Victorian 14k Gold Fancy Link 59cm Chain Circa 1890s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This stunning Victorian fancy link chain is crafted in 14k yellow gold and has the versatility to
Antique 1890s Victorian Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k Gold Fancy Link 59cm Chain Circa 1890s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This stunning Victorian fancy link chain is crafted in 14k yellow gold and has the versatility to
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Rose Gold Victorian Paper Clip Link Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Chain 15ct Rose Gold Tagged Circa 1880 Beautiful, Victorian fancy link chain. The
15k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Fancy Navette Link Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
jump ring link Accented by grooved detail throughout Completed by spring clasp closure Tested as 14
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15k Fancy Mariner Link Chain with Etched Slide
Located in Narberth, PA
fancy mariner links form the chain, accented with delicate line work details throughout each link
15k Gold
Antique Victorian 15ct Yellow Gold Fancy Belcher Link Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Chain 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1890 Fancy Link Belcher Chain with Barrel Clasp
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$12,550
W 0.44 in L 36.5 in
Victorian Lapis Lazuli 14 Karat Yellow Gold Fancy Link Antique Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fancy link chain comprised of groove scrolling links with swirling stations Stations
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signature Victorian Inspired 14K Gold Fancy Link Chain
Located in Venice, CA
When we came across a fabulous Victorian era watch chain in silver, we fell in love with it—and
Gold, 14k Gold
150cm Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Fancy Link Guard Chain Circa 1880
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This Victorian fancy anchor like link guard chain is crafted in 9k yellow gold and does not have a
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Fancy Link Long Guard Chain with Embossed Details
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the Victorian era, this 14k gold chain consists of an alternating long rectangular link and a
Gold, 14k Gold
14K Gold Victorian Fancy Link Long Chain with Drop and Enameled Tassel
Located in Venice, CA
This 14k gold Victorian chain has a very interesting handmade link compromised of four links
14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Long Guard 58" Chain 8k Yellow Gold Fancy Link Necklace
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed antique Victorian 'Long Guard' chain necklace crafted in 8k yellow gold
Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Victorian 18.5 Inch Fancy Double Link Belcher Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Edwardian Fancy Double Link Belcher Chain, a stunning piece that embodies the elegance of a bygone era
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9ct Rose Gold Fancy Rolo Link Chain Necklace - 17 3/4 Inch
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian fancy link necklace, crafted from 9ct rose gold. The necklace showcases a beautiful alternating
9k Gold, Rose Gold
$627Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14K Yellow Gold 16 Inch Fancy Link Chain
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
and 9 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about this Antique 14K Yellow Gold Fancy Link Chain is
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Victorian Fancy Wheat Chain Lariat Necklace 18 1/4" 12k Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Victorian Metal Content: 12k Yellow Gold Chain Style: Fancy Wheat Necklace Style: Chain
Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Victorian Fancy Link Albert Bracelet with Swivel & T Bar
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Bracelet 9ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 Step back in time with this exquisite
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Victorian Fancy Paperclip & Rope Link T-bar Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Gold Bracelet 9ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Fabulous Victorian 9ct with tint
9k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,209Sale Price|27% Off
H 2.4 in W 1.36 in L 17 in
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Diamond & Pearl Locket Pendant & Fancy Link Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
to age of production) Weight: 35.33 Grams Chain Type: 2.7mm Fancy Link Chain Length: 17 Inches Clasp
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,750
W 0.31 in L 32.75 in
Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Fancy Link Long Fob Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a fancy link chain Comprise of flat round links Terminating with antique fob clasp
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,125
W 0.38 in L 28 in
Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Fancy Rope Navette Link Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as navette-shaped links alternating in pattern with split oval links Comprised of twisted rope motif navette forms Centering scrolling filigree Accented by milgrain detail C...
Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Albert Chain Necklace 2 Dog Clips White Gold Filled Fancy Link T Bar
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE VICTORIAN FANCY LINK ALBERT CHAIN NECKLACE IN WHITE GOLD FILLED WITH TWO
Gold-filled
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian Fancy Link Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gold Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped 375 Circa 1880 Beautiful, Victorian fancy link chain
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Link Antique Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This distinctive 14K yellow gold Victorian fancy link chain necklace is an antique treasure from
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Silver Albert Chain, Fancy Link, Watch Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
A heavy and chunky antique Victorian era, fancy link silver Albert chain. Nice chunky engraved and
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian 34 Inch 18k Yellow Gold Fancy Link Chain Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Victorian 34 Inch 18k Yellow Gold Fancy Link Chain Necklace. Crafted in 18 karat yellow gold
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Long Fancy Link Chain
Located in London, GB
An antique 18ct gold long chain with fancy navette shaped links, filled with two hearts and larger
18k Gold
Fancy Victorian 18 Karat Gold 17 Inch Linked Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Link style necklace comprised of elongated links that center a twisted gold infinity motif
18k Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Fancy Link Longuard Chain
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The links on this chain are simply stunning! They measure 22mm long and the open work gold is so
Gold
Antique Victorian Silver Collar Necklace, Fancy Link Chain, Leaves
Located in NEWARK, GB
A most beautiful and elaborate, antique, Victorian era sterling silver collar necklace. This is
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Longuard Chain Necklace, Muff Chain, Gold Plated, Fancy Link
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique, Victorian era gold plated longuard chain or muff chain. Rich golden, faceted
Gold Plate
Antique Victorian 15k Gold Longuard Chain, Fancy Link Necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
An impeccable antique, late Victorian era 15kt gold longuard chain necklace. The lush, rich 15kt
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Rose Gold Victorian Fancy Trombone Fetter Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Hallmarked Chester 1888 This exquisite Victorian-era
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Fancy S Link Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of pierced oval links centering milgrain 'S' motif scrolling filigree Alternating with oval-shaped links throughout Complete by hinged fob-style lobster clasp closure Sta...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Fancy Link Long Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold fancy link long chain necklace, comprised of handmade open linked and decorative
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Victorian 9 Karat Yellow Gold Antique 71 In Long Fancy Bar Link Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of interlocking circle motif mariner links With pierced openwork bar link stations
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Fancy Long Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Victorian long chain featuring intersecting circles as links Ideal for fashionable layering
14k Gold
Antique Victorian 3.4g 9K Yellow Gold 16 Inch Fancy Link Belcher Chain
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold chain, comprising fancy belcher links, in 9 karat yellow gold, with a 9
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Victorian, Garnet Clasp Fancy Star Link Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian fancy star link chain that comes with a garnet set clasp. The chain is beautifully crafted with
Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Fancy Rolo Link Long Guard Chain, 58 Inch Victorian Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Rolo Link Chain 9ct Gold Stamped & Tagged Circa 1880 Step back in time with this
Gold, 9k Gold
Antique Victorian Watch Chain Necklace 9k Rose Gold 15" Fancy Link Choker
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed antique Victorian watch chain necklace crafted in 9k rose gold (circa
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Fancy Bar Link Antique Fob Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of an alternating pattern of fancy bar and round links Bar links are layered with
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Necklace 14k Rose Gold 17" Watch Chain for Charms Fancy Link
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed antique Victorian fancy link necklace crafted in 14k & 9k rose gold
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Oval Fancy Link Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Firenze, IT
The triple line of links interspaced by a double link of flowers. Mounted in yellow gold
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Fancy Link Longuard in 18K Gold
Located in Houston, TX
Victorian longuard composed of 18K two-tone gold. Features a rose and yellow gold slide with a
Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Heart Antique Fancy Navette Link Chain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of navette-shaped links alternating in pattern with cable link chain Navette links are
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15 Karat Engraved Fancy Link Watch Chain, circa 1880
Located in Baltimore, MD
pyramid shaped links (what we call a "fancy" link) which connects to a pair of linked rings, which in turn
18k Gold
Antique 9 Karat Yellow Gold Longuard Chain Necklace, Muff Chain, Fancy Link
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique, Victorian 9ct yellow gold longuard chain. We love a good longuard chain here
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9 Karat Yellow Gold Fancy Link Watch Chain Bracelet, Albert Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique 9 karat yellow gold, fancy link watch chain or Albert chain, this is a shorter
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9 Karat Yellow Gold Fancy Link Watch Chain Bracelet, Albert Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique 9 karat yellow gold, fancy link watch chain or Albert chain, this is a shorter
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold Victorian 17 3/4 Inch Fancy Rolo Link T-bar Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian fancy link necklace, crafted from 9ct rose gold. Featuring an intricate Albert chain design, the
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Victorian Fancy Paperclip & Rope Link T-bar Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Gold Bracelet 9ct Gold Circa 1900 Fabulous Victorian 9ct with tint of rose
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 15k Yellow Gold Long Guard Chain Circa 1880
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Victorian fancy double link gold guard chain and bolt ring catch. Metal: 15k yellow gold Weight
Yellow Gold
Antique Fancy link sterling silver Albert chain, watch chain, fob
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique, Victorian era, sterling silver Albert chain or watch chain. Lovely fancy
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1.37 in W 1 in L 22.5 in
Antique Victorian 18K Tri-Gold, Diamond, Pearl Locket on Fancy Link Chain
Located in Derby, NY
with diamonds and pearls for refined sophistication. The accompanying fancy link chain, equally
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Regency Revival Chalcedony Intaglio Fob Seal w/ Lion Coat of Arms and Dragons
Located in Baltimore, MD
15K Fancy Link Watch Chain".
Chalcedony, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian 9kt Gold Fancy Link Albert Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
An outstanding antique, late Victorian era 9kt gold fancy link Albert chain. This is one of the
Gold, 9k Gold
Victorian Fancy Link Longuard Chain Necklace, Muff Chain, Gold Plated
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique Victorian era gold plated longuard chain necklace. It has fancy interlocking
Gold Plate
Gold Fancy Link Long Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This antique gold long chain necklace is composed of tightly interlocking pairs of rounded links
18k Gold, Gold
Antique 9k Yellow Gold Fancy Link Albert Chain, Watch Chain, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique 9kt yellow gold Albert chain or watch chain. It has gorgeous fancy links
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Rose Gold, Victorian 19 Inch Fancy Double Link Belcher Chain
Located in Brighton, GB
Rose Gold Victorian Fancy Double Link Belcher Chain, a stunning piece that embodies the elegance of a
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9k Yellow Gold Fancy Link Albert Chain, Watch Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
marked 9c. These fancy link Albert chains are very highly sought after and the craftsmanship is really
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9k yellow gold fancy link chain necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't go wrong with an antique gold chain necklace, they are so versatile, timeless and
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9k Yellow Gold Swag Necklace, Fancy Link Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique, Victorian 9kt yellow gold, fancy link swag chain, necklace. Stunning boxy
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Gold Victorian 18 1/4 Inch Fancy Double Belcher Link Chain with Barrel Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Double Belcher Link Chain 9ct Gold Circa 1880 This 9ct gold fancy double belcher link
Gold, 9k Gold
Late 20th Century Fancy Open Link Chain Circa 1980s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A beautiful late 20th century chain crafted in 9k rose gold featuring a five to one figaro
9k Gold
Antique Silver Albert Chain, Fancy Link, Lion Swivel Fob, Watch Chain Necklace
Located in NEWARK, GB
A truly handsome antique, Victorian era sterling silver Albert chain or watch chain. Fancy silver
Carnelian, Silver, Sterling Silver
Fancy Gold Link Chain Segment Converted to 16" Necklace with Rope Chain Ends
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
. Weights & Measurements: >Necklace length: 16" >Fancy link length: 10" (more than half; the rope chain is
Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Victorian Fancy Paperclip & Rope Link T-bar Bracelet
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Fancy Link Gold Bracelet 9ct Rose Gold Circa 1900 Fabulous Victorian 9ct Gold Albert
9k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Fancy Link Chain Bracelet, 9k Yellow Gold, Vintage Tassel Padlock Clasp
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique 9ct gold fancy link chain bracelet. The bracelet has fancy circular punched
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Albert Chain, Trombone Link L, Watch Chain
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique, Victorian era sterling silver fancy link Albert chain or watch chain. Nice
Sterling Silver
Soviet 18K Gold and Sterling Silver Vintage Micro Pave Diamond Egg Pendant
Located in Venice, CA
is pictured here on our Signature Victorian Inspired 14K Gold Fancy Link Chain, available in our shop
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian 18 Carat Long Fancy Link Guard Chain
Located in London, GB
A Victorian 18ct long fancy link guard chain, each openwork bar design link alternating with a
18k Gold
Antique Victorian 15 Karat Gold Fancy-Link Chain
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An elegant Victorian fancy-link chain, with stylish detailing and modelled in 15k gold throughout
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Fancy Link Chain 17.5"
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This pretty antique chain is made up of round fancy links and modelled in 9ct gold. It measures
9k Gold
Antique Victorian Fancy-Link Gold Guard Chain
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A fine gold fancy-link guard chain. It was made in the latter half of the 19th Century, and
9k Gold
Antique Victorian Fancy-Link Gold Belcher Chain
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A fine quality antique belcher chain, with two sets of fancy ball and bar links. The belcher links
9k Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Fancy Link Guard Chain Necklace
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A beautifully made fancy link 46 inch guard chain dating from the late Victorian period, circa 1890
9k Gold
Victorian 15 Karat Gold Fancy-Link Guard Chain
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A wonderful antique guard chain, modelled in 15k gold and dating to the mid-Victorian period. Made
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ladies Hunter Elgin 4 Color Gold Pocket Watch and 18k Gold Chain
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique 14k four color gold hunter case pocket watch made by the Elgin Company around 1908 (based on movement serial # 13333340) features an elaborately decorated 14 c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful 9ct gold necklace has fancy chain links and links that represent infinity. Length: 63cm Chain Width: 4mm Weight: 6.8g
Gold
Georgian Long Chain 18K Gold Necklace with French Medallion
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Georgian Long Chain 18K Gold Necklace with French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Medallion. The long chain necklace is formed of 18K gold. Voluminous, yet soft and light, with a subtle contra...
18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Albert Watch Link Chain Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona Design Collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold 18" long Albert watch link chain necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design an...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Tubogas Necklace or Bracelet
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the 1970’s, this 14k gold necklace is a revival of a World War II era jewelry making technique called tubogas. A hollow, flexible tube consisting of interlocking gold links ma...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Link Chain Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Step into the elegance of the 1960s with this exquisite Estate Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Link Necklace. Crafted with the timeless sophistication that Bvlgari is known for, this...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Ring An 18 karat gold and silver ring set with a large central rose diamond framed by 18 smaller old mine diamonds Made circa 1900 Ring Size: 6.5 Resiz...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Georgian Pinchbeck Chain English 41" English
Located in Northampton, MA
This is a rare 41" original Pinchbeck chain from England. It was created near 1820 and is in excellent condition, with no damaged links, stains, or damage of any kind. The original c...
Pinchbeck
Early Georgian Pink Topaz Necklace and Earring Demi-Parure Set
Located in Narberth, PA
A demi-parure, "parure" meaning "adorn" in French, is a partial set of matching jewelry designed to be worn en suite. This incredible handcrafted pink topaz necklace and earring set ...
Topaz, 18k Gold
Fine Georgian Citrine and Gold Parure
Located in London, GB
A fine Georgian citrine and gold parure, consisting of a necklace, a pair of earrings and a pair of bracelets, the necklace consisting of an oval-cut faceted citrine surrounded by a ...
Citrine, Gold, Yellow Gold
9ct Rose Gold, 16 1/4 Inch Curb Link Albert Chain, Birmingham Hallmarked 1920
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Albert Chain 9ct Rose Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1920 Makers Mark K & D Introducing a stunning 9ct rose gold 1920s Albert chain that was previously used as a...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Heavy Long 18k Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
This 18k yellow gold necklace is crafted to be substantial and weighty, giving it a bold and luxurious feel when worn. The necklace can be worn as a standalone piece or paired with ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Clasp Yellow Gold Thick Ornated Watch Chain/Toggle Necklace/Antique
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 51.1 grams Length: 16.75 inches Dimensions: Link 7.2 mm; Toggle Bar 50mm long; Clasp 23.3 mm x 8.4 mm Beautiful ornated late Victorian oversized wa...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
CARTIER Paris 1928 Art Deco Bracelet In Platinum With 19.86 Cts In Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco bracelet designed by Cartier Paris. This is an absolutely fabulous bracelet, created in Paris France during the high art deco period by the jewelry house of Cartier, bac...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
9ct Rose Gold Antique Chain
Located in London, GB
Luxurious Petit 9ct Gold Light Rose Gold Antique Chain Necklace with tight barrel clasp Era 1880 - 1910 Stamped 9c on plaque & 9ct on barrel Length 17.75 Inches Thickness 2mm
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Gold Belcher Chain Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This lovely necklace is simple and the belcher style chain gives the necklace a fine look. Length: 36cm Chain Width: 2.5mm Weight: 6.5g
Gold, 9k Gold
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.
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners. Today, Van Cleef necklaces, Tiffany necklaces and Cartier necklaces are some of the most popularly searched designer necklaces on 1stDibs.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage David Webb necklaces — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Dior, Chanel and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.