Victorian 1.50ct Diamond Swallow Brooch, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning swallow brooch dates to the Victorian era. A collection of old mine cut diamonds adorn the elegant bird design totalling 1.50 carat.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 15k Gold
Victorian 2.10 Ct Rose cut Diamond Rare Swallow Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Flying Swallow This graceful Victorian Swallow brooch is 1870 ca Depicted with wings spread in flight, epitome of grace and beauty Expertly rendered by the Victorian masters of solid...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Swallow Ring with Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This antique Diamond Enamel Swallow started life as a brooch, which I converted to a ring. This is black enamel on 14K Yellow Gold and set with old mine cut and rose cut Diamonds. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Diamond 4 Swallow Bird Silver On Gold Brooch Circa 1890
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Victorian four Swallow Birds diamond brooch, circa 1890s.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl and Ruby Swallow Bird Charm necklace
Located in London, GB
Dating to the late 19th century, this exquisite antique pendant embodies Victorian elegance. Featuring a bird in flight, delicately adorned with shimmering diamonds, split pearls, an...
Victorian Diamond Pearl Bird Leaf Pendant Necklace Green Gold Swallow Dove
Located in New York, NY
The pendant has elements of the Victorian as well as the Art Nouveau periods. The Victorian Era was a high point for jewelry, not just for the quality of the pieces but also for the...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Gold Diamond Bird Emerald Swallow Earrings
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Hand carved 14k yellow gold swallows with 12 rosecut, champagne diamonds and a single emerald eye for each bird. 14k yg custom ear wires with secure loop closure. Inspired by antique...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$1,375
W 0.75 in L 1.5 in
Victorian Low Karat Gold Brooch Swallow in Flight Seed Pearls Ruby Diamond 1880s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian Low Karat Gold Brooch Swallow in Flight Seed Pearls Ruby Diamond 1880s American In Good condition, no damage, no missing stones 3.8 gram 1.5 inch long 3/4 inch wide
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Gold and Silver Diamond Swallow and Ear of Wheat Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
This Victorian brooch is designed as a swallow in flight, carrying an ear of wheat.
Diamond, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Garnet Swallow Bird Brooch Pendant
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique victorian era swallow bird brooch and pendant with rose cut diamonds centered with natural garnet stone in 10k gold dates back to the victorian era 1850/1870.c
$3,490
H 0.18 in W 0.95 in L 1.95 in
Late Victorian 20k Yellow Gold and Silver Swallows and Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully symbolic late Victorian brooch featuring three finely rendered swallows in rich 20k yellow gold, each captured mid-flight with exquisite naturalistic detail.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Swallow Diving Diamond Silver Rubies Gold Brooch
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This most exquisite elegant diving diamond swallow wears a ruby set ribbon around its neck. It is entirely set with old cut diamonds.The charming bird is mounted as a brooch, howev...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Antique Rose Diamond of a Swallow in Flight Brooch, c. 1860.
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique brooch paved set with rose cut diamonds and a small ruby as his eye. The swallow measurement is very slightly less than 1 3/4 inches. The brooch in fine condition is silver w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$5,404
H 0.22 in W 0.87 in L 1.61 in
0.49 Carat Diamond and Ruby 9k Yellow Gold Swallow and Moon Brooch Circa 1870
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.49 carat diamond and 0.02ct ruby, 9 karat yellow gold, silver set swallow and crescent brooch; part of our collection of Victorian jewelry.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Swallow Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
A gorgeous sapphire and diamond bird from the Victorian era! This precious little bird is made of sterling silver topped with gold and portrays a bird in flight.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Victorian Emerald and Diamond Swallow Necklace
Located in Houston, TX
A precious swallow bird in flight necklace form the Victorian Era!!
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Platinum Topped Gold Victorian Swallow Brooch w/ Rose-cut Diamonds Weight: 17.1g
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gross Weight: 17.1g The swallow brooch features rose-cut diamonds, enhanced by a round-cut ruby, set in platinum-topped 18k gold. Dimensions: 2-5/8 inches x 1-5/8 inches Diamonds: Av...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Diamond Silver and Gold Swallow Cuff Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An in-flight swallow with variously sized old-European and old mine diamonds of approximately 3 carats total, with 2 cabochon red stones for eyes.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in D 0.2 in Dm 0.2 in L 0.5 in
Diamond Yellow Gold Bird Stud Swallow Earrings Vogue
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Blackbird and the Snow diamond bird stud earrings are inspired by Victorian charms and are a perfect addition to any collection. Hand fabricated, set in 14k yellow gold with 16 brill...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond Swallow Brooch
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A classical Victorian theme, this is a particularly fine rendition, preserved in truly exceptional condition. Measuring approximately 1.5 by 1.5 inches, with cabochon rubies dotting ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 1.38 in L 1.38 in
Antique Victorian Diamond Swallow Bird Brooch in Silver and 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
This marvelous Victorian swallow bird brooch is set with 38 rose cut diamonds, total weight approximately 0.76 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond Garnet Seed Pearl Swallow Bird 14 Karat Gold Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a swallow bird, holding an old mine cut diamond in it’s beak, weighing approximately 0.02 carat, eye-clean and white With a seed pearl set body and tiny garnet eye With...
Diamond, Garnet, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold
Diamond Swallow Brooch
Located in London, GB
A swallow bird brooch, pavé set with old-cut and rose-cut diamonds and cabochon ruby eyes, mounted in silver-upon-gold. With 55 old-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.25ct Measure...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Silver Set Diamond and Yellow Gold Swallow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 0.55 Ct diamond and 0.04 Ct ruby, 21k yellow gold and silver set swallow brooch; part of our antique diamond jewelry and estate jewelry co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 15k Gold Diamond, Ruby & Pearl Swallow Earrings, Circa 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
A stunning pair of late Victorian period earrings, modelled as lovely swallow birds.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18K Gold Diamond Ruby Swallow Bird Pin
Located in New York, NY
An antique late 19th century 18K yellow gold pin brooch representing a swallow bird. The piece is garnished with diamonds and cut ruby stones.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold
H 0.21 in W 1.49 in L 0.98 in
Victorian 1.95 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Swallow Bird Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Victorian 1.95 carat diamond and 0.03 carat ruby, 9 karat yellow gold and silver set 'swallow' brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Diamond Swallow Earrings
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A beautifully expressive pair of antique swallow earrings, featuring finely modeled swallows set with rose cut diamonds and vivid red spinel eyes, crafted in sterling silver topped 9...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Swallow Pendant Necklace 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Seed Pearls
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed antique Victorian swallow pendant & necklace (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Topped Diamond Swallow Bird Pin
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Topped Diamond Swallow Bird Pin.
Diamond, Emerald, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Sold
H 0.24 in W 0.67 in L 1.89 in
Antique Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Swallow Brooch, Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 0.31 carat diamond and 0.03 carat ruby, 12 karat yellow gold and silver set swallow brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Swallow Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive Victorian 0.03 carat natural sapphire, 0.06 carat diamond and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold bar brooch in the form of a swallow; part of our antique jewelry ...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond Swallow Earrings of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A graceful and symbolically rich pair of antique earrings, featuring elegant swallows rendered in silver topped 12k gold and set with sparkling rose cut diamonds and 14k gold ear wir...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Sold
H 0.22 in W 0.79 in L 1.69 in
Antique Victorian 1.19 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold 'Swallow' Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian diamond brooch has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Swallow Old Mine Cut Diamond Brooch
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique victorian large swallow bird brooch with an estimate old mine cut diamond weight of 3 carats H colour white excellent cut and spark decorted with rubies eyes brooch messures ...
Sold
W 0.875 in L 2 in
Victorian Sterling Silver and 10k Gold Swallow Brooch with Diamonds and Sapphire
Located in Birmingham, AL
This Victorian swallow brooch includes 2 round blue sapphires and 20 diamonds (19 are old rose cuts, 1 of the diamonds on the sides is an upside down round brilliant cut that was use...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver
Rose Cut Diamond Swallow Pin
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian swallow pin with large rose cut body and hundreds of full cut diamonds in the wings, tail and head.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Swallow Brooch, c. 1860
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique swallow brooch paved with rose cut diamonds set in silver. The length is two inches. The 56 white diamonds are well matched and average 1.0 to 3.0 points., with a total appro...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver
Late 19th Century Enamel Gem-Set and Diamond Swallow Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a swallow in flight, the green and blue enamel feathers with rose-cut diamond highlights, the eyes with ruby points, width 4.1cm.
Diamond, Enamel
French Antique Gold, Blue Enamel, and Diamond Flying Swallow Brooch or Pendant
Located in New York, NY
An antique brooch designed as a winging blue enamel swallow with rose diamond embellishment on the head and body, in sterling silver and 18k gold; wearable also as a pendant. France
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Diamond-Set Swallow Stick-Pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set swallow stick-pin, the nineteen rose-cut diamonds set in silver to yellow gold back, with gold pin fitting, measuring approximately 2.8 x 2.1cm, the pin ...
Diamond, Silver
Victorian Diamond Swallow Necklace
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The lore surrounding the return of this seasonal bird centers around love, luck, and abundance. This Victorian swallow was converted at some point from a brooch into a necklace.
Diamond, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Diamond Three Swallows Brooch
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A beautiful antique brooch featuring three swallows set with rose cut diamonds and ruby eyes. The birds have been expertly crafted with lovely detailing and perfectly capturing the m...
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Set of Three Diamond Swallow Pins
Located in Greenwich, CT
Victorian set of three diamond-set flying swallow pins, mounted 'en tremblant' so the birds gently move, the three pins set with old mine cut diamonds altogether weighing approximate...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond "Diving Swallow" Necklace
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A stunning antique diving swallow necklace; the bird is set with diamonds, sapphires, and a ruby eye, modelled in 15k gold with silver settings.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 4.41 Carat Diamond Swallow Brooch circa 1880
Located in Goettingen, DE
Antique Victorian 4.41 Carat Diamond Swallow Brooch, circa 1880 Highly decorative brooch in the shape of a flying swallow, made of solid 750/18K rose gold and silver.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Swallow and Crescent Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Ruby & Diamond Crescent & Swallow Brooch, Silver & Gold, Circa 1860, Significant Model in Wonderful Condition
18kt White Gold Victorian Style Solitaire Ring with Swallows & Rose Cut Diamond
By William Llewellyn Griffiths
Located in Melbourne, Vic
This enchanting Victorian style ring explores the notion and symbolism behind the glorious bird that is the swallow.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 15 Karat Yellow Gold Key with a Ruby and Diamond Swallow Brooch
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
Swallows were a popular motif in Victorian jewellery as they had a special meaning for fishermen and sailors.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted Italian Diamond Swallow Drop Earrings
Located in Birmingham, GB
A designed inspired the romanticism of the Victorians .. each featuring a swallow in flight, encrusted with twinkling rose-cut diamonds.. creating an elegant sparkle.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold
H 18 in W 0.75 in D 0.1 in Dm 0.5 in L 0.5 in
Blackbird and the Snow - gold diamond Bird swallow Victorian inspired Necklace
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Our 'Fancy Bird' Necklace is a Blackbird and the Snow Favorite. Cast in 14k yellow gold, finished with fine milgrain detailing and set with eleven brilliant cut diamonds. This whimsi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Sold
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.05 in Dm 0.5 in L 0.5 in
Blackbird and the Snow Sterling Silver Diamond Bird Stud Swallow Vogue Earrings
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Delicate, perfectly beautiful diamond bird stud earrings, inspired by Victorian charms and hand carved to perfection.
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Victorian Diamond Swallow Pendant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The lore surrounding the return of this seasonal bird centers around love, luck, and abundance. This Victorian swallow pendant is fashioned in 15k rose gold and silver with a body sp...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Diamond Swallow Brooch, circa 1880–1900
Located in Kendal, GB
A pretty antique Victorian swallow brooch from the late 19th Century decorated with glistening rose cut diamonds and a red paste eye.
Diamond, Gold
Sold
H 18 in W 0.75 in D 0.1 in Dm 0.5 in L 0.5 in
Gold Diamond Bird Swallow Victorian Inspired Necklace
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Our 'Fancy Bird' Necklace is a Blackbird and the Snow Favorite. Cast in 14k yellow gold, finished with fine milgrain detailing and set with eleven brilliant cut diamonds. This whimsi...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in D 0.2 in Dm 0.2 in L 0.5 in
Diamond Yellow Gold Bird Stud Swallow Earrings Vogue
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
Blackbird and the Snow diamond bird stud earrings are inspired by Victorian charms and are a perfect addition to any collection. Hand fabricated, set in 14k yellow gold with 16 brill...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted Italian 9 Carat Rose Gold Diamond Swallow Pendant
Located in Birmingham, GB
A designed inspired the romanticism of the Victorians .. designed as a swallow in flight, encrusted with sparkling rose-cut diamonds.. creating an elegant sparkle.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Bohemian Garnet And Silver Gilt Necklace Circa 1870's
Located in Firenze, IT
Victorian bohemian garnet necklace. This piece is set in silver gilt with pretty garnet flowers and smaller drop flowers. Circa 1870-80, Measures: 42cm long and the central drop me...
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
Antique Fernch Floral Diamond Platinum Wedding Tiara
Located in Miami, FL
Antique French Floral Design Platinum Diamond Tiara with Detachable Brooch This magnificent French tiara, crafted in luxurious platinum, is a masterpiece of elegance and refinement....
Diamond, Platinum
$35,000
H 2.76 in W 3.55 in D 2.76 in
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s. T...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Masriera 18 KT Yellow Gold Peacock Brooch with Enamel, Dia..41CT and Pearl
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
From the house of the prolific Art Nouveau designer, Luis Masriera, comes a long tradition of prestige, creativity and unparalleled craftsmanship. These stylistically distinctive wor...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Pave Diamond Ball Ring 18k Gold, 1.88ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
Vintage Pavé Diamond Sphere Ring – 18K Yellow Gold 1.88 CTW E/VS1 Diamonds Circa 1990s Specifications Metal: 18K yellow gold Total weight: 5.2 grams Ring size: 6 (easily resizable...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$65,677
W 1.13 in L 18.9 in
Antique French Ch. Fontana & Cie Diamond Tiara Necklace Silver Upon Gold, c 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique, French, diamond fringe tiara necklace, by Ch. Fontana & Cie, with the front section comprising a fringe of graduating pendants, linked at the top with rose-cut diamonds, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Vintage A. Tillander Diamond Platinum Tiara
Located in London, GB
An A. Tillander diamond platinum tiara, circa 1910. This exceptional diamond tiara by A. Tillander is beautifully handcrafted in platinum. The tiara is composed of intertwining, sc...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled plaque ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. This 14ct white gold piece features a single round faceted old European cut diamon...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold
Line Vautrin Flying Bird Resin Talosel and Pink Mirrors Brooch
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a rare Line Vautrin Talosel 3D bird brooch. The exceptional piece was handcrafted in France circa 1950. The sand-beige resin is encrusted with antique pink-colored mirrored g...
$3,352
Size: French 40/42
Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre S/S 1994 vintage black silk evening dress
By Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre spring summer 1994 runway black silk evening dress. A white version was presented on th...
Antique Belle Époque Diamond Tiara in Platinum and Gold.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Well well well. If only this tiara could talk - I'd just love to know the people and outfits this significant piece has graced. Let's start with the tiara. Circa 1900, the theme co...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
AUSTRIAN HUNGARIAN 1915 Enameled Beetle Watch Ring In 18Kt Gold & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A rare Austrian-Hungarian watch ring. This is an extremely rare and unusual clock-ring, created in the early 20th century during the Austrian-Hungarian empire period, circa 1915. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
Iconic Roberto Cavalli FW 2006 Silk Evening Gown Showstopper
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Berlin, BE
A Roberto Cavalli Masterpiece from 2006 Drenched in the opulence of gilded romance, this Roberto Cavalli silk evening gown is a red-carpet reverie. A symphony of delicate florals, li...
Goyard Customised Navy Saint-Sulpice Cardholder
By Goyard
Located in London, GB
Crafted from canvas and leather, this customised Scrooge McDuck Saint Sulpice wallet is especially hand-painted as a part of Rewind Vintage's Emotional Baggage collection. Features G...
Antique Victorian 18k Gold, Black Enamel & Old Cut Diamond Mourning Ring, C 1884
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Although Mourning Jewelry has a long & fascinating history, going back to as far as Middle Ages, its popularity reached its peak during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
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.
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.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
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