Late Victorian Amethyst and Silver Brooch .
Located in Warminster, GB
This lovely important late 19th century Victorian Period brooch, is set in silver. With natural Amethyst stones and marcasites.
Antique 1890s French Victorian Brooches
Silver
Late Victorian Amethyst and Silver Brooch .
Located in Warminster, GB
This lovely important late 19th century Victorian Period brooch, is set in silver. With natural Amethyst stones and marcasites.
Silver
Victorian Silver Plate Turtle Dove Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian silver plate love token brooch of two tethered finely detailed turtle doves.
Silver Plate
Charming Victorian Silver Cherub Brooch, H. Moller
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Silver Cherub Brooch by H. Moller, Norway circa 1890.
Silver
Antique Victorian Moon Crescent Brooch Silver Silver Gilt
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This lovely brooch designed as a moon crescent has an unusual ondulated surface. Stripes of plain silver with rose gold gilding alternate with silver stripes that have been finely en...
Silver
Victorian Diamond Gold Silver Chick Brooch
Located in Greenwich, CT
This magical Victorian diamond gold silver brooch is no chicken feed.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian English Silver Filigree Basket Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Large Victorian English Sterling silver Filigree Basket Brooch from the late 19th Century.
Sterling Silver
Antique Pair of Victorian Flower Brooches Silver
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare pair of finely modelled naturalistic flower brooches. The flowers are hand crafted out of silver around 1850. The flower with the closed flower bud is slightly shorter, it meas...
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 antique Victorian brooch features a charming scene of monkeys driving a bicycle, craf...
Silver
Antique Agate cross brooch, Sterling silver, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
We love this unusual antique, Victorian era Scottish agate and silver cross brooch.
Agate, Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Helmeted Greek Warrior God Brooch
Located in Venice, CA
The striking profile of a bearded man, framed by a banner of flowers, is the focal point of this sterling silver Victorian era brooch. The man in the portrait appears to be a Greek g...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Victorian Violin Musicians Brooch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Vintage sterling silver brooch featuring three violinists dressed in Victorian clothing.
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Diamond and Pearl Brooch
Located in Queens, NY
Victorian Sterling Silver Diamond and Pearl Brooch, featuring one round baroque pearl approx. 10.50 - 10.75 mm., further adorned with 93 pave set round faceted diamonds weighing a to...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$150Sale Price / item|50% Off
Sterling Silver Victorian Silver Cross Brooch Pendant with Emerald & Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in refined 925 sterling silver, this elegant brooch cum pendant features a graceful cross motif highlighted with natural emeralds and shimmering diamonds. Five round-cut natu...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Amethyst Brooch Pin Sterling Silver Filigree Setting
Located in Milford, DE
Features brass fastening hardware on the back. A gorgeous Victorian pin/brooch! Dimensions: W 2.7 x L 2.2 cm Weight: 3.4 g
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Victorian diamond 18k gold and silver bow brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Graded G color and SI-I clarity, the rose cuts bring delicate shimmer, texture, and wonderful Victorian character throughout the design. Crafted with an 18k gold back and silver fron...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver Lovely Lady Portrait Brooch Pin
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Victorian Brooch Sterling Silver Great Floral Motif on this piece Victorian measuring 1.74" x 1.38 This is out of a massive jewelry collection from a Westchester county NY e...
Sterling Silver
Silver & Gold Victorian Diamond Ruby Diamond Pearl Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Silver & Gold Weight 6.9g Rose Cut Diamond Approx. 0.90ct Red Spinel Approx. 0.45ct Brooch Measurements 1.81in x 1.51in with antique box included.
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, Silver
18K White Gold and Silver Victorian Diamond Brooch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
18K Gold and Silver Victorian antique diamond brooch, showcasing dazzling old-cut diamonds in an exquisite floral design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian old mine cut diamond flower silver gold brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautifully expressive Victorian flower brooch showcasing the romantic elegance and naturalistic design favored during the late 19th century.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique 9ct Gold & Silver, Victorian Paste Set Monkey Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Monkey Brooch 9ct Gold & Silver Circa 1880 A wonderfully playful and eye-catching Victorian monkey brooch, crafted in a charming combination of 9ct gold and silver.
Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Agate Brooch Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian Scottish brooch pendant is crafted in silver and designed with the bold ornamental character associated with 19th century Scottish pebble jewelry.
Agate, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Violin Brooch Birmingham 1892 Hallmark
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Victorian novelty brooch is designed in the shape of a violin.
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Gold Wash 900 Silver Garnet Brooch #2965
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique Victorian Gold Plated 900 Silver Garnet Pin/Brooch- This stunning brooch features rose cut Bohemian garnets set in gold plated 900 silver.
Garnet, Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Gold and Silver Mourning Remembrance Brooch
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Made from 14-karat gold with a silver back, the brooch reflects the artistry and deeply personal nature of mourning jewelry during the Victorian era.
14k Gold, Silver
Victorian old cut diamond sapphire iron silver peacock brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An extraordinary and highly detailed Victorian brooch depicting a majestic peacock, a symbol of beauty, pride, and immortality.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Silver
Victorian Turquoise Swallow Brooch of 800 Silver, Circa 1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Swallows have long symbolized love, loyalty, and safe return, making them a cherished motif in Victorian jewelry. This finely crafted brooch captures that sentiment beautifully, feat...
Ruby, Turquoise, Silver
Antique Victorian Anchor Brooch Hope Faith Facetted Carnelian Silver Silver Wire
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This good size Vitorian Brooch of an anchor symbolizes hop and faith. A facetted carnelian cross is mounted in silver and secured to the anchor by finely twisted silver wire.
Carnelian, Silver
$27,771Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian En Tremblant Diamond Flower Brooch – 9kt Gold & Silver
Located in Braintree, GB
Victorian En Tremblant Diamond Flower Brooch – 9kt Gold & Silver, 5.33 cts Diamonds Total weight: 19 g An exquisite Victorian en tremblant flower brooch, circa 1880s, crafted in 9kt...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond and Silver-Upon-Gold Brooch, circa 1875
Located in London, GB
A Victorian oval diamond openwork brooch, with a centre cluster, set with a cushion shaped old-cut diamond, surrounded by old-mine cut diamonds, in claw settings, enclosed by four tr...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Sterling Silver-Mounted Slate Backed Scottish Agate Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian, sterling silver (unmarked, but tested)-mounted Scottish agate, diamond - shaped brooch with slate back,Scotland, Ca. 1880's.
Agate, Sterling Silver
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Victorian Revival Sterling Silver Hand-Motif Cameo Brooch
Located in Honolulu, HI
This rare and evocative brooch is a masterful example of the Mid-Century Victorian Revival movement, capturing the romantic sentimentality of the 19th century through the sophisticat...
Sterling Silver
c. 1890 Victorian Sterling Silver & Gold Overlay Horseshoe Bar Brooch
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite antique Late Victorian sterling silver bar brooch, dating to circa 1890.
Sterling Silver
Victorian Cherub Cupid Angel Swing Brooch Pin Silver Grape Leaves
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare and wonderful Victorian brooch pin with a Winged Cherub, Cupid or Angel on a swing that hangs from a vine or branch of grape leaves.
Silver
Victorian Lucky Clover Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Lucky Clover Brooch from the late 19th Century.
Silver Plate
Scottish Agate Victorian Sterling Silver Garter Vintage Brooch Pin c1890
Located in Montreal, QC
Superb quality large Victorian Sterling Silver Scottish Agate Garter Brooch.
Agate, Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian 14k Gold & Silver Branch Brooch with 2.00ct Diamonds, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver branch brooch with rose cut diamond up to 2.00 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 6.8 cm long and 3.4 cm wide Weight: 21....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
French Victorian old cut diamond gold and silver crescent brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18k gold and silver and hallmarked with the French eagle head, the brooch reflects the refined craftsmanship and symbolism beloved during the Victorian era.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Sterling Scottish Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Sterling Scottish Brooch from the 19th Century. Mid 19th Century with Greek Key blue enamel accents and beautifully detailed hand etching. 2" x 1.65".
Sterling Silver
Victorian Diamond Floral Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful Victorian brooch showcasing a floral motif adorned with sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Diamond Cluster Brooch, 9ct Gold and Silver
Located in Braintree, GB
A fine antique Victorian diamond cluster brooch in 9ct gold and silver, set throughout with bright old European-cut diamonds.
9k Gold
Victorian Gold and Silver Diamond Butterfly Brooch, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Designed as a butterfly displayed en plein vol, this brooch exemplifies the Victorian era’s fascination with naturalistic forms interpreted through symmetry and precision. The wings ...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.20ct Diamond Brooch, 9k Yellow Gold & Silver, Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 9 karat yellow gold, silver set 1.20 carat diamond brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Large Victorian Sterling Silver-Mounted Slate Backed Scottish Agate Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian, sterling silver (unmarked, but tested)-mounted, slate - backed, Scottish agate brooch, Scotland, Ca. 1880's.
Agate, Sterling Silver
Victorian amethyst pearl diamond 18k yellow gold silver brooch pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Victorian amethyst, pearl, and diamond brooch pendant is a romantic antique design from the 1880’s, centered by an oval cut amethyst weighing approximately 5.90 carats.
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian brooch with pearls 6.3 grams 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold and silver brooch set with pearls Detailed description The brooch is approximately 4.0 cm high and 5.5 cm wide Total weight: 6.3 grams Set with: - 41 x 1.5mm fresh...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Painted Enamel and Silver, Octagonal Shaped Brooch, Jenny Lind c1860
Located in valatie, NY
Victorian Painted Enamel and Silver, Octagonal Shaped Brooch, Jenny Lind c1860.
Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Ornate Engraved Brooch
Located in London, GB
Wonderful antique Victorian sterling silver hand engraved brooch in an ornate design.
Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Paste Buckle Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Paste Buckle Brooch from the late 19th Century.
Vermeil, Silver
c. 1890s Antique Victorian 'Good Luck' Horseshoe Brooch in Standard Silver
Located in Honolulu, HI
A quintessential Victorian treasure sourced from London, this 'Good Luck' horseshoe brooch captures the romantic symbolism of the late 19th century. In Victorian jewelry, the horsesh...
Silver
Late Victorian Enamel Guilloche Sterling Silver Brooch with Morning Glory
Located in New York, NY
This round brooch is sterling silver and set with Guilloche enamel detailing and features a stylized morning glory floating on a stylized geometric sinuous background.It is marked 92...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian Insect Beetle Brooch Carnelian Pearl Glass Silver Gilt
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Victorian brooch is designed in the naturalistic style popular in the last quarter of the 19th century.
Pearl, Silver
Antique Victorian Gold & Silver Piqué Brooch, United Kingdom, Circa 1880
Located in Chatham, CA
Antique Victorian gold and silver piqué brooch - large size - museum quality - intricately set with hand tooled and engraved panels and elements - original 'C' catch - original hand ...
Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Silver 4.93ctw Old Cut Diamond Crescent Moon Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian, diamond, and silver brooch, comprising twenty-three old cut diamonds, graduating in size, set in silver, with a silver pin and fittings.
Diamond, Silver
Victorian 14K Gold & Silver 1.33tgw Diamond & Emerald Scottish Thistle Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Victorian Silver and Gold Diamond and Emerald Brooch is the glowing emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian No-Heat Ruby, Pearl, & Diamond Gold/Silver Brooch
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Victorian Era AGL Certified No-Heat Ruby, Pearl, & Old-Cut Diamond Gold/Silver Brooch Details: Item Type: Brooch Metal: Gold and Silver Weight: 11.83 Grams Era: Victorian (...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
$242Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 925 Silver Victorian Style Emerald & Diamond Cross Brooch Cum Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This striking 2.7 Carats emerald and diamond cross brooch pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, showcasing a refined Victorian Revival inspired design with elegant Gothic influe...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Diamond Star Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have striking brooch come pendant dating back to the Victorian era.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Coral Cabochon Victorian Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Coral Cabochon Victorian Brooch from the late 19th Century. Very dimensional layered construction with Italian origin coral cabochons likely mounted in the States. 1890's...
Coral, Silver
Victorian Diamond Silver Front Gold Backed Oval Brooch or Pendant
Located in Venice, CA
This Victorian-era brooch contains three Old Mine cut diamonds, surrounded by 24 smaller rose and single cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Silver-Gilt Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Located in Darien, CT
This Victorian Silver Gilt butterfly brooch is crafted with beautiful gem-set wings and body.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Brooch Durham Cathedral Dated, 1893
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This wonderful antique Victorian Sterling Silver brooch is dated Birmingham 1893.
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Gold, circa 1888 Basket Brooch
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous Antique Victorian Silver brooch depicts a beautiful bouquet of flowers cascading from a basket.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Unavailable
H 2.29 in W 2.49 in D 0.4 in
Antique Victorian Scottish Agate Snake Silver circa 1860 Brooch
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This impressive Victorian Silver brooch is made from carved pieces of Scottish Agate set into the likeness of a coiled snake.
Agate, Garnet, Ruby, Silver
Unavailable
Antique Victorian Silver Bicycle Brooch
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A superb antique bicycle brooch in sterling silver and dating from the year 1896. I was somewhat surprised that it was made in the 19th century, as it looks remarkably similar to a m...
Silver
Victorian Paste Silver Crescent Moon Brooch
By Knoll and Pregizer
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Beautiful Antique Victorian late 1800s Silver and Paste crescent brooch by Knoll & Pregizer.
Silver
Large Victorian Silver Carnelian Arrow Brooch
Located in Middleton, WI
This bold antique Victorian silver and carnelian arrow brooch was handcrafted in Scotland, around 1880.
Carnelian, Silver
Victorian Silver Scottish Agate Large Brooch
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Stunning Victorian c.1880 high polished Scottish Bloodstone agate and Bloody Agate brooch in solid Silver.
Agate, Sterling Silver, Silver
Victorian Scottish Silver Agate Brooch, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous Victorian Scottish Silver brooch is Circa 1860. Scottish jewellery was made popular by Queen Victoria as it became a souvenir of her frequent trips to Scotland and her...
Agate, Silver
Unavailable
Victorian Silver and Gold Diamond Bow Brooch
Located in Glasgow, GB
A late Victorian diamond bow brooch set with 78 diamonds totaling approximately 1.40cts.
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Paste Stone Silver Brooch, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous Victorian Paste Stone brooch is set in Silver, Circa 1900.
Silver
Antique Victorian Butterfly Paste Brooch Silver, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This beautiful Antique Victorian brooch has been modelled to represent the shape of a butterfly in Silver and some Gold is still visible on the back from where it has previously been...
Silver
Antique Victorian Fox Horn Brooch Silver, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This beautiful brooch modelled in Silver features an elegant hunting horn and a fox’s head, which can be secured to clothing by a substantial and secure clasp on the back.
Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Paste Amethyst circa 1900 Brooch
Located in Lancaster , GB
This wonderful antique Silver, Amethyst brooch is Victorian Circa 1900 The lovely piece is decorated in eight deep purple Amethysts and white Paste Stones that sparkle like Diamonds...
Amethyst, Silver
Antique Victorian Amethyst Insect Brooch Silver, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This wonderful antique Amethyst bug brooch is from the Victorian era, Circa 1900. Insect jewellery is highly collectable and was a symbol of good luck to the wearer during the Victo...
Amethyst, Silver
Antique Victorian Agate Buckle Brooch Silver, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This beautiful Antique Victorian Scottish brooch has been modelled in Silver to form the shape of a belt and buckle.
Agate, Silver
Antique Victorian Floral Horseshoe Brooch Silver, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This Victorian Sterling Silver brooch is wonderful, Circa 1900.
Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Spider Brooch Citrine Silver Dated 1882
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A fascinating Antique Victorian Brooch in the shape of a Spider, made from Silver and adorned with two large Citrine Stones, one measuring 15ct and the other 1.50ct.
Citrine, Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Butterfly Paste Brooch, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
To read more please click continue reading below- This fabulous little antique Sterling Silver butterfly brooch is genuine Victorian Circa 1900.
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Scottish Brooch Silver Agate, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This beautiful antique Victorian Scottish brooch is adorned with fabulous plaid Agates, Circa 1860.
Agate, Silver
Victorian Silver Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Pearl Brooch
Located in Hove, GB
Vintage Victorian Sterling Silver Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Brooch.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby
Antique Suffragette Victorian Silver Paste Brooch, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
To read more please click continue reading below- This fabulous Sterling Silver Victorian Paste brooch is a genuine Suffragette piece, Circa 1900.
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Marianne brooch in gold and silver
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique Victorian Marianne brooch in 18 karat rose gold and silver.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Silver Crescent Moon Enamel Seed Pearl Brooch
Located in Hove, GB
Vintage Victorian Sterling Silver Enamel Seed Pearl Cresent Moon Brooch.
Pearl, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian Scottish Brooch Citrine Silver, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
To read more please click continue reading below- This beautiful antique Victorian Silver Scottish Citrine brooch is Circa 1860.
Agate, Carnelian, Citrine, Silver
Victorian Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Cockerel Brooch
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Silver, 18 Karat Gold, Ruby and Diamond Cockerel Brooch • 183 rose-cut diamonds approximately 1.50 carats • 7 fancy shape rubies approximately 0.50 carat • Measuring 1 3/4 by...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Rock Crystal Brooch Silver, circa 1880
Located in Kendal, GB
A magnificent Antique Victorian brooch fashioned in Silver and set with large, clear Rock Crystals which have been cut with many triangular facets which glisten beautifully when they...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Silver
Victorian French Paste Brooch Pendant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An absolutely stunning piece of Victorian craftsmanship, this brooch is made from fantastic French paste stones (meant to imitate the raw sparkle of diamonds) set in an intricate rho...
Other, Silver
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Silver Gold Star Brooch
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
Silver and yellow gold diamond pin brooch with old cut diamonds in a grain setting. Principle diamond colour has been classified as est. H/I with the diamond clarity being est. VS &a...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
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.
Vintage brooches, which refer to decorative jewelry traditionally pinned to garments and used to fasten pieces of clothing together where needed, have seen increasing popularity in recent years.
While jewelry trends come and go, brooches are indeed back on the radar thanks to fashion houses like Gucci, Versace, Dior and Saint Laurent, all of which feature fun pinnable designs in their current collections. Whether a dazzlingly naturalistic Art Nouveau dragonfly, a whimsical David Webb animal, a gem-studded bloom or a streamlined abstract design, these jewels add color and sparkle to your look and a spring to your step.
Given their long history, brooches have expectedly taken on a variety of different shapes and forms over time, with jewelers turning to assorted methods of ornamentation for these accessories, including enameling and the integration of pearls and gemstones. Cameo brooches that originated during the Victorian age are characterized by a shell carved in raised relief that feature portraits of a woman’s profile, while 19th-century micromosaic brooches, comprising innumerable individually placed glass fragments, sometimes feature miniature depictions of a pastoral scene in daily Roman life.
At one time, brooches were symbols of wealth, made primarily from the finest metals and showcasing exquisite precious gemstones. Today, these jewels are inclusive and universal, and you don’t have to travel very far to find an admirer of brooches. They can be richly geometric in form, such as the ornate diamond pins dating from the Art Deco era, or designer-specific, such as the celebrated naturalistic works created by Tiffany & Co., the milk glass and gold confections crafted by Trifari or handmade vintage Chanel brooches of silk or laminated sheer fabric. Chanel, of course, has never abandoned this style, producing gorgeously baroque CC examples since the 1980s.
Brooches are versatile and adaptable. These decorative accessories can be worn in your hair, on hats, scarves and on the lower point of V-neck clothing. Pin a dazzling brooch to the lapel of your blazer-and-tee combo or add a cluster of smaller pins to your overcoat. And while brooches have their place in “mourning jewelry,” in that a mourning brooch is representative of your connection to a lost loved one, they’re widely seen as romantic and symbolic of love, so much so that a hardcore brooch enthusiast might advocate for brooches to be worn over the heart.
Today, find a wide variety of antique and vintage brooches for sale on 1stDibs, including gold brooches, sapphire brooches and more.