Skip to main content

Scottish Jewelry Gold Agate

Victorian Scottish Agate Earrings
Victorian Scottish Agate Earrings

Victorian Scottish Agate Earrings

Located in San Antonio, TX

Victorian Scottish Carved Agate 14k Earrings

Category

Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold

Victorian 19th Century Scottish Gold Brooch with Agate and Diamond
Victorian 19th Century Scottish Gold Brooch with Agate and Diamond

Victorian 19th Century Scottish Gold Brooch with Agate and Diamond

Located in Firenze, IT

Modelled as clover and thistle in hardstone with central agate with old cut diamond. Lenght: 4,5cm

Category

Antique 1890s Scottish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Gold

Antique Scottish Gold, Agate, and Bloodstone Stick Pin
Antique Scottish Gold, Agate, and Bloodstone Stick Pin

Antique Scottish Gold, Agate, and Bloodstone Stick Pin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique gold, agate, and bloodstone stick pin. In 10 karat yellow gold (with a gold plated pin). The head with a cross device to the center with red agate cabochons to each ...

Category

20th Century Retro Brooches

Materials

Agate, Gold, 10k Gold, Gold Plate

Antique Scottish 18 Karat Gold Enamel and Agate Navette Brooch, 19th Century
Antique Scottish 18 Karat Gold Enamel and Agate Navette Brooch, 19th Century

Antique Scottish 18 Karat Gold Enamel and Agate Navette Brooch, 19th Century

Located in Rotterdam, NL

The piece will be carefully packaged in a black and gold jewelry box. Details Material: 18K yellow gold and base metal Stone: Natural Scottish banded agate Decoration: Blue ename...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Scottish agate specimen necklace
Antique Scottish agate specimen necklace

Antique Scottish agate specimen necklace

Located in New York, NY

A Victorian gold longchain necklace comprised of Victorian Scottish agate plaques interspersed with chain, in sterling silver and 14k gold. A Victorian gold longchain necklace comp...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian 18k Gold Moss Agate and Diamond Brooch, Scotland Circa 1840s
Victorian 18k Gold Moss Agate and Diamond Brooch, Scotland Circa 1840s

Victorian 18k Gold Moss Agate and Diamond Brooch, Scotland Circa 1840s

Located in Firenze, IT

The oval moss agate within a rose-cut diamond surround, within original case length 2.3cm Weight: 3gr.

Category

Antique 1840s Scottish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Scottish agate specimen plaque bracelet
Antique Scottish agate specimen plaque bracelet

Antique Scottish agate specimen plaque bracelet

Located in New York, NY

A superb Victorian Scottish agate specimen bracelet comprised of six undulating X-form motif plaques in a variety of hardstones with a padlock closure, in 14k. Each articulated pla...

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Charm Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold

Antique Scottish Agate Gold Filled Cross Anchor Round Brooch Pin
Antique Scottish Agate Gold Filled Cross Anchor Round Brooch Pin

Antique Scottish Agate Gold Filled Cross Anchor Round Brooch Pin

Located in New York, NY

Weight: 15.4 Grams Stone: Scottish Agate Measurements: 46 mm Hallmark: Item #: BR-1068-101023-02

Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Agate, Gold-filled

Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870
Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870

Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870 Presenting a truly exceptional Victorian gold perfume bottle, crafted in England around 1870, and show...

Category

Antique 19th Century Scottish Victorian Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Gold

Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870
Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870

Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870

Located in Long Island City, NY

Exquisite Victorian English Gold and Scottish Agate Perfume Bottle, Circa 1870 Presenting a truly exceptional Victorian gold perfume bottle, crafted in England around 1870, and show...

Category

Antique 19th Century Scottish Vanity Items

Materials

Agate, Jasper, Gold

Victorian 1900 Scottish Agate Antique Set Of Cufflinks In 18Kt Gold And Diamonds
Victorian 1900 Scottish Agate Antique Set Of Cufflinks In 18Kt Gold And Diamonds

Victorian 1900 Scottish Agate Antique Set Of Cufflinks In 18Kt Gold And Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

This set has been assembled together with five rare and beautiful banded agates and wires made up in solid yellow gold of 18 karats.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian Cufflinks

Materials

Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Scottish Gold & Gemstone Bracelet Circa 1880s
Scottish Gold & Gemstone Bracelet Circa 1880s

Scottish Gold & Gemstone Bracelet Circa 1880s

Located in ADELAIDE, SA

This antique Scottish bracelet from the Victorian era is crafted in yellow gold and features a central raised claw set deep yellow citrine with sculptured links displaying beautiful ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Scottish Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, Citrine, Gold

Antique Agate Snake Bracelet
Antique Agate Snake Bracelet

Antique Agate Snake Bracelet

Located in Litchfield, CT

Circa 1890s, 9k, Scotland. Often set with specimens of interesting local stones, jewelry of this type was created for the tourist trade primarily in Scotland.

Category

Antique 1890s Scottish Victorian Bangles

Materials

Agate, 10k Gold

Victorian Scottish Banded Agate T-Bar Watch Chain Conversion Necklace Circa 1880
Victorian Scottish Banded Agate T-Bar Watch Chain Conversion Necklace Circa 1880

Victorian Scottish Banded Agate T-Bar Watch Chain Conversion Necklace Circa 1880

Located in Honolulu, HI

A beautiful piece of history repurposed for contemporary wear. This necklace features an original late 19th-century Victorian British watch fob assembly, showcasing a magnificent, hi...

Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Gold Plate

Vintage Inlay Agate, Quartz, Stone Garnets Dangle Drop Pierced Earrings Pair Of
Vintage Inlay Agate, Quartz, Stone Garnets Dangle Drop Pierced Earrings Pair Of

Vintage Inlay Agate, Quartz, Stone Garnets Dangle Drop Pierced Earrings Pair Of

Located in North Miami, FL

These vintage victorian style meets modern pair of pierced dangle Scottish drop earrings have a 3 dimensional flower like design inlay of mixed agate and quartz that is then surround...

Category

Vintage 1960s Scottish Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Agate, Quartz, Garnet, Gold-filled

Victorian 18kt Gold Agate Drop Necklace, Scotland Circa 1820-60
Victorian 18kt Gold Agate Drop Necklace, Scotland Circa 1820-60

Victorian 18kt Gold Agate Drop Necklace, Scotland Circa 1820-60

Located in Firenze, IT

Antique Necklace 18kt Gold and Agate. Made in Scotland circa 1820-60's. Measurements: Length 17.12 inches; Size of largest central stone is 1.92 inch (48mm) long x 1.6 inch (40mm) ...

Category

Antique 1850s British Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Recent Sales

Victorian Scottish Gold and Agate Cross
Victorian Scottish Gold and Agate Cross

Victorian Scottish Gold and Agate Cross

Located in London, GB

Made using 6 shaped pieces of Scottish Agate, mainly of green and brown hues, with hand engraved rope work decoration around each stone to a plain Gold reverse stamped with a 9ct and...

Category

Antique 1880s Scottish Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Agate, 9k Gold

Fine Antique Scottish Agate Gold Pin Brooch
Fine Antique Scottish Agate Gold Pin Brooch

Fine Antique Scottish Agate Gold Pin Brooch

Located in Edinburgh, GB

A fine quality rare 15ct gold Scottish brooch with Celtic cross motif from the Victorian era, circa 1870. Comprising of bloodstone and carnelian panels and five bezel set citrines su...

Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Citrine, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Yellow Gold Bracelet
Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Yellow Gold Bracelet

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Yellow Gold Bracelet

Located in Woodland Hills, CA

This is a beautiful antique Victorian Scottish agate bracelet in yellow gold circa 1880-1900. The bracelet is connected by 4 pairs of faceted cylindrical agates 3 square shape agate...

Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet, circa 1860
Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet, circa 1860

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet, circa 1860

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

To read more please click continue reading below- This fabulous Scottish 9ct Gold Agate bracelet is genuine Victorian, Circa 1860. 

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 9k Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet 15 Carat Gold, circa 1880
Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet 15 Carat Gold, circa 1880

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet 15 Carat Gold, circa 1880

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

Scottish jewellery was made popular by Queen Victoria as it became a souvenir of her frequent trips to Scotland and her Scottish Castle Balmoral from the mid 1800s.

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet 18 Carat Gold, circa 1880
Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet 18 Carat Gold, circa 1880

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet 18 Carat Gold, circa 1880

Located in Lancaster , GB

An exquisite antique Victorian Scottish bracelet made up of wonderful Agate links which have been cut into unique shapes. The stones have lovely natural patterns and earthy colouring...

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish 15 Carat Gold Agate Padlock Bracelet, circa 1860
Antique Victorian Scottish 15 Carat Gold Agate Padlock Bracelet, circa 1860

Antique Victorian Scottish 15 Carat Gold Agate Padlock Bracelet, circa 1860

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

From the mid 1800's Queen Victoria frequented Scotland and her Scottish Castle Balmoral. Seven fabulous polished Victorian Agates are set in 15ct Gold engraved links.

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Scottish Antique Skean Dhu Brooch

Scottish Antique Skean Dhu Brooch

Located in Greenwich, CT

An antique Scottish citrine, agate and gold brooch, designed as a Skean Dhu

Category

Antique 1870s Scottish Brooches

Materials

Agate, Citrine, Gold

Antique Fascinating Scottish Victorian Bloodstone  Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Antique Fascinating Scottish Victorian Bloodstone  Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

Antique Fascinating Scottish Victorian Bloodstone Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

Located in Middleton, WI

In January 1606, the first Walter Stewart was one of the Lords of the secret council. He assisted, as a judge, at the famous trial of John Welch and other ministers, who were accused...

Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish 9 Carat Gold on Silver Mourning Locket
Antique Victorian Scottish 9 Carat Gold on Silver Mourning Locket

Antique Victorian Scottish 9 Carat Gold on Silver Mourning Locket

Located in Lancaster , GB

A wonderful antique Scottish Mourning locket from the Victorian era featuring beautiful engraved artistry on both sides with floral motifs displayed around lovely Jasper and Carnelia...

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Dirk Brooch of Gold Set with Gemstones
Victorian Dirk Brooch of Gold Set with Gemstones

Victorian Dirk Brooch of Gold Set with Gemstones

Unavailable

W 0.52 in D 0.6 in L 3.94 in

Victorian Dirk Brooch of Gold Set with Gemstones

Located in CA, CA

Victorian Dirk Brooch set with gemstones of Montrose agate, bloodstone, citrine, Cairngorm quartz and jasper mounted in an antique gold filigree and scrollwork brooch in the form of ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scottish High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Citrine, Quartz, Gold

Large Scottish agate citrine Gold Kilt Pin
Large Scottish agate citrine Gold Kilt Pin

Large Scottish agate citrine Gold Kilt Pin

Located in Amsterdam, NL

A large Scottish agate and citrine gold kilt pin, in the shape of a dirk, mounted in engraved gold, set with vari-coloured agates, the pommels set with faceted citrines, Scotland, 19...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Brooches

Materials

Agate, Citrine, 10k Gold

Antique Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet
Antique Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet

Antique Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet

Located in London, GB

A Victorian Scottish agate bracelet, comprised of five plaques, set with a combination of agates and jaspers, including banded agate, bloodstone, red jasper and yellow jasper, mounte...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian More Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 15k Gold

Antique Scottish Agate Bracelet
Antique Scottish Agate Bracelet

Antique Scottish Agate Bracelet

Located in Baltimore, MD

15K Scottish agate padlock bracelet with a locket back has engraved links. Scottish agate jewelry became very desirable in the last quarter of the 19th Century. Queen Victoria frequ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 15k Gold

Antique 9ct Gold, 1920s Scottish Agate & Citrine Dirk Kilt Pin
Antique 9ct Gold, 1920s Scottish Agate & Citrine Dirk Kilt Pin

Antique 9ct Gold, 1920s Scottish Agate & Citrine Dirk Kilt Pin

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Scottish Dirk Pin 9ct Gold Circa 1920s This exquisite 9ct gold Scottish dirk pin is a true work of art.

Category

Early 20th Century Scottish Brooches

Materials

Agate, Citrine, Gold, 9k Gold

Victorian Gold and Scottish Agate Fan Brooch/Pendant
Victorian Gold and Scottish Agate Fan Brooch/Pendant

Victorian Gold and Scottish Agate Fan Brooch/Pendant

Located in New York, NY

An antique Scottish agate, seed pearl and gold brooch in the shape of a fan, with pendant bale, in 15K. England

Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Pearl, 15k Gold

Victorian Scottish Agate and Gold Locket Bracelet
Victorian Scottish Agate and Gold Locket Bracelet

Victorian Scottish Agate and Gold Locket Bracelet

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This gorgeous bracelet holds so much colour. The settings are both simple and dome have fine engraving. The bracelet is fastened using a heart locket with a glazed back. Length: 21...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, Gold

Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet, circa 1875
Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet, circa 1875

Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet, circa 1875

Located in London, GB

A Victorian Scottish agate bracelet, comprised of five panels with hinge links between, forming a repeating crossover pattern, inlaid with a combination of agates and jaspers, includ...

Category

Antique 1870s Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, Gold

1870s Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet
1870s Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet

1870s Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet

Located in Toronto, ON

Scottish Gold Agate padlock bracelet with engraved links, C.1875. The octagonal gold (tested 9K) engraved foliate thistle mounts each set with a varied colour octagonal facetted cyli...

Category

Antique 19th Century More Bracelets

Agate Rare Scottish Overlapping Crosses Hardstone Gold Brooch, 19th Century
Agate Rare Scottish Overlapping Crosses Hardstone Gold Brooch, 19th Century

Agate Rare Scottish Overlapping Crosses Hardstone Gold Brooch, 19th Century

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A rare and unusual antique Scottish hardstone brooch of traditional cross shape with patterned edging and feathered terminals overlaid with a simple saltire or St Andrews Cross datin...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Contemporary Brooches

Materials

Agate, Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Citrine Horn 9 Carat Gold Brooch Pin
Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Citrine Horn 9 Carat Gold Brooch Pin

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Citrine Horn 9 Carat Gold Brooch Pin

Located in Montreal, QC

Finding Scottish Agate Victorian jewelry in gold is always special.

Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Citrine, 9k Gold

Victorian Scottish Amethyst, Citrine and Agate Kilt Fly Plaid Brooch, c.1880s
Victorian Scottish Amethyst, Citrine and Agate Kilt Fly Plaid Brooch, c.1880s

Victorian Scottish Amethyst, Citrine and Agate Kilt Fly Plaid Brooch, c.1880s

Located in London, GB

This traditional Victorian Scottish Kilt/Fly Plaid brooch evokes classic Scots heritage showcasing an exceptional array of Scottish Agates and Jaspers, accompanied by a 6 carat oval ...

Category

Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Agate, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet, circa 1875
Antique Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet, circa 1875

Antique Scottish Agate Gold Bracelet, circa 1875

Located in Toronto, ON

Scottish 19th century agate and engraved gold Bracelet, C.1875. The gold engraved foliate mounts, each set with a varied colour facetted agate, terminating with tongue and box clasp....

Category

Antique 19th Century More Bracelets

Modernist 1970 Statement Necklace with Scottish Gray Agates and 18Kt Yellow Gold
Modernist 1970 Statement Necklace with Scottish Gray Agates and 18Kt Yellow Gold

Modernist 1970 Statement Necklace with Scottish Gray Agates and 18Kt Yellow Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Stamped, with the hallmark for the assay of the gold, "14KT". Scottish Agates is a semi-translucent, gray stone that contains microscopic crystals of quartz.

Category

Vintage 1970s British Modernist Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Moss Agate Gold Earrings
Antique Moss Agate Gold Earrings

Antique Moss Agate Gold Earrings

Located in Firenze, IT

PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES Antique Gold & Moss Agate Earrings. Scotland,late 19th Century Lenght 4cm

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Victorian 15k Yellow Gold, Scottish Agate and Rock Crystal Locket, Late 1800s
Victorian 15k Yellow Gold, Scottish Agate and Rock Crystal Locket, Late 1800s

Victorian 15k Yellow Gold, Scottish Agate and Rock Crystal Locket, Late 1800s

Located in New York, NY

Victorian 15k Yellow Gold, Scottish Agate and Rock Crystal Locket Late 1800s Additional Information: Period: Victorian Year: Late 1800s Material: 15k Yellow Gold, Scottish Agate and...

Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold

Large Citrine Gold Scottish Brooch c1880s
Large Citrine Gold Scottish Brooch c1880s

Large Citrine Gold Scottish Brooch c1880s

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa: 1880s 14K yellow Gold Scottish Brooch in original Box, Centrally set with a citrine of approximately 40 or more carats. and surrounded by inlayed Bloodstone and Carnelian. Han...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Citrine, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Scottish Gem Stone Inlay Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
Antique Victorian Scottish Gem Stone Inlay Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet

Antique Victorian Scottish Gem Stone Inlay Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1890s Scottish 14K Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet, set with different colors of Scottish Agate stones and 3 fine color Oval Citrines. The Bracelet measures 1 1/2 inches wide at the ...

Category

Antique 1890s Scottish Victorian Bangles

Materials

Agate, Citrine, Rose Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Scottish Jewelry Gold Agate", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Scottish Jewelry Gold Agate For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the scottish jewelry gold agate you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 15k Gold and 9k Gold. If you’re looking for a scottish jewelry gold agate from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. Finding an appealing scottish jewelry gold agate — no matter the origin — is easy, but Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A mixed cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cabochon and oval cut versions for sale. When shopping for a scottish jewelry gold agate, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Scottish Jewelry Gold Agate?

The price for a scottish jewelry gold agate starts at $100 and tops out at $9,000 with these brooches, on average, selling for $2,600.

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. 

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.