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Victorian Gold Intaglio Cameo Ring

Antique Victorian Rose Gold Sard Intaglio Soldier Cameo Ring
Antique Victorian Rose Gold Sard Intaglio Soldier Cameo Ring

Antique Victorian Rose Gold Sard Intaglio Soldier Cameo Ring

Located in New York, NY

Antique Victorian Gold Intaglio Ring. Crafted in gold with a warm rose gold hue, this Victorian-era ring features a striking red sard stone, intricately carved with a detailed intagl...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 9K Rose Cut Diamond Gold 800 Silver Carved Red Coral Cameo Cocktail Ring
Vintage 9K Rose Cut Diamond Gold 800 Silver Carved Red Coral Cameo Cocktail Ring

Vintage 9K Rose Cut Diamond Gold 800 Silver Carved Red Coral Cameo Cocktail Ring

By SCALA GIOIELLI

Located in Marcianise, IT

📊 Item Details (Technical Specifications) Period: 20th Century / Vintage Antique Revival Style Style: Bourbon / Victorian Grand Tour Revival / Figural Cocktail Ring Item Type: F...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold, 9k Gold

Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings
Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings

Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings

Located in New Orleans, LA

Displaying two carved Medusa gemstones over 1800 years old, these dangle earrings are exceptional examples of the ancient Roman intaglio technique. Paired with a 19th-century gold se...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

22k Gold

Bulgari Hematite 18k Yellow Gold Link Bracelet, Italy Circa 1989
Bulgari Hematite 18k Yellow Gold Link Bracelet, Italy Circa 1989

Bulgari Hematite 18k Yellow Gold Link Bracelet, Italy Circa 1989

By Bulgari

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

Seen as protection against bleeding, hematite was also popular with the Ancient Egyptians, who carved it onto talismans and medallions. Later, in the Victorian era, the properties of...

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Hematite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Early Victorian Antique Intaglio Gold Gents Ring, 1820s
Early Victorian Antique Intaglio Gold Gents Ring, 1820s

Early Victorian Antique Intaglio Gold Gents Ring, 1820s

Located in Antwerp, BE

The cornelian with an intaglio engraved male profile of this Pre-Victorian 18K yellow gold ring from 1820 shows to be a true Imperial jewel that embodies standing and style completin...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Early Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18k English Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Ring
Victorian 18k English Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Ring

Victorian 18k English Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

An incredible bloodstone intaglio ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this fabulous piece adorns an oval-shaped bloodstone that is bezel set at the cen...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Early Victorian Glass Tassie and Agate Intaglio Link Bracelet in Original Box
Early Victorian Glass Tassie and Agate Intaglio Link Bracelet in Original Box

Early Victorian Glass Tassie and Agate Intaglio Link Bracelet in Original Box

Located in Narberth, PA

An outstanding glass Tassie and agate intaglio link bracelet from the Early Victorian (ca1850s) era!

Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold

Victorian English 9k Amethyst Fob
Victorian English 9k Amethyst Fob

Victorian English 9k Amethyst Fob

Located in Narberth, PA

Its purpose is to decorate or add weight to the watch chain itself, making it easier for the watch to be withdrawn from a pocket. The opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by c...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant
Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant

Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant

Located in Narberth, PA

The base of the fob would often have been used to seal the wax of a letter or note. The opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving below the surface to produce and image ...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold

Victorian 1890 Signet Intaglio Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Carved Carnelian
Victorian 1890 Signet Intaglio Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Carved Carnelian

Victorian 1890 Signet Intaglio Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Carved Carnelian

Located in Miami, FL

Artemis "the huntress" Intaglio ring with carved carnelian Beautiful signed ring, created during the Victorian period, back in the 1890.

Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian/Victorian Cameo Ring Roman Style 18ct Gold - Early 19th Century
Antique Georgian/Victorian Cameo Ring Roman Style 18ct Gold - Early 19th Century

Antique Georgian/Victorian Cameo Ring Roman Style 18ct Gold - Early 19th Century

Located in London, GB

We are delighted to offer this beautiful antique 18ct gold cameo in Roman revival style made ca. early 19th century. Distinctly antique and immediately distinguishing from modern pi...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Classical Roman Engagement Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Late 19th Century Cameo Opal Intaglio of Queen Victoria Gold Ring
Late 19th Century Cameo Opal Intaglio of Queen Victoria Gold Ring

Late 19th Century Cameo Opal Intaglio of Queen Victoria Gold Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Probably by Wilhelm Schmidt, mounted in a yellow gold ring, cameo 12mm high. Size 7

Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

French 1880 Victorian Geometric Signet Ring in 18 Karat Gold with Sardonyx
French 1880 Victorian Geometric Signet Ring in 18 Karat Gold with Sardonyx

French 1880 Victorian Geometric Signet Ring in 18 Karat Gold with Sardonyx

Located in Miami, FL

French antique signet ring. Very unusual signet ring, created in Paris France around the 1880 during the Victorian Era.

Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Chalcedony, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Victorian Carved Conch Shell Cameo with 10 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel
Estate Victorian Carved Conch Shell Cameo with 10 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel

Estate Victorian Carved Conch Shell Cameo with 10 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel

Located in Birmingham, AL

This is a Rare, Victorian, hand carved, Estate Cameo. Hand Carved Conch Shell, Gorgeous Profile of a Woman with Long, Beautiful Curls in her hair!

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

10k Gold

Porcelain and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Cameo Pendant and Brooch
Porcelain and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Cameo Pendant and Brooch

Porcelain and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Cameo Pendant and Brooch

Located in Birmingham, AL

At the beginning of the 1800s a single hand carved semi precious gem Intaglio or Cameo was an extremely rare and treasured possession.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Estate 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant
Estate 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant

Estate 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Shell Oval Cameo Brooch and Pendant

Located in Birmingham, AL

This is a very rare, Victorian, Hand carved, Estate, 18K White Gold and shell oval cameo.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Hardstone Agate Intaglio Cameo Ring Bust of Hercules
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Hardstone Agate Intaglio Cameo Ring Bust of Hercules

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Hardstone Agate Intaglio Cameo Ring Bust of Hercules

Located in London, GB

This excellent antique Victorian carved hardstone cameo dates to the late 19th century, circa 1870 and depicts the bust of Hercules wearing the skin of the Nemean Lion on his head, o...

Category

Antique 19th Century French High Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Victorian Carved Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Victorian Carved Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Victorian Carved Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

A stunning intaglio signet ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era!

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold

Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Repousse Signet Ring
Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Repousse Signet Ring

Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Repousse Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

An incredibly beautiful intaglio signet ring from the Mid Victorian (ca1860) era!

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 9k Gold

Victorian French Citrine "Firm of Purpose" Intaglio Signet Ring
Victorian French Citrine "Firm of Purpose" Intaglio Signet Ring

Victorian French Citrine "Firm of Purpose" Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

A stunning and unusual intaglio signet ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era!

Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Horse Motif Gold Signet Ring
Victorian Horse Motif Gold Signet Ring

Victorian Horse Motif Gold Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

A stunning intaglio signet ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era!

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Italian 19th Century Fine Shell Cameo of Dante Alighieri Signet Ring
Antique Italian 19th Century Fine Shell Cameo of Dante Alighieri Signet Ring

Antique Italian 19th Century Fine Shell Cameo of Dante Alighieri Signet Ring

Located in London, GB

An excellent antique Italian cameo dating to the second half of the 19th century, circa 1865. The finely carved shell cameo depicts the profile head of ‘Il Sommo Poeta', the supreme ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian High Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate

Ancient Roman Carved Red Jasper Gryllus Signet Ring Antique Georgian
Ancient Roman Carved Red Jasper Gryllus Signet Ring Antique Georgian

Ancient Roman Carved Red Jasper Gryllus Signet Ring Antique Georgian

Located in London, GB

This fascination has been revived throughout history, notably in the Renaissance period, and again during the Georgian and Victorian eras where many ancient cameos and intaglios were...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Jasper

Victorian 18k Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Victorian 18k Carnelian Intaglio Ring

Victorian 18k Carnelian Intaglio Ring

By Hermès

Located in Narberth, PA

Its purpose would have often been to seal the wax of a letter or note. A beautiful intaglio ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this ring features a l...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rare Carnelian Intaglio Portrait Ring
Victorian Rare Carnelian Intaglio Portrait Ring

Victorian Rare Carnelian Intaglio Portrait Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

A very rare intaglio ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This wonderful handmade piece is crafted in 18kt yellow gold and features a bezel set carnelian stone at the center.

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Victorian Carnelian "Leda and the Swan" Intaglio Signet Ring
Victorian Carnelian "Leda and the Swan" Intaglio Signet Ring

Victorian Carnelian "Leda and the Swan" Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

A stunning and unusual intaglio signet from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This relatively large piece is crafted in 14kt yellow gold, and adorns a stunning bezel set carnelian stone at...

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian 15 Karat Gold Rock Quartz Crystal "Snake" Intaglio Fob Pendant
Victorian 15 Karat Gold Rock Quartz Crystal "Snake" Intaglio Fob Pendant

Victorian 15 Karat Gold Rock Quartz Crystal "Snake" Intaglio Fob Pendant

Located in Narberth, PA

A magnificent intaglio fob from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 15kt yellow gold, this substantially sized fob adorns an oval shaped rock crystal platform at the base of a fa...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

Materials

Rock Crystal, Crystal, Quartz, Yellow Gold, Gold, 15k Gold

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Iconic Roberto Cavalli FW 2006 Silk Evening Gown Showstopper
Iconic Roberto Cavalli FW 2006 Silk Evening Gown Showstopper

Iconic Roberto Cavalli FW 2006 Silk Evening Gown Showstopper

By Roberto Cavalli

Located in Berlin, BE

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Category

Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

Handcraft Turquoise 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Sapphires Cocktail Ring
Handcraft Turquoise 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Sapphires Cocktail Ring

Handcraft Turquoise 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Sapphires Cocktail Ring

By SCALA GIOIELLI

Located in Marcianise, IT

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Georgian Style Bloodstone Intaglio Rose Gold Signet Ring, 19th Century
Antique Georgian Style Bloodstone Intaglio Rose Gold Signet Ring, 19th Century

Antique Georgian Style Bloodstone Intaglio Rose Gold Signet Ring, 19th Century

Located in New York, NY

Classic Georgian style antique bloodstone intaglio and 9K rose gold signet ring. Late 19th Century The bloodstone intaglio of interconnected symbols and the letter W or M, depending ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

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18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio
18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio

18K Gold Ring w Venus Intaglio

Located in Atlanta, GA

A hand crafted 21 karat gold ring made with an authentic Carnelian intaglio representing Venus (or Aphrodite, as she was called during the time it was made). Aphrodite is the Greek g...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, Gold

Antique Yellow Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Crest Ring
Antique Yellow Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Crest Ring

Antique Yellow Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Crest Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1890 - 1900 14k Yellow Gold Crest Ring, the top measuring 5/8 x 1/2 inch and is set with a deep Red / Brown Carnelian with a deep engraved Crest. the ring features hand engravi...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring
A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring

Located in London, GB

A Roman intaglio gold hardstone ring, the oval shaped rose-quartz measuring 1.4 x 1.1cm, deep engraved with the profile of an Emperor wearing a laurel wreath, possibly Nero, Roman-se...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Roman Dome Rings

Materials

22k Gold

Antique Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold

Antique Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold

Located in London, GB

An antique carnelian intaglio signet ring made in 9k yellow gold. A true piece of history, this exquisite ring features a beautifully carved carnelian intaglio stone set in a classi...

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Carnelian, Yellow Gold

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Cream Cotton Brocade Detail Skirt
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Cream Cotton Brocade Detail Skirt

ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2005 "It's Only A Game" Cream Cotton Brocade Detail Skirt

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Thiensville, WI

Alexander McQueen S/S 2005 cream cotton brocade detail skirt. From Alexander McQueen's "It's Only a Game" collection. Botanical filigree metallic brocade trim in shades of beige, cre...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Pleated Skirts

14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx Cameo Ring
14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx Cameo Ring

14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx Cameo Ring

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx Cameo Ring Size 4.75- This elegant black onyx cameo ring features a lovely lady in profile set in beautifully detailed 14K yellow gold. Widt...

Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring

Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Carved Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

An exquisite vintage signet ring set with a carved carnelian intaglio seal. Modelled in 18 carat yellow gold. Ring Size: S or 9 Seal Dimensions: 16x12mm Face Dimensions: 19x15mm ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots Schiaparelli
Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots Schiaparelli

Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots Schiaparelli

By Schiaparelli

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots. The Robe is draped on the shoulders and close with gold metal buttons. The dress is draped on the bust with tulle sh...

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Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag
Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag

Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag

By Hermès

Located in London, GB

Rare Item - Hermes Jypsiere 28 Matte Crocodile Niloticus Skin Bag Crossbody bag crafted from matte crocodile Niloticus skin in Ficelle. Designed with branded, palladium hardware an...

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Vivienne Westwood Gold Metallic Lace Corset, fw 1993
Vivienne Westwood Gold Metallic Lace Corset, fw 1993

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By Vivienne Westwood

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival Vivienne Westwood Corset ▪ Fall-Winter 1993 ▪ Gold metallic lace ▪ Ivory cotton mesh side panels ▪ Built-in boning ▪ Zip closure at the centre-back ▪ Size: UK10 - US6...

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HERMES Marron Fonce SHINY CROC KELLY 32 SELLIER Bag GHW
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By Hermès

Located in Zürich, CH

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Hermès Birkin 30 Himalaya Crocodile Niloticus Palladium Hardware

Hermès Birkin 30 Himalaya Crocodile Niloticus Palladium Hardware

By Hermès

Located in Berlin, BE

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Georgian 18K Gold Hercules and Omphale Tassie Intaglio Ring
Georgian 18K Gold Hercules and Omphale Tassie Intaglio Ring

Georgian 18K Gold Hercules and Omphale Tassie Intaglio Ring

Located in Venice, CA

This 18k gold ring features an intaglio attributed to James Tassie, circa 1760-1780. The deep, red cast glass intaglio is embossed with an image of Hercules and Omphale, standing in ...

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Antique 18th Century Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

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Victorian Gold Intaglio Cameo Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact victorian gold intaglio cameo ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Making the right choice when shopping for a victorian gold intaglio cameo ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing victorian gold intaglio cameo ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Bulgari each produced a popular version that is worth a look. While most can agree that any victorian gold intaglio cameo ring from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a carnelian version from the 3 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes asscher cut and cabochon alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a victorian gold intaglio cameo ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Victorian Gold Intaglio Cameo Ring?

Prices for a victorian gold intaglio cameo ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $838 and can go as high as $34,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,420.

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.