Also called Romantic period jewelry, antique early Victorian jewelry and watches were a celebration of the young monarch’s love.
When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. While this may seem a bit simple for our contemporary tastes, the serpent symbolizes eternity, and has become a popular motif in jewelry. The tail in the serpent’s mouth forms an unbroken circle. This dewy-eyed happiness trickled down to the masses and men and women favored jewelry that was sentimental and full of symbolism. Today, antique Victorian jewelry is very coveted and highly collectible.
Romantic period jewelry tends to be feminine and ornate. Flowers, hearts, birds, and bows were just some of the common decorative motifs. These pieces were embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise. It was common to express your devotion with jewelry — REGARD and DEAREST rings were particularly popular. These rings were set with stones that corresponded to each letter: Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond.
Most often, the design of the ring was simple, with the stones going across the shank of the ring in a line, but it was not uncommon to see a REGARD ring in a flower formation, with each stone set in the petal of the flower.
Another common early Victorian ring style was two hands clasping a flower or stone. They came in many styles and were made of coral and ivory but also of gold with precious and semiprecious gemstones. These rings, while not exclusively Victorian, are often associated with the time period and symbolized friendship. Lockets enclosed with hair, cameos depicting cupid or a loved one’s face and enamel pieces were also popular.
The early Victorian period corresponded with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Jewelry, no longer made only by hand, became more affordable during the 19th century. The growing middle class also helped increase the demand for it. This was reflected in how women styled their jewelry; they were not afraid to adorn themselves from head to toe with stacking and layering in between. Considering the time period (this was before the California Gold Rush), a lot of pieces in the Romantic period were made using low-karat gold or were gold-plated. Fine gold wire was also employed frequently to add to the design. This is a nice trick to know when determining the date of Victorian jewelry.
Find a range of antique Romantic period brooches, necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Victorian Enamel, Diamond and Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A Victorian enamel, diamond and gold bangle, formed of five plaques, with blue guilloche enamel centres, with scrolling white enamel decoration. The centre plaque is set with six ros...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Bangle
Located in London, GB
A Victorian sapphire and diamond carved half hoop bangle, the nine oval-cut faceted sapphires weighing approximately 6.8 carats alternatively set with ten vertical rows of two round old brilliant-cut diamonds in-between weighing an estimated total of 2.20 carats, all claw-set to a hand carved scrolled gold mount and carved shoulders, to a hinged yellow gold bangle...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Unique Biedermeier-style gold bracelet with garnet, pearls, and enamel.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A unique Biedermeier-style gold bracelet with garnet, pearls, and enamel. This exceptional bracelet is crafted from 14-karat yellow gold (0.585 fineness). This antique bracelet is a...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Rosecut Diamond Bangle Made In 14k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Gold & Silver Bangle with Rosecut Diamonds is a very charming piece from our collection. It has small rosecut diamond motifs all around which make it an evergreen piece for you ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
$6,500
H 2.14 in W 2.4 in
Victorian Coral Garnet Pearl Bangle Buckle Bracelet 14K Gold Etruscan Revival
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular Victorian Bangle Bracelet in 14 Karat Gold in a Buckle motif with a stunning central Salmon Coral cabochon with Seed Pearl and Bohemian Garnet accents. The Coral is a perfect pink salmon color. It is an oval cabochon of 17mm tall and 12mm wide and is surrounded by a halo of gorgeous pearls. The bracelet is further set with beautiful Bohemian Red Garnet Cabochons in collet settings on either side of the Coral. These raised collet set garnets are so special. The buckle portion of the bangle is adorned with a row of Seed Pearls with three additional Garnet cabochons. The bracelet opens to fit over the wrist and has a safety chain. This is one of the finest gem set antique Victorian...
Garnet, Coral, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire and Oxidized Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
Located in Nantucket, MA
A hinged cuff bracelet in oxidized sterling silver with pave`-set, round brilliant cut sapphires at the top. Insider circumference is 6.25" ...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
Victorian 0.50ct Diamond and Sapphire Bangle, c1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s this stunning bangle features an alternating display of old cut diamonds and sapphires. Set in beautifully hand carved 15 carat rose gold, five diamonds totalling...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold
18K Gold and Emerald Bangle Bracelet, India
Located in Nantucket, MA
18K Gold bangle bracelet with faceted, round emeralds all around. Intricate wire work by highly skilled and talented Indian goldsmiths. Hinged for easy on and off. Clasp is a scre...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Victorian Engraved Enamel 14K Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Flushing, NY
Victorian Engraved Enamel 14K Gold Bangle Bracelet Hand fabricated in 14K gold, thia Victorian hinged bangle is embellished with a hand-engraved tex...
Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Gucci Vintage Gold and Enamel Classic Buckle Bracelet
By Gucci
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Gucci Italy 18k Yellow Gold Bracelet with Gucci iconic Buckle clasp, measuring 5/8 inch wide with a wrist measurement of 6 3/4 inches and is adjustable. Finished in the f...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold and Diamonds Bangle Bracelet
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a beautiful 14k yellow gold bangle bracelet with two rows of diamonds. This bracelet features a unique design with the two rows of diamonds being channel set and only on one side of the bracelet. This design helps protect the the diamonds by preventing scratches and also ensures the diamonds are always facing the correct direction. This makes an incredibly comfortable bracelet that also carries a worry free wear. This bracelet features a secure clasp that has an audible, secure click when closing as well as a safety. The design and materials ensure this bracelet will remain in amazing condition. 14K Yellow Gold and Diamonds Bangle Bracelet...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
La Nouvelle 18 Karat Gold Bracelet with .59 Carat Diamonds and Burgundy Enamel
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat rose gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel
La Nouvelle Bague 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds and Green Enamel
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent 18 karat yellow gold bracelet is designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite enamel work, marrying the class...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Style Pink Sapphire and White Diamond Gold Bangle
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant bangle, it features 5 pink sapphires weighing 0.15 carat and 4 white round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.10 carat. The pink sapphires are of vivid colour, with excellent...
White Diamond, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 22k Gold...
Enamel Diamond Maharaja Floral Bangle Bracelet
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This Maharaja bracelet features unique hand painted miniature art set with 14K gold, sterling silver & 2.28 carats diamonds. This beautiful bangle is filled with intricate flora...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Enamel, 14k Gold
Sonia B. 1.54 Carat Galerie de Bijoux Diamond Gold Flex Bangle Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
Sonia B Galerie de Bijoux Diamond 14k yellow gold flex bangle bracelet. Set with 7 princess cut and 48 full and square cut accent diamonds. Fits up t...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Gold bangle bracelet with a grant and email, Sweden, 1849
Located in Chorzów, PL
18-karat gold Biedermeier bracelet with garnet (pyrope) and enamel, Sweden, 1849 Origin: Sweden, ca. 1849. Hallmarks preserved Bracelet made of 18-karat gold in the style character...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
A Victorian Bristol Blue Enamelled Serpent Bangle
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Bristol blue enamelled serpent bangle with diamond-set head, nose and brows and cabochon ruby eyes, the tapered body hinged in four places, ...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold
W 1 in Dm 2.25 in L 7 in
Victorian 21 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Seed Pearl Bangle Bracelet Brooch Set
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gorgeous Victorian set fashioned in 21 karat yellow gold. The set features a diamond and seed pearl bangle bracelet and matching brooch. The two Old ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
W 1.18 in Dm 2.23 in
Flower Patterned Gold 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in New York, NY
This pretty Flower Patterned Gold 18K Yellow Gold Bangle with Diamonds and Emeralds is perfect for the summer parties. This bangle...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-19th Century Pavé Emerald and Pink Sapphire Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An antique hinged bangle bracelet of tapered design, pavé set all around with emeralds and centering on a pink sapphire, in silver and gold. Dimensions: 6.25 inches inner circumfer...
Emerald, Pink Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Early Victorian Cabochon Rubelite Tourmaline Rose Cut Diamond Bracelet
Located in Birmingham, AL
This early Victorian bracelet centers a cabochon cut rubelite tourmaline which measures 10.75 x 8.55 mm. It is accented by a halo of 21 old rose cut diamonds and a design made up of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver