Skip to main content

Victorian Beads

to
77
689
320
689
473
212
133
114
113
78
76
64
53
32
28
26
25
11
11
10
9
8
7
6
6
6
6
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
58
23
10
4
3
Sort By
Victorian Graduating Pearl Necklace, c.1900s
Victorian Graduating Pearl Necklace, c.1900s

Victorian Graduating Pearl Necklace, c.1900s

Located in London, GB

This charming Victorian natural pearl necklace is timelessly elegant. Certified by the Gem and

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Antique Graduated Faceted Carnelian Beaded Necklace with 14 Karat Gold Clasp
Antique Graduated Faceted Carnelian Beaded Necklace with 14 Karat Gold Clasp

Antique Graduated Faceted Carnelian Beaded Necklace with 14 Karat Gold Clasp

Located in Arnhem, NL

An antique carnelian necklace made of graduated faceted beads with 14karat yellow gold clasp. The

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Antique Victorian French Gold Turquoise Pearl Bracelet
Antique Victorian French Gold Turquoise Pearl Bracelet

Antique Victorian French Gold Turquoise Pearl Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Antique Victorian era French made bracelet in 18k yellow gold, decorated with pearls and turquoise

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold

Victorian 200.54cttw Natutal Emerald and Opal Bracelet
Victorian 200.54cttw Natutal Emerald and Opal Bracelet

Victorian 200.54cttw Natutal Emerald and Opal Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

these stones. The center of this masterpiece consists of cascading green beads that provide an elegant

Category

2010s Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique 14k Yellow Gold Coral Beaded Bracelet, Circa 1870, 20 cm
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Coral Beaded Bracelet, Circa 1870, 20 cm

Antique 14k Yellow Gold Coral Beaded Bracelet, Circa 1870, 20 cm

Located in The Hague, ZH

weight 22.9 grams set with - 1 x 11 mm x 8.0 mm oval cabochon cut coral - 33 x 5 mm beads coral color

Category

Antique 1870s Dutch High Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Francis Winter Victorian Revival Coiled Bracelet
Francis Winter Victorian Revival Coiled Bracelet

Francis Winter Victorian Revival Coiled Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Striking and Rare Francis Winter wonderful Victorian Revival coil wrap bracelet. Composed of gilt

Category

Vintage 1950s French Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Pique Bracelet
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Pique Bracelet

Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Pique Bracelet

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Pique Bracelet 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1880 Fabulous Victorian Pique (Tortoise Shell

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique  Necklace Beads Link Bracelet Blue Chalcedony 18 Karat Gold
Antique  Necklace Beads Link Bracelet Blue Chalcedony 18 Karat Gold

Antique Necklace Beads Link Bracelet Blue Chalcedony 18 Karat Gold

Located in Munich, Bavaria

matching bright warm gold hue to make up a necklace. The bead bracelet on its own measures 29cm and weighs

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Orange Chalcedony & Pearl Necklace, circa 1880s
Victorian Orange Chalcedony & Pearl Necklace, circa 1880s

Victorian Orange Chalcedony & Pearl Necklace, circa 1880s

Located in London, GB

A charming Victorian necklace featuring a classic combination of pearls and chalcedony. There are a

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Pearl, 18k Gold

Victorian Large Hand Carved Lava Cameo Link Necklace
Victorian Large Hand Carved Lava Cameo Link Necklace

Victorian Large Hand Carved Lava Cameo Link Necklace

Located in Narberth, PA

An absolutely incredible lava cameo necklace from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 14kt

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

Carved Emerald with Diamonds Beaded Necklace Made In 18k Gold
Carved Emerald with Diamonds Beaded Necklace Made In 18k Gold

Carved Emerald with Diamonds Beaded Necklace Made In 18k Gold

By Artisan NYC

Located in New York, NY

beaded emerald necklace is a very charming piece. The pendant has a very fine enamel art work on the back

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Natural Stone Cameo Victorian XL Gold Slide Bracelet '#J4362'
Genuine Natural Stone Cameo Victorian XL Gold Slide Bracelet '#J4362'

Genuine Natural Stone Cameo Victorian XL Gold Slide Bracelet '#J4362'

Located in Big Bend, WI

Victorian slides 1880-1890's on 1940's gold filled beads. The safety chain and clasp is 14k yellow gold

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

14k Gold

Victorian 5.7 Cttw Natural Baroque Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Victorian 5.7 Cttw Natural Baroque Pearl and Diamond Necklace

Victorian 5.7 Cttw Natural Baroque Pearl and Diamond Necklace

Located in New York, NY

This beautiful Victorian necklace is made of 18K and 925 sterling silver, and it has a wonderful

Category

2010s Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Style Natural Pearls Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold
Victorian Style Natural Pearls Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold

Victorian Style Natural Pearls Necklace In 18k Yellow Gold

Located in New York, NY

Elevate your elegance with this exquisite necklace featuring a stunning strand of Victorian natural

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ice Quartz Victorian Silver Paste Heart Pendant Necklace
Ice Quartz Victorian Silver Paste Heart Pendant Necklace

Ice Quartz Victorian Silver Paste Heart Pendant Necklace

By Karen Sugarman Designs

Located in Colleyville, TX

rock crystal beads, creating what is commonly known as ice quartz. Ice quartz is also referred to as

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Cabochon Cut Banded Agate Yellow Gold Jewelry Suite
Antique Victorian Cabochon Cut Banded Agate Yellow Gold Jewelry Suite

Antique Victorian Cabochon Cut Banded Agate Yellow Gold Jewelry Suite

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A magnificent boxed antique Victorian jewelry set consisting of necklace, bracelet, earrings and

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Black Enamel Pansy Gold Brooch with Matching Pearl Bracelet
Victorian Black Enamel Pansy Gold Brooch with Matching Pearl Bracelet

Victorian Black Enamel Pansy Gold Brooch with Matching Pearl Bracelet

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Victorian. The newer 6 stands of 4 - 4.5mm cultured pearl bracelet was made to showcase the pansy and its

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold

Victorian 128.03 Cttw Pink Sapphire/Black Spinel/Diamond 42 Inch Necklace 18K/SS
Victorian 128.03 Cttw Pink Sapphire/Black Spinel/Diamond 42 Inch Necklace 18K/SS

Victorian 128.03 Cttw Pink Sapphire/Black Spinel/Diamond 42 Inch Necklace 18K/SS

Located in New York, NY

Lilac skies shine all day and night around with this fabulous Victorian station necklace crafted

Category

2010s Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Black Spinel, Spinel, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Citrine & Pearl Floral Necklace and Earring Set
Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Citrine & Pearl Floral Necklace and Earring Set

Antique Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Citrine & Pearl Floral Necklace and Earring Set

Located in New York, NY

This antique necklace and earring set is crafted in 9k yellow gold and elegance characteristic of the period. The floral motif is brought to life with a substantial collection of cit...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.15ct Diamond Victorian Pearl Double Strand Bracelet Platinum
0.15ct Diamond Victorian Pearl Double Strand Bracelet Platinum

0.15ct Diamond Victorian Pearl Double Strand Bracelet Platinum

Located in London, GB

7mm Victorian Cultured Pearl Diamonds Double Row Bracelet Antique In Platinum. Diamonds 0.15ct G

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique Victorian 15ct Gold Archaeological Revival Collar Necklace, 1880s
Antique Victorian 15ct Gold Archaeological Revival Collar Necklace, 1880s

Antique Victorian 15ct Gold Archaeological Revival Collar Necklace, 1880s

Located in London, GB

, dates to the 1880s and beautifully showcases the Victorian fascination with ancient Etruscan artistry

Category

Antique 1880s British Revival Beaded Necklaces

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

VINTAGE 1950s CRYSTAL WATERFALL NECKLACE
VINTAGE 1950s CRYSTAL WATERFALL NECKLACE

VINTAGE 1950s CRYSTAL WATERFALL NECKLACE

Located in New York, NY

This gorgeous crystal waterfall necklace was crafted from fine Czech crystal in 1950s. The crystals are beautifully faceted, in orange and a milky ivory hue, on a silver chain— the c...

Category

Vintage 1950s Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Crystal

Pearl Rosario Necklace Gold Virgin Mary Cross J Dauphin
Pearl Rosario Necklace Gold Virgin Mary Cross J Dauphin

Pearl Rosario Necklace Gold Virgin Mary Cross J Dauphin

By J DAUPHIN

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pearl Rosario Necklace: Gold Virgin Mary Medal & Custom Beads J Dauphin Pearl Rosario Necklace

Category

2010s Indian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Garnet Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Filigree Openwork Clasp
Garnet Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Filigree Openwork Clasp

Garnet Necklace with 14K Yellow Gold Filigree Openwork Clasp

Located in Arnhem, NL

A vintage (ca. 1950s) necklace made of faceted genuine garnet beads with 14 karat yellow gold

Category

20th Century Dutch Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Yellow Gold

Heart Cross Necklace by J Dauphin with Pearl & Tanzanite Pendant
Heart Cross Necklace by J Dauphin with Pearl & Tanzanite Pendant

Heart Cross Necklace by J Dauphin with Pearl & Tanzanite Pendant

By J DAUPHIN

Located in Los Angeles, CA

from Victorian-style iconography and mysticism, the work explores the link between the wearer and the

Category

2010s Indian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Tanzanite, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Pearl Rosario Necklace in 14k Gold with Virgin Mary and Cross J Dauphin
Pearl Rosario Necklace in 14k Gold with Virgin Mary and Cross J Dauphin

Pearl Rosario Necklace in 14k Gold with Virgin Mary and Cross J Dauphin

By J DAUPHIN

Located in Los Angeles, CA

White mini Pearl Rosario Necklace in 14k Gold with Virgin Mary and Cross J Dauphin Length: 24" around the neck (61 cm) • Drop Length: 15" (39 cm) Available for Immediate Delivery T...

Category

2010s Italian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 3-Row Red Coral Bracelet with Filigree 14k Yellow Gold Clasp
Antique 3-Row Red Coral Bracelet with Filigree 14k Yellow Gold Clasp

Antique 3-Row Red Coral Bracelet with Filigree 14k Yellow Gold Clasp

Located in Arnhem, NL

red coral cabochon in the centre and smaller beads on the periphery. The clasp features a 14k gold

Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

Antique 3-Row Red Coral Bracelet with Filigree 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
Antique 3-Row Red Coral Bracelet with Filigree 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp

Antique 3-Row Red Coral Bracelet with Filigree 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp

Located in Arnhem, NL

red coral bead in the centre. The clasp features a 14k gold safety chain. The clasp does not have a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

14k Gold White Pearl 18" Inch necklace 14mm South sea Pearl Wedding necklace
14k Gold White Pearl 18" Inch necklace 14mm South sea Pearl Wedding necklace

14k Gold White Pearl 18" Inch necklace 14mm South sea Pearl Wedding necklace

Located in Delhi, DL

Details: : 14k Yellow Gold Lock South Sea pearl beads Necklace. : Item no- KM58/200/9691 :Pearl

Category

2010s Indonesian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold

South Sea Ringed pearls 18" Inch necklace with 14K Solid Gold clasp
South Sea Ringed pearls 18" Inch necklace with 14K Solid Gold clasp

South Sea Ringed pearls 18" Inch necklace with 14K Solid Gold clasp

Located in Delhi, DL

Details: : 14k Yellow Gold Lock South Sea pearl beads Necklace. : Item no- KM46/200/9875 :Pearl

Category

2010s Indonesian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold

Saint Esprit Dove Layering Necklaces, Saint Esprit III Necklace
Saint Esprit Dove Layering Necklaces, Saint Esprit III Necklace

Saint Esprit Dove Layering Necklaces, Saint Esprit III Necklace

By Karen Sugarman Designs

Located in Colleyville, TX

of others co-existing nicely together. When I first became aware of the charming Victorian Saint

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Vintage Chinese Export Coral Turquoise Necklace 30 Inches
Vintage Chinese Export Coral Turquoise Necklace 30 Inches

Vintage Chinese Export Coral Turquoise Necklace 30 Inches

Located in Webster, SD

This gorgeous 1950s imported necklace features stunning genuine coral and turquoise beads. The

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Late Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Marina J. Pearl & Lapis Woven Floral Mosaic Necklace
Marina J. Pearl & Lapis Woven Floral Mosaic Necklace

Marina J. Pearl & Lapis Woven Floral Mosaic Necklace

By Marina J.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stunning One Of A Kind Necklace by Marina J. This piece is made with all Seed Pearls and Faceted Lapis Lazuli woven together into a beautiful lace like design. Measuring 17 inches lo...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Rhodium, Silver

Antique Multi-Strand Coral Necklace with 14K Gold Cannetille Clasp, 19th Century
Antique Multi-Strand Coral Necklace with 14K Gold Cannetille Clasp, 19th Century

Antique Multi-Strand Coral Necklace with 14K Gold Cannetille Clasp, 19th Century

Located in Rotterdam, NL

gold clasp. The necklace features barrel-shaped coral beads displaying a vibrant natural red color

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 14K Gold Red Coral Children's Bracelet, Netherlands, 19th Century
Antique 14K Gold Red Coral Children's Bracelet, Netherlands, 19th Century

Antique 14K Gold Red Coral Children's Bracelet, Netherlands, 19th Century

Located in Rotterdam, NL

cultural and symbolic significance in the Netherlands. Since the 16th century, coral beads have been

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marina J Pearl Necklace with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds, Vintage Centerpiece
Marina J Pearl Necklace with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds, Vintage Centerpiece

Marina J Pearl Necklace with Emerald, Sapphire & Diamonds, Vintage Centerpiece

By Marina J.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

. This necklace features Graduated Pearl strands, adorned in faceted Emerald and Sapphire beads, and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18k Gold and Corallium Rubrum Necklace
Antique 18k Gold and Corallium Rubrum Necklace

Antique 18k Gold and Corallium Rubrum Necklace

Located in Firenze, IT

Composed of thirtyfive corallium rubrum beads, measuring approximately 11.9 to 4.6mm, interspersed

Category

Antique 1890s Italian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

19th Century African Bone, Amber and Turquoise Glass Necklace
19th Century African Bone, Amber and Turquoise Glass Necklace

19th Century African Bone, Amber and Turquoise Glass Necklace

Located in Stamford, CT

an African jewelry maker. It holds bone, glass turquoise beads and a central amber. Striking and in

Category

Antique 1860s Central African Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Turquoise, 10k Gold

Bohemian Garnet Necklace 1850-1900 Tombak Czech Republic Carbuncle Stones
Bohemian Garnet Necklace 1850-1900 Tombak Czech Republic Carbuncle Stones

Bohemian Garnet Necklace 1850-1900 Tombak Czech Republic Carbuncle Stones

Located in Viena, Viena

This fine necklace was made in Bohemia circa 1850-1900. The Historismus clap has typical decorative ornaments and is decorated with 3 faceted garnets.The bangle is made in tombak a...

Category

Late 20th Century Czech Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Garnet

Pair of Early Whitby Jet Coiled Wrap Matching Bracelets MCNY
Pair of Early Whitby Jet Coiled Wrap Matching Bracelets MCNY

Pair of Early Whitby Jet Coiled Wrap Matching Bracelets MCNY

Located in Wallkill, NY

New York. In Excellent condition. Beads measure 12mm down to 7mm. They wrap around your wrist. What a

Category

Antique 1860s American Victorian Beaded Bracelets

NEW AAA+ Quality Japanese Akoya Salt Water White Pearl Necklace
NEW AAA+ Quality Japanese Akoya Salt Water White Pearl Necklace

NEW AAA+ Quality Japanese Akoya Salt Water White Pearl Necklace

Located in Warren, NJ

This stunning new necklace is made with AAAA+ quality high lustre Japanese Akoya salt water white pearls, measuring 8.5mm in size. The necklace is 17 1/2 inches in length and feature...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Antique Amethyst paste riviere necklace, sterling silver, 19th Century
Antique Amethyst paste riviere necklace, sterling silver, 19th Century

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

Category

Antique 19th Century British Early Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pearl necklace and claps with emerald and rose cut diamond 14k gold and silver
Pearl necklace and claps with emerald and rose cut diamond 14k gold and silver

Pearl necklace and claps with emerald and rose cut diamond 14k gold and silver

Located in The Hague, ZH

14k yellow gold with 835 silver clasp set with emerald and rose cut diamonds on a three strand pearl necklace - 50 cm long (shortest strand) detailed description The necklace is 50...

Category

Vintage 1910s Dutch Early Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver

Sterling Silver Peace Dove Brooch Necklace, Dove Necklace
Sterling Silver Peace Dove Brooch Necklace, Dove Necklace

Sterling Silver Peace Dove Brooch Necklace, Dove Necklace

By Karen Sugarman Designs

Located in Colleyville, TX

A delicate Victorian dove brooch pendant is the focal point of this charming layering necklace

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Antique Italian Yellow Gold and Natural White Pearls Necklace
Antique Italian Yellow Gold and Natural White Pearls Necklace

Antique Italian Yellow Gold and Natural White Pearls Necklace

Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette

elegance and timeless beauty. Crafted from luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, this Victorian-style necklace

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14kt Yellow Gold Diamond Turquoise Triple Strand Cultured Pearl Bracelet
14kt Yellow Gold Diamond Turquoise Triple Strand Cultured Pearl Bracelet

14kt Yellow Gold Diamond Turquoise Triple Strand Cultured Pearl Bracelet

Located in Monroe Township, NJ

Antique Victorian 14kt gold, hand knotted triple strand pearl bracelet . Bracelet clasp is very

Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Beaded Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Victorian Beads", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Victorian Beads For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of victorian beads for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 14k gold and yellow gold. Our selection of items includes 768 vintage examples as well as 123 contemporary versions. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. Our collection of victorian beads includes designs that are universally popular, but Victorian and artisan styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Karen Sugarman Designs, Marina J. and J DAUPHIN are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 344 pearl versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many bead, round cut and cabochon victorian beads for sale. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of victorian beads, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Victorian Beads?

Prices for victorian beads can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $40 and can go as high as $172,182, while victorian beads, on average, fetch $2,204.

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.