, paired with a smaller original French vintage medal, suspended from an aged gold-plated chain with natural dark patina. This necklace is composed of a vintage gold-plated brass chain that has darkened naturally with age and wear, giving the piece depth and historical character. Suspended from the chain are two French devotional medals, one larger oval Marian medal with gemstone settings and one smaller original vintage French medal...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, B...
Early French Victorian (19th Century) Cluster Rose and Table Cut Diamond Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Early French Victorian (19th Century) Cluster Rose Cut and Table Cut Diamond Ring Hand made antique cluster diamond ring with parts i...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver
14k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Pearl & Diamonds, 0.70ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with pearl and old mine cut diamond total approximately 0.70 ct G/H - SI - 40 cm long detailed description the pendant is 2.3 cm high and ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian rIng with rose cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring set with rose diamonds up to 0.80ct – G/H - SI - ring size US 8.5 – EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is marquise-shaped, measuring 3....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver