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.
Antique Early Victorian Diamond Bangle Bracelet with Charm
Located in Stamford, CT
A blossom of old mine diamonds perches on your wrist as a Diamond heart reaches your hand. This romantic bangle was created c. 1840, and carries it’s original charm to us today, 179 ...
Diamond, 15k Gold
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
$12,551Sale Price|20% Off
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 to o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Polki Diamond bangle Bracelet Natural Diamond Victorian Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Polki Diamond Bracelet Natural Diamond Victorian Bracelet Bracelet Width : 2.40 Inc Weight : 8 to 14 gram approx depending on size customized Gemstone: Natural polki ...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
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
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...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, White G...
French Napoleon III Natural Pearl and Rose Gold Belt Bangle Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karats rose gold, rhinoceros head hallmark. Oval shaped, this beautiful antique bracelet is made of 2 flat gold ribbons which go through a loop on the top set with nat...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
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
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
$1,540Sale Price|30% Off
H 0.54 in W 2.52 in L 2.68 in
Antique Victorian Garnet Rose Cut Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Antique Victorian 10k gold bangle bracelet featuring a centrally set oval garnet cabochon in the center of a double row rose cut diamond frame accented. The 10k yellow gold bracelet...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 10k 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
Enamel Turquoise Floral Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
The pieces in Maharaja collection features unique hand painted miniature art set. This beautiful bangle is filled with intricate floral art in ivory & turquoise. Cast in 14K go...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, Enamel, 14k Gold
Antique Polki Diamond bangle Bracelet Natural Diamond Victorian Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Polki Diamond Bracelet Natural Diamond Victorian Bracelet Bracelet Width : 2.4 Inc Weight : 31 gram approx Gemstone: Diamond A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom ma...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
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
Early Victorian 1.25 Total Carat Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Snake Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely stunning and unique diamond snake bracelet from the Early Victorian (ca1814-1865) era! Crafted in 18kt yellow gold, this fantastic bangle portrays a snake whose body cu...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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 Turquoise Rose Cut Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous turquoise bracelet from the Victorian (ca1869) era! Crafted in 15kt yellow gold, this wonderful piece is a hinged bangle style bracelet with a wide, flat body. At the cent...
Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold
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
19th Century Indian Rare Repousse Mythological Bird Kada Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
A rare and magnificent Indian bracelet from the Early Victorian (ca1850) era! The bracelet is remarkably substantial, both in size and appearance. Handcrafted in 18kt yellow gold, it...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian French Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
A spectacular sapphire and diamond bracelet from the Victorian era (ca1880)! Made of vibrant 18kt yellow gold, the bracelet is a hinged bangle style with a stunning gemstone-encruste...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold