Victorian Sterling Silver Niello Checkerboard Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous sterling locket from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This gorgeous oval shaped sterling
Antique 1880s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Niello Checkerboard Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous sterling locket from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This gorgeous oval shaped sterling
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful Victorian silver locket like this is the perfect piece for adding the finishing touch
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Engraved Locket
Located in Stamford, CT
Contrasts of smooth and frilly engraving make an unusual shield design on this Victorian Silver
Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver 'Amity Eternity Infinity' Locket
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A wonderfully large sterling silver Victorian locket with an elaborate 'Amity, Eternity, Infinity
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Gutta Percha Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
resilient. This unusual locket from the Victorian (ca1880s) era is a wonderful example of jewelry crafted
Sterling Silver
Victorian Scottish Sterling Silver Banded Agate Locket
Located in Stamford, CT
An unusual combination Scottish locket leans toward the bold side. There was a silver revolution in
Agate, Sterling Silver
$1,495
H 2.75 in W 1.75 in
Victorian Sterling Silver Photo Locket Necklace 2.75" Etruscan Flower Monogram
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful Victorian Etruscan Revival Locket Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver with a
Sterling Silver, Silver
Sterling Silver, Victorian Book Chain Necklace with Silver & Gold Inlaid Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
history—the Victorian Book Chain Necklace, crafted from exquisite sterling silver. This fabulous necklace
Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Victorian Large Oval Engraved Aesthetic Bird Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
, and impeccable craftsmanship, this sterling silver Victorian locket has a true heirloom quality. It
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Victorian Book Chain Necklace & Engraved Locket Hallmarked 1882
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian locket and book chain in sterling silver, hallmarked Birmingham 1882. The circular locket features
Sterling Silver
$1,471
Dm 0.91 in L 10.24 in
Antique Victorian Scottish Granite Bracelet Sterling Silver Padlock Hair Locket
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Victorian bracelet was handcrafted in the middle of the 19th century in Scotland. Five grey
Sterling Silver
$2,000
H 1.5 in W 1.25 in L 19 in
Victorian Enamel Pearl Locket Necklace Sterling Silver Star Motif Circa 1860
Located in New York, NY
with a Pearl in Sterling Silver. The locket opens to reveal two picture compartments with their
Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$499
W 1.07 in L 1.88 in
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Amethyst Locket Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
& Sterling Silver Note: top is 14k gold, bottom is sterling silver Item #: BR-1032-081623-05
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
$4,702Sale Price|21% Off
H 4.57 in Dm 0.95 in
Rare Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette / Scent Bottle / Case / Locket 1865
Located in London, GB
A wonderful Antique Victorian solid Silver Gilt Travelling Case with a Perfume / Scent Bottle in
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian silver locket pendant, Floral, large
Located in NEWARK, GB
A large Victorian silver locket is the perfect piece for adding a little statement to your
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian 1876 Sterling Silver Bird Locket by Horace Woodward, England
By Horace Woodward & Co. Ltd.
Located in Portland, England
Antique Victorian sterling silver locket dated 1876. This extraordinary silver locket is hallmarked
Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Locket with Royal Blue Enamel Monogram
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Art Deco - Victorian Locket Pendant in Silver with a gorgeous royal blue enamel
Sterling Silver
$598
H 0.32 in W 1.38 in L 26.01 in
Victorian Sterling Silver and Gold Owl Locket Necklace with Gerochristo Chain
Located in New York, NY
This elegant locket is crafted in sterling silver and gold and features intricate floral engravings
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Victorian Enamel Rose Locket
Located in New York, NY
Victorian silver locket with enamelled rose and mirrored compartment. Beautiful enamelling and
Silver, Sterling Silver
$695
H 0.26 in W 1.26 in D 0.89 in
Antique Sterling Silver Miniature Vinaigrette Locket James Fenton Birmingham
By James Fenton Birmingham
Located in Portland, OR
A very elegant & charming antique sterling silver miniature locket vinaigrette by James Fenton
Sterling Silver
Victorian 18kt/Sterling, Diamond + Onyx Day-to-Night Earrings/Locket Pendant Set
Located in Narberth, PA
A magnificent earring and locket pendant set from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18kt rosy
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$2,000
H 2 in W 1.6 in
WH Haseler Sterling Silver Heart Locket Pendant Match Holder Striker Vinaigrette
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A WONDERFUL ANTIQUE VICTORIAN HEART SHAPE LOCKET, MATCH HOLDER STRIKER OR PERFUME
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 1880s Enamel Floral Blue Enamel Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
This silver enamel locket was made in England in the late Victorian period, circa the 1880s. The
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Circa 1900 Continental Sterling, Gold, and Amethyst Locket
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Sterling, gold & amethyst locket, Continental, circa 1900. Elaborately worked overall. Oxidation
Amethyst, Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable
Victorian Sterling Silver Collar and Locket
Located in New York, NY
C.1876. An unusual Victorian sterling silver collar with a small locket. This wide collar, shaped
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Locket Collar, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
To read more please click continue reading below- This fabulous antique Sterling Silver Locket and
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Floral Locket, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This lovely antique Sterling Silver floral locket is from the Victorian era, Circa 1900. The front
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Ivy Locket, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This lovely antique Sterling Silver Ivy locket is from the Victorian era, Circa 1880. The
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Collar and Locket Sterling Silver Dated 1882
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This magnificent Antique Victorian collar and locket has been commissioned in Sterling Silver and
Sterling Silver
Unavailable
H 1.97 in W 1.62 in
Antique Victorian Floral Locket Sterling Silver 18 Carat Gold, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
An exquisite Antique late Victorian Sterling Silver locket made Circa 1880. The wonderful piece
18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Dated Birmingham 1885 Silver Locket
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This is an absolutely stunning Sterling Silver antique Victorian locket. It is fully hallmarked
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Locket Collar Silver Necklace, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster , GB
Depth 14mm METAL: Sterling Silver AGE: Victorian, Circa 1880 CONDITION: Excellent ITEM NUMBER
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Mason Locket 1890, 14k Gold Ombre Sterling Silver Chain
By The Artemisian
Located in Marlton, NJ
Victorian Mason Locket in Sterling Silver circa 1930's, dipped in 14k gold plating, blue enamel
Aquamarine, Citrine, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Silver Collar and Locket
Located in New York, NY
C.1890. A gorgeous set of late Victorian aesthetic movement sterling silver collar with large
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Locket circa 1900 Engraved Ivy
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This genuine Victorian Sterling Silver locket is Circa 1900. The locket is engraved with ivy. Ivy
Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Gold circa 1880 Forget Me Not Locket
Located in Lancaster , GB
A stunning antique Victorian floral locket C. 1880, engraved with beautiful Forget me nots
Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling and Enamel Locket
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely beautiful sterling silver locket and original chain. The round locket opens to reveal
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Silver circa 1860 Locket Collar Forget Me Not Necklace
Located in Lancaster , GB
A grand antique Victorian collar Circa 1860, featuring a lovely locket engraved with an 18ct Gold
Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Large 18 Carat Gold Silver Fruit Locket, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
To read more please click continue reading below- This genuine antique Victorian Fruit locket is
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 14 Carat Rose Gold and Sterling Silver Coral Pendant/Locket
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
This beautiful Antique (Victorian) Coral Plaque Pendant/Photo/Hair Locket is Oval Cut, Colour Light
Coral, Hematite, Natural Pearl, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable
H 1.66 in W 1.38 in D 0.44 in
Antique Victorian Forget Me Not Collar Locket 18 Carat Gold Silver Dated 1881
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This magnificent Antique Victorian collar and locket has been masterfully commissioned in Sterling
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Fine Victorian Memento Mori Locket on Necklace
Located in Toronto, Ontario
leather box. The removable locket hangs 60mm or approximately 2.5 inches down from the necklace and is
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable
H 2.5 in W 1.3 in L 18 in
Antique Silver Locket With Applied Two Colour Goldwork On Antique Silver Chain
By Hardy Brothers
Located in London, GB
Antique Silver Locket With Applied Two Colour Goldwork On Antique Silver Chain This exquisite
Sterling Silver
Ruby and Diamond Gold Heart with Stars Locket
Located in Houston, TX
gold and blackened sterling silver double cable chain 18 inches in length.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver French Horseshoe Locket
Located in Stamford, CT
often the case with Victorian French silver lockets. The lid opens and closes with a tight click. There
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Victorian Locket Shows Parental Devotion
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
. Victorian silver is amazing in its detail and originality. From 1860 to 1880 silver jewelry became very
Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver And 9ct Gold Floral Locket
Located in Portland, England
A charming antique Victorian Sterling silver and 9ct gold locket made in Birmingham in 1887 by Adie
Gold, Sterling Silver
1890 Victorian Sterling Silver and Vermeil Royal Fusiliers Locket
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an incredible large Victorian locket in sterling silver featuring a remarkable gold washed
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Locket Pendant, Forget Me Not Flowers
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. A large sized oval locket with a
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Beaded Book Chain and 800 Silver Locket
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique Victorian sterling silver beaded book chain with 800 silver oval locket. This is a
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1.8 in W 1.4 in
Large Sterling Silver Birmingham Hallmarked 1882 Victorian Leaf Engraved Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Silver Locket Sterling Silver Hallmarked Birmingham 1882 Makers Mark H W *THE CHAIN IS
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Bird Locket
Located in Portland, England
This exquisite antique Victorian locket is 137 years old! Fully Hallmarked and dated Birmingham
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Victorian Book Chain Necklace & Locket Hallmarked London 1879
Located in Brighton, GB
a stunning Victorian-era sterling silver book chain necklace, a true testament to timeless elegance
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Victorian Book Chain & Oval Engraved Locket Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Book Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Circa 1880 A fabulous, Victorian silver book chain
Sterling Silver
Antique Engraved Sterling Silver Victorian Locket and Book Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Book Chain Necklace & Engraved Locket Sterling Silver Circa 1890 Introducing a stunning
Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Locket Pendant, Leaf Engraved
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. It is engraved to the front with
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late Victorian Large Niello Silver Locket
Located in Houston, TX
A late Victorian large silver and niello checkered-pattern oval locket. This piece is so pretty and
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Victorian Book Chain Collar Enamel Locket Necklace original Box
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Book Chain Necklace Sterling Silver Circa 1880 The most fabulous example of Victorian
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Early Victorian Diamond Sterling Gold Heart Locket
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning diamond heart locket from the Early Victorian (ca1850) era! This lovely piece is made of
Diamond, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 1.94 in L 2.25 in
Victorian 14kt/Sterling Onyx Locket with Diamond Starburst Locket Pendant 0.80ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A spectacular locket/pendant from the late Victorian (ca1900s) era! This gorgeous piece is crafted
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian silver locket pendant, engraved
Located in NEWARK, GB
A pretty antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. An oval shaped locket with engraving
Silver
Victorian Silver Buckle Locket, Large, Engraved
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. A large sized oval locket with a very
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Mourning Locket, Monogrammed, Engraved
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique Victorian sterling silver mourning locket. A large sized oval locket with a
Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling and Gold Locket, circa 1870
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian silver and three color gold locket with a raised floral and foliate design. Wonderful to
9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Locket Pendant, Line Engraved, Aesthetic Era
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. It is engraved to the front with a
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Floral Silver Locket & Book Chain Aesthetic Movement
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Victorian Aesthetic Movement large ornate silver locket, with sweet forget-me-not flower
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Necklace with Silver and Gold Locket
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fanciful Victorian silver collar with a silver locket embellished with two-color gold. The necklace
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Book Chain
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
a large sterling silver Victorian locket on the chain as an example, however this locket is not
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 1.25 in L 1.9 in
Antique Victorian Locket Pendant, Aesthetic Roses, Sterling Silver and 9k Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This beautiful antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant is so well crafted and very pretty
9k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Turquoise Nesting Love Birds Locket Pin / Pendant
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique sterling silver nesting love birds large locket that can be worn as a pin or a pendant
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Photo Locket and Book Chain Collar Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Superb Victorian Antique Book Chain Collar Necklace and Sterling Silver beautifully engraved photo
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Swallow Locket, Aesthetic Era, Large
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. A large sized oval locket with a
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Silver Locket Pendant, Ivy and Floral Engraved
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. It is engraved all over with ivy
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
W 0.61 in Dm 1.21 in L 20.5 in
Victorian Butterfly Kaleidoscope Silver Paste Locket Rock Crystal Necklace
By Karen Sugarman Designs
Located in Colleyville, TX
mesmerizing diorama housed within an antique Victorian silver paste locket. The incredibly talented artist
Rock Crystal, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Rare & Fine Victorian Handpainted Enamel Locket
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18K Yellow Gold, Silver & Enamel Handpainted Victorian Locket Brooch -Masterfully handpainted
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Locket Pendant, Aesthetic Era
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian sterling silver locket pendant. It is engraved to the front with an
Silver
Sold
H 2 in W 1.75 in D 0.25 in L 2 in
Sterling Silver English Locket Engraved with Crane Japonaiseir Style
Located in Berkeley, CA
The sterling silver locket has a decorative motif from the Japanese Style called Japonaiseir Style
Silver
Antique Victorian Assyrian revival locket brooch, Lamassu
Located in NEWARK, GB
A scarce and unusual antique Victorian era brooch. It is modelled as a horseshoe in sterling
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Large Niello Heart Locket and Chain
Located in Stamford, CT
rectangular and round links and small silver balls to give interest yet emphasize the locket. The pieces were
Niello, Sterling Silver
Jill Garber Bohemian Garnet Victorian Locket Modern Necklace
By Jill Garber
Located in Saginaw, MI
This one of a kind drop necklace features a large antique Victorian Rose Cut Garnet period locket
Garnet, Sterling Silver, Bronze
Antique Silver and Gold Locket Necklace
Located in Baltimore, MD
Wonderful sterling necklace with locket embellished with gold depicting a bird on a branch. The
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Etruscan Revival 15k Gold Victorian Large Locket
Located in New York, NY
Stunning example of Etruscan Revival craftsmanship, this 15k antique Victorian locket is substantial in size with exquisite details. The center boasts a beautiful rose gold locket do...
15k Gold
$16,500 / set
W 1.03 in L 11.42 in
Rare Etruscan Revival 18K Gold Locket Necklace attr. Eugene Fontenay, Paris 1870
By Eugene Fontenay
Located in New York, NY
Large, stunning granulated antique French Etruscan Revival locket with the original, equally spectacular large chain. The oval locket exquisitely decorated with a technique known as...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Goddess Maiden Woman Locket Necklace Gorgeous
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous antique gold filled Victorian - Art Nouveau locket pendant necklace which features a beautiful goddess maiden woman with extraordinary flowing hair. This is one o...
Gold-filled, Gilt Metal
$1,779 / item
Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring....
Garnet, 14k Gold
Celeste Sapphire Locket In Sterling Silver
Located in London, GB
Set with sparkling white sapphires, our timeless, sterling silver 'Celeste' locket is perfect to mark life's special moments. The oval locket is suspended on our beautifully-textured...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
$673Sale Price|25% Off
H 0.27 in Dm 1.61 in
French 1910 Edwardian Blue Guilloche Enamel Pendant Locket 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
A French guilloche enameled pill box. Very delicate French early 20th century enamel pendant, created during the late Edwardian and art nouveau period, circa 1910. This beautiful co...
Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$296
W 1.26 in D 0.4 in L 2.09 in
Antique Victorian 1880 Locket Pendant Horn Mother of Pearl Metal Inlay
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This good size locket has been handcrafted around 1880 out of horn. The front shows fine lines typical for horn. Surrounded by fine lines the locket has been decorated with a flower ...
Mixed Metal
Vintage Platinum 1940s Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Aquamarine Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1940’s Fabulous, vintage ring. Set with a gorgeous, faceted-cushion cut, natural aquamarine. Mounted in platinum, with a beautiful h...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents. This ring is set with a faceted oval 7.0mm x 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Pearl Flower Oval Locket
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Oval Locket 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Makers Mark A W Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian oval shaped locket. Beautifully decorated with a pretty, natural seed pearl flower. ...
Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Ancient Greek Gold Intaglio Ring Circa 4th Century BC
Located in Chicago, IL
A unique, museum quality ancient Greek gold ring, circa 4th century BC, likely a wedding ring. The ring is engraved with two wrestling Erotes. When Aphrodite (Greek goddess of love,...
Victorian Pietra Dura Locket
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Pietra Dura Locket from the late 19th Century set in 9K gold. Inlaid hardstones form a floral design in turquoise, alabaster and agate on an onyx base. Glass locket on back...
Onyx, 9k Gold
Antique Gold Family Book Locket Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This Antique Gold Family Book Locket Pendant is a charming and sentimental piece of jewelry, designed to hold the memories of loved ones close. Crafted from 9 karat gold, the pendant...
Gold, 9k Gold
Oversized Victorian Locket with Moonstone
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Victorian Gold Filled Locket with Moonstone from the late 19th Century. Art Nouveau floral design with genuine moonstone. Large scale with original pics of a young man from...
Moonstone, Gold Plate
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Convertible Tiara Necklace
Located in London, GB
A vintage sapphire and diamond convertible tiara necklace. An exceptional vintage sapphire and diamond convertible tiara and necklace set, in platinum, circa 1950. This beautifull...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Banded Agate and Gilt Locket Back Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This wonderfully ornate locket has a beautifully detailed bee and holds eight glossy banded agate around the edge of the pendant. Turn over this pendant and there is a locket back wi...
Agate, 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.
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.