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Victorian Paste Jewelry

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Sterling Silver French Paste Starburst Pin Brooch Victorian Jewelry
Sterling Silver French Paste Starburst Pin Brooch Victorian Jewelry

Sterling Silver French Paste Starburst Pin Brooch Victorian Jewelry

Located in Monroe Township, NJ

timeless piece of Victorian jewelry, this brooch would have been worn as a symbol of wealth and style

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Paste Butterfly
Victorian Paste Butterfly

Victorian Paste Butterfly

Located in New York, NY

Lovely sterling butterfly brooch done in the Victorian era of clear and colored pastes. A large

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Paste Buckle Brooch
Victorian Paste Buckle Brooch

Victorian Paste Buckle Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Lovely Victorian Paste Buckle Brooch from the late 19th Century. Originally a buckle but converted

Category

Antique 1880s American Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Vermeil, Silver

Victorian Paste Set  Monkey
Victorian Paste Set  Monkey

Victorian Paste Set Monkey

Located in New York, NY

Charming paste set monkey dangling from a bar. Completely set in sterling with handmounted pastes

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Paste Floral Brooch
Victorian Paste Floral Brooch

Victorian Paste Floral Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Elegant Victorian Paste Floral Brooch from the 19th Century. 3 dimensional flower head is set in a

Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Anklets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Long Victorian Paste Earrings
Long Victorian Paste Earrings

Long Victorian Paste Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Lovely, long Victorian Paste Earrings set in sterling silver, closed back settings with elaborate

Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Sterling Silver

Late Victorian Paste Bracelet
Late Victorian Paste Bracelet

Late Victorian Paste Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

Lovely late Victorian paste bracelet made to resemble rose diamonds on silver. Antique filigreed

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Paste Victorian Playful Monkeys
Sterling Paste Victorian Playful Monkeys

Sterling Paste Victorian Playful Monkeys

Located in New York, NY

Charming paste on sterling playful monkeys from the late 19th Century. One with green eyes is

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Cat Tails Paste Locket
Victorian Cat Tails Paste Locket

Victorian Cat Tails Paste Locket

Located in New York, NY

Victorian Cat Tails Gold Filled Paste Locket from 1900. Art Nouveau motif of cat tails in a pond

Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

Antique Victorian 1880s Paste Heart Necklace
Antique Victorian 1880s Paste Heart Necklace

Antique Victorian 1880s Paste Heart Necklace

Located in London, GB

design. Paste jewellery was highly prized during the Victorian era for its ability to reflect light

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold, Brass

Long Victorian Articulated Paste Earrings
Long Victorian Articulated Paste Earrings

Long Victorian Articulated Paste Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Lovely, long Victorian Articulated Paste Earrings set in sterling with unusually large crystal

Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Sterling Silver

Oversized Victorian Paste Hair Barrette
Oversized Victorian Paste Hair Barrette

Oversized Victorian Paste Hair Barrette

Located in New York, NY

Large scaled Victorian paste hair barette set with sparkling cushion cut pastes in sterling silver

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian More Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle
Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle

Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle

Located in New York, NY

Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle from the 19th Century. Set with ruby pastes and faux half

Category

Antique 1880s American Late Victorian Bangles

Materials

Gold-filled

Unusual Double Sided Victorian Paste Heart
Unusual Double Sided Victorian Paste Heart

Unusual Double Sided Victorian Paste Heart

Located in New York, NY

Lovely and Unusual Victorian Paste Puffy Heart from the late 19th Century. Usually these paste set

Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Monkey Brooch Pendant Paste Stones Victorian Silver
Antique Monkey Brooch Pendant Paste Stones Victorian Silver

Antique Monkey Brooch Pendant Paste Stones Victorian Silver

Located in Mārupe, LV

Antique Victorian Driving Monkeys Paste Stone Brooch – 19th Century Silver Bicycle Brooch This

Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Brooches

Materials

Silver

Victorian Huge Black Dot Paste Horseshoe c. 1880
Victorian Huge Black Dot Paste Horseshoe c. 1880

Victorian Huge Black Dot Paste Horseshoe c. 1880

Located in Stamford, CT

Endless good luck will come with this large European silver and black dot paste horseshoe. The

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Other, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian, Sterling Silver Paste Swallow Pendant
Antique Victorian, Sterling Silver Paste Swallow Pendant

Antique Victorian, Sterling Silver Paste Swallow Pendant

Located in Brighton, GB

antique paste stones. The swallow itself is intricately detailed, with feathers and wings elegantly

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian Paste Cabochon Foil and 15K Yellow Gold Brooch
Victorian Paste Cabochon Foil and 15K Yellow Gold Brooch

Victorian Paste Cabochon Foil and 15K Yellow Gold Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

as 15k gold. NOTE*: During the Victorian Era, non-precious pastes were a part of evening jewellery

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Red Paste Snake Stick Pin Brooch
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Red Paste Snake Stick Pin Brooch

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Red Paste Snake Stick Pin Brooch

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is a Victorian snake stick pin brooch. It is crafted in 18K gold. The piece features red paste

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Gold

Victorian English 15k/Sterling Silver Paste Chandelier Earrings
Victorian English 15k/Sterling Silver Paste Chandelier Earrings

Victorian English 15k/Sterling Silver Paste Chandelier Earrings

Located in Narberth, PA

A stunning pair of English chandelier earrings from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 15k

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Moonstone, Gold, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Silver & Paste, Early Victorian Cherub Miniature Pendant
Antique Silver & Paste, Early Victorian Cherub Miniature Pendant

Antique Silver & Paste, Early Victorian Cherub Miniature Pendant

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Cherub Pendant Sterling Silver Circa 1850 This stunning early Victorian Cherub

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Late Victorian Sparkling Paste Sterling Silver Swag Necklace
Late Victorian Sparkling Paste Sterling Silver Swag Necklace

Late Victorian Sparkling Paste Sterling Silver Swag Necklace

Located in Houston, TX

Late Victorian sterling silver swag necklace set with gorgeous sparkling Old Mine-cut close-backed

Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Other, Sterling Silver

Victorian Ruby Diamond Green Paste Rose Gold Pendant / Locket
Victorian Ruby Diamond Green Paste Rose Gold Pendant / Locket

Victorian Ruby Diamond Green Paste Rose Gold Pendant / Locket

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

paste, 9 karat rose gold and silver set pendant/locket; part of our Victorian jewelry collections. This

Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Late Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Enamel & Paste Blue Pansy Brooch 1890s
Late Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Enamel & Paste Blue Pansy Brooch 1890s

Late Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Enamel & Paste Blue Pansy Brooch 1890s

Located in Towson, MD

floral jewelry, perfect for collectors of Victorian enamel work and symbolic botanical designs.

Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Enamel

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

Ice Quartz Victorian Silver Paste Heart Pendant Necklace

By Karen Sugarman Designs

Located in Colleyville, TX

design drops from the center in a long and sinuous focal point, featuring a delicate Victorian (c. 1900

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Crystal, Cultured Pearl, Quartz, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian 19k Yellow Gold & Silver Onyx and Red Paste Brooch
Antique Victorian 19k Yellow Gold & Silver Onyx and Red Paste Brooch

Antique Victorian 19k Yellow Gold & Silver Onyx and Red Paste Brooch

Located in New York, NY

reflective paste creates a bold yet refined visual balance characteristic of period jewelry. The mixed-metal

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Paste and 15k Yellow Gold Cannetille Style Cocktail Ring
Victorian Paste and 15k Yellow Gold Cannetille Style Cocktail Ring

Victorian Paste and 15k Yellow Gold Cannetille Style Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique Victorian white, green and red paste, 15 karat yellow gold cannetille

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ciner Victorian Inspired Gilt and Paste Bib
Ciner Victorian Inspired Gilt and Paste Bib

Ciner Victorian Inspired Gilt and Paste Bib

By Ciner

Located in New York, NY

Ciner Neo Victorian gilt necklace with paste set dangles. Dozens of articulated links are set with

Category

Vintage 1980s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Gilt Metal

Lovely Victorian Paste Star Motif  Hair Comb
Lovely Victorian Paste Star Motif  Hair Comb

Lovely Victorian Paste Star Motif Hair Comb

Located in New York, NY

Victorian hand faceted crystal paste and horn hair comb, of three five pointed stars set in

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III More Jewelry

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate, Jasper, Paste Sterling Silver Dirk Kilt Brooch
Antique Victorian Scottish Agate, Jasper, Paste Sterling Silver Dirk Kilt Brooch

Antique Victorian Scottish Agate, Jasper, Paste Sterling Silver Dirk Kilt Brooch

Located in Philadelphia, PA

agate, jasper, a round citrine, and paste stones. Hallmarked to the reverse for John Culver of

Category

Antique 1890s Scottish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Jasper, Citrine, Sterling Silver

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Red Paste Horseshoe Stick Pin Brooch
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Red Paste Horseshoe Stick Pin Brooch

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Red Paste Horseshoe Stick Pin Brooch

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

jewellery pieces, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Paste Stone Mother of Pearl 18 KT Star Earrings
Victorian Paste Stone Mother of Pearl 18 KT Star Earrings

Victorian Paste Stone Mother of Pearl 18 KT Star Earrings

Located in Napoli, IT

Sparkling Stars These gorgeous Victorian period earrings are 1890 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 KT

Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Top French Paste Ring
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Top French Paste Ring

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Top French Paste Ring

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Top French Paste Ring. This gorgeous

Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold and Silver Citrine and Paste Cocktail Ring
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold and Silver Citrine and Paste Cocktail Ring

Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold and Silver Citrine and Paste Cocktail Ring

Located in New York, NY

surrounded by glimmering paste stones, capturing the romantic elegance of the Victorian era. The detailed

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Paste Earrings
Antique Paste Earrings

Antique Paste Earrings

Located in New York, NY

Antique paste articulated earrings are set in sterling silver from the late 19th Century. The

Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Paste Assemblage, Studio VL
Antique Paste Assemblage, Studio VL

Antique Paste Assemblage, Studio VL

By Leslie Chin x Studio VL

Located in New York, NY

Unusual Antique Paste Assemblage in sterling silver by Studio VL. Antique 19th and 20th Century

Category

2010s American Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian 14K Gold 'Leaf' Earrings with Seed Pearls & Paste - E.U. - Circa 1880
Victorian 14K Gold 'Leaf' Earrings with Seed Pearls & Paste - E.U. - Circa 1880

Victorian 14K Gold 'Leaf' Earrings with Seed Pearls & Paste - E.U. - Circa 1880

Located in Chatham, CA

'hope, renewal and wisdom' in Victorian jewelry terms - the backs as finely finished as the front

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Crystal, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Silver and Paste and Blue Glass Pendant on Silver Oval Link Chain
Late Victorian Silver and Paste and Blue Glass Pendant on Silver Oval Link Chain

Late Victorian Silver and Paste and Blue Glass Pendant on Silver Oval Link Chain

Located in New York, NY

Late Victorian Silver and Paste and Blue Glass Pendant on Silver oval Link Chain c.1900 27.96

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Paste Choker Necklace Convertible Headband
Paste Choker Necklace Convertible Headband

Paste Choker Necklace Convertible Headband

Located in Geneva, CH

Paste choker necklace. Faux pearl and white stones on silver. Convertible to a headband. Length

Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Ciro 'SCP' 1940s Silver and Paste Vintage Star Brooch
Ciro 'SCP' 1940s Silver and Paste Vintage Star Brooch

Ciro 'SCP' 1940s Silver and Paste Vintage Star Brooch

Located in Skelmersdale, GB

Report: Very Good - One of the paste stones has moved slightly within its setting. However, it is

Category

Vintage 1940s English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Silver

Massive 19th Century Paste Sword Jabot Brooch
Massive 19th Century Paste Sword Jabot Brooch

Massive 19th Century Paste Sword Jabot Brooch

Located in New York, NY

Massive and exceptional 19th Century Paste Sword Jabot Brooch from the l9th Century. Designed

Category

Antique 1870s French High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Antique Silver and Blue Paste Cross Pendant
Antique Silver and Blue Paste Cross Pendant

Antique Silver and Blue Paste Cross Pendant

Located in Skelmersdale, GB

. Designed in the shape of a cross, it is detailed with small, round, colourless paste stones and bezel set

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Antique Haircomb Silver Paste Swallows Celluloid
Antique Haircomb Silver Paste Swallows Celluloid

Antique Haircomb Silver Paste Swallows Celluloid

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This beautiful haircomb is decorated with three silver swallows set with white paste.

Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian More Jewelry

Materials

Silver

Antique early 20th century silver and paste lizard salamander brooch
Antique early 20th century silver and paste lizard salamander brooch

Antique early 20th century silver and paste lizard salamander brooch

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

, rebirth, passion, and the ability to withstand flames. In the 18th and 19th paste jewelry was all the rage

Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

Silver

Extraordinary 19th Century Paste Spray in the Naturalist Style
Extraordinary 19th Century Paste Spray in the Naturalist Style

Extraordinary 19th Century Paste Spray in the Naturalist Style

Located in New York, NY

Massive paste set spray of a life like orchid spray from the mid 19th Century. Set in sterling with

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Gold-Filled Paste and Pearl Slide Chain
Antique Gold-Filled Paste and Pearl Slide Chain

Antique Gold-Filled Paste and Pearl Slide Chain

Located in New York, NY

adorned with a pearl and a purple paste accent. The chain is composed of interlocking links, creating a

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Gold-filled

Antique 14k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Paste Ornate Stick Pin
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Paste Ornate Stick Pin

Antique 14k Yellow Gold Seed Pearl and Paste Ornate Stick Pin

Located in New York, NY

A romantic late Victorian 14k yellow gold stick pin, lavishly detailed with scrolling foliate

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century Austro-Hungarian Glass Paste Collar Necklace
19th Century Austro-Hungarian Glass Paste Collar Necklace

19th Century Austro-Hungarian Glass Paste Collar Necklace

Located in Monroe Township, NJ

Antique 19th century Austro Hungarian gilt metal , paste /glass stones choker necklace with small

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Early Victorian Choker Necklaces

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Paste and Enamel Earrings of 14k and 18k Gold
Antique Paste and Enamel Earrings of 14k and 18k Gold

Antique Paste and Enamel Earrings of 14k and 18k Gold

Located in Lewisburg, PA

Radiating the soft elegance of the Victorian era, this enchanting pair of antique earrings (circa

Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

14k Gold, Enamel

Wide Antique Gold Gilt Silver Paste Faux Pearl Bracelet Bangle
Wide Antique Gold Gilt Silver Paste Faux Pearl Bracelet Bangle

Wide Antique Gold Gilt Silver Paste Faux Pearl Bracelet Bangle

Located in Monroe Township, NJ

A magnificent example of Victorian-era Austrian craftsmanship, this antique dual-tone bracelet is

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Chain Bracelets

Materials

Silver

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

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

Located in NEWARK, GB

A tremendously good antique riviere necklace. Early Victorian era this beautiful antique riviere

Category

Antique 19th Century British Early Victorian Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Early 19th Century 18K Rock Crystal Lover's Eye with Silver & Paste Teardrop
Early 19th Century 18K Rock Crystal Lover's Eye with Silver & Paste Teardrop

Early 19th Century 18K Rock Crystal Lover's Eye with Silver & Paste Teardrop

Located in New York, NY

frieze. Early 19th Century 18K Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Painted Lover's Eye with Silver & Paste

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Brooches

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

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Victorian Paste Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact piece of victorian paste jewelry you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Silver, Gold and Sterling Silver, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect item from our selection of victorian paste jewelry may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a choice in our collection of victorian paste jewelry has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Karen Sugarman Designs and Jill Garber are consistently popular. While most can agree that any object in our assortment of victorian paste jewelry from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Pearl version from the 8 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also cabochon and old european cut versions for sale. Most of our victorian paste jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 20 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Victorian Paste Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of victorian paste jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $259 and can go as high as $35,079, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,239.

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. 

Questions About Victorian Paste Jewelry
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    Paste jewelry is made out of a special type of flint glass that emulates several gemstones. Paste is a hand-cut glass that is polished with metal powder until it gleams like a gem. Paste jewelry was popular as a cheaper alternative to diamonds during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, as well as the Art Deco period. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage paste jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In antique jewelry, the term “paste” means glass finished in a way that allows it to resemble natural gemstones. To produce paste, artisans polish it for long periods of time with metal powder. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique paste jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To be able to tell if jewelry is Victorian, a buyer can look for certain characteristics that have come to define these pieces, but it may be difficult given that no single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and snake jewels made during the Victorian era came in a vast array of styles. Romantic period jewelry featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise. 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. The best way to tell if jewelry is Victorian is generally to work with an antiques appraiser or otherwise qualified professional in the jewelry industry. Shop a collection of antique Victorian jewelry from some of the world's top jewelers on 1stDibs.