Also called Aesthetic period jewelry, historians have determined that antique late Victorian jewelry and watches are representative of an era that lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque.
Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her emotions were reflected in her fashion and in what we now call Victorian jewelry. By about 1880, Queen Victoria and her constituents were ready to look to the future. The dark skies were parting and fashion was changing. There was also a major shift in industry.
While in the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign the focus was on manufacturing, toward the later years there was a renewed interest and appreciation of the handmade. The late Victorian period (1880–1901) was referred to as the Aesthetic period and coincided with these changing tastes.
The Aesthetic Movement, concerned with “art for art’s sake,” began in Britain around the 1870s and became recognized by designers and artists worldwide, eventually resulting in the Arts and Crafts movement (1880s–1920s).
Stylistically, jewelry of this time period did not resemble its earlier Victorian counterparts, in fact it was in complete opposition to what preceded it. Gone were the mourning jewelry, heavy brooches and large necklaces. Late Victorian-era jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty. Women still layered pieces, though, and favored smaller scatter pins. Jewelry also became an evening accessory and not so visible during the day.
Women were starting to actively participate in sporting events (socially, of course, not professionally), so athletic motifs showed up on their accessories. Lockets and heart pendants remained popular, but the REGARD or DEAREST rings of the early Victorian period were replaced by Mizpah pieces, which means “the Lord watches over me” in Hebrew. These items were exchanged between two people to symbolize a close bond.
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 Aesthetics movement felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
The Brits still looked to their monarchs to dictate the latest trends. Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law Alexandra famously wore a dog-collar necklace, also known as a collier de chien, made up of multiple strands of pearls, to hide a scar. This style of necklace quickly rose to prominence. Toward the end of the 19th century, solitaire rings were also becoming fashionable thanks to Tiffany & Co.’s advent of the six-prong diamond setting in 1886. Platinum was starting to be used in jewelry production as well. Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings.
Women were the biggest influences on jewelry. They joined the workforce, fought for their independence and overall began to lead a much more active lifestyle. Jewelry had to become comfortable and serve multiple purposes. While in the United States, the Gibson Girls lifestyle was emulated by young women, and starlets became trendsetters.
Finally, the international expositions made the world seem like a much smaller place and jewelry from North Africa and India captured people’s attention, appealing to those who already favored Revival jewelry from the Etruscans to the Romans.
Find antique late Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian Bohemian Garnet Silver Bangle Bracelet
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Amazing Victorian Bohemian garnet bracelet encrusted in lovely deep red garnets. Nice round sparkly bangle bracelet with a lovely red...
Garnet, Silver
Antique C.1898 Sapphire and Pearl Bangle Bracelet in 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique C.1898 Sapphire and Pearl Bangle Bracelet in 9ct Yellow Gold delightful sapphire and pearl bangle, so sweet! The item co...
Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
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 pearls on the top with hinged opening. 3/8" wide. 1880's USA.
Gold-filled
Antique Bohemian Gold Filled Garnet Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Antique Bohemian gold-filled bangle bracelet. Prong set with garnets in a flower pattern to the top and around the circumference of the bra...
Garnet, Gold-filled
Victorian Tri Color Gold Filled Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Tri Color Gold Filled Bangle. Late 19th Century with tri colored gold applications on Etruscan work base. Very good condition. 5/8" wide, Interior diameter 2.2" x 2". Sma...
Gold Plate, Gold-filled
Antique Silver Etruscan Revival Astrological Zodiac Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Antique Silver Etruscan Revival Astrological Zodiac Bangle Solid, Heavy and an amazing statement bangle. Rare 81.45 grams W: 66.75 H: 55.87 Depth:26.23 fits up to a 7.5 inch wrist.
Silver
Victorian Gilt Hand Motif Cuff
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Victorian Gilt Hand Motif Cuff from the late 19th Century. A filigree motif is set on top of an adjustable cuff with hand and garnet ring motif . A piece of black velvet is p...
Garnet, Gilt Metal
Victorian Era Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Bangle Bracelet in 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Capture the timeless elegance of this vintage Victorian-era ruby, sapphire, and diamond bracelet, beautifully crafted in 14 karat rose gold. This exquisite piece showcases a harmonio...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Starburst Old-Mine Diamond Bangle in 18K Gold, Circa 1885
Located in Miami, FL
A timeless late-Victorian treasure crafted in rich 18K gold and set with five glowing old-mine cut diamonds in classic starburst settings. Each diamond measures approximately 4mm and...
Diamond, 18k Gold
An important Victorian diamond carved half-hoop bangle
Located in London, GB
An important Victorian diamond carved half-hoop bangle, the nine old European-cut diamonds graduating in size from the centre, weighing 24.04 carats in total, accompanied by GIA cert...
Diamond, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 5.58 Ct Opal Diamond Pearl 18 KT Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Opal Diamond Pearl 18 KT Bangle An impressive Victorian Period bangle boasting amazing workmanship , made of 18 Kt and silver for the Diamond setting Facing up with an el...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Bangle Turquoise Pearls
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
If the Victorian style makes your heart tremble, consider this Antique Victorian Bangle Bracelet in 14 K rose Gold featuring a natural Turquoise and seedpearls. The bangle secures wi...
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.10cttw Blue Sapphire 1.95cttw Diamond Old Mine Cut 15ct English C/1890
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An exceptional and important antique bracelet. Featuring approximately 3.10 carats of fine blue sapphire amongst alternating Old Mine cut diamonds measuring 1.95 carats in total. Thi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Double Heart Diamond and Pearl Bangle
Located in London, GB
A Victorian double heart diamond and natural pearl bangle, the centre with two hearts intertwined each set with a pearl surrounded by old-cut di...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$595 / set
Pair of Victorian Gold Filled Bangles
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Victorian Gold Filled Bangles from the late 19th Century. Designed as crossover motif with textured ball hilts each set with a ruby paste...
Gold-filled
Hungarian Silver Vermeil Enamel Chalcedony Seed Pearl Hinged Bangle
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent example of Austro-Hungarian craftsmanship, this rare antique silver vermeil bracelet from 1900s. The wide hinged bangle is adorned with exquisite hand-painted enamel in...
Chalcedony, Natural Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
21k Yellow Gold Ruby Floral Bangle, 6.75 inches - 22.5g
Located in Providence, RI
This exquisite 21k gold bangle showcases a romantic floral motif with vibrant pink stones and petite seed pearls. Designed in a classic bypass style, t...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold White Black Enamel Engraved Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A rare 18k yellow gold hollow form bangle bracelet with beautiful engraving and white and black enamel accents, circa 1880. This oval shaped bangle has a nice tubular width, with in...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Victorian Reproduction 14k Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Bangle
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage Victorian Reproduction 14K Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Bangle - The bracelet contains 7 round brilliant diamonds which are set in a fl...
Diamond, Onyx
Antique Victorian / Etruscan Revival Gold-Filled Bypass Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian gold-filled bracelet. In the Etruscan Revival style. With one lion's head terminal and one terminal with engraving and applied wire decoration & granulatio...
Gold-filled
$300 / item
H 0.12 in W 0.12 in L 6.89 in
.925 Sterling Silver 1/6 Carat Diamond Ball Bead Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Simple yet elegant, this bangle cuff bracelet is a great anytime look. Strands of sleek sterling silver come together to form round ball links. Loops of diamond accented bands alter...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver
Yianni Creations Amethyst White Diamond Fine Silver Palladium Bangle Bracelet
Located in Astoria, NY
This is Yianni Creations all handmade artisan bangle bracelet from Ammos Collection crafted from Fine Silver in Greece. This adjustable bracelet features 1.75 Carat oval cut Amethyst...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Palladium, Silver, Sterling Silver
$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
Vintage 1960's 14k Yellow Gold Bamboo Bypass Style Bangle Bracelet
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1960's 14K Yellow Gold Bamboo Bypass Style Bangle Bracelet - There are 9 single cut diamonds set in each bamboo link , one oval garnet bezel set...
White Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold
3.60 Carat Fancy Shape Diamond Bangle Bracelet 14KT Yellow Gold
Located in Rutherford, NJ
Rock tha party! There’s never a dull moment when you’ve got our Scarlet diamond BANGLE bracelet around. STACK THEM ON YOUR WRIST. Made with the precious marquise, pear, emerald, ova...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Charriol Heart to Heart Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet Size Small
By Charriol
Located in Southampton, PA
The Charriol “Heart to Heart” bracelet is crafted from sterling silver and weighs 24.2 grams, measuring 7” in length and 2.25” in diameter. This jewelr...
Sterling Silver
14K Gold Retro Leaf Bangle Bracelet with Florentine Finish
Located in Venice, CA
14K Gold Retro Leaf Bangle Bracelet This is a beautiful 14 karat gold leaf bangle from our signature line. The stunning Florentine surface leaf was taken...
Gold, 14k Gold
$1,975
W 0.31 in L 6.5 in
Antique Edwardian Bracelet Pearl Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Bangle Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian era bangle (circa 1900s to 1910s), crafted in 14k yellow gold. Old mine cut diamonds range in size from 0.03 to 0.10 carats. The total diamond wei...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet Blue Enamel Belle Epoque 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Museum Quality Antique Belle Epoque Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet with Royal Blue Enamel in 18 Karat Gold. The magnificent bracelet dates to the Belle Epoque - Victorian period of the 19th Century. Rose Cut and single cut Diamonds are set in a scroll and flower motif design of great beauty. The diamonds sit atop a royal blue enamel background. The combination of the spectacular diamond work and the vivid enamel is just wonderful. The diamonds are set in silver as was the custom of the period. The bracelet is 18 Karat Gold. The bracelet opens to fit over the wrist and has a safety chain. Diamond and Enamel period bracelets...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Vivid Diamonds 2.88 Carat Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Vivid Diamonds Bangle Bracelet crafted in white gold, featuring 262 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.88 carats total, F-G color, VS-SI clarity. This elegant bangle is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vivid Diamonds 2.87 Carat Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning Vivid Diamonds Bangle Bracelet crafted in rose gold, featuring 262 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.87 carats total, F-G color, VS-SI clarity. This elegant bangle is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold 2.5 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Bangle
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Composition: 14K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Twelve Natural Sapphires Carat Weight: Approximately 2 Carats Total Accent Stone: Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Etruscan Style Gold Bangle, Circa 1875
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold bangle, with three rows of undulating gold ribbons, forming a brick pattern, in the centre, flanked by beadwork borders and Etruscan style wirework, mounted in fire ...
15k Gold
Antique Yellow Gold and Ruby and Diamond Horseshoe Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Horseshoe Bangle; The horseshoe is 1860s and was assembled as a bangle in the 1960s ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Snake Bangle Bracelet with Diamonds and Sapphire Head in 14 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage Snake with Sapphires and Diamonds Bangle Bracelet in 14 Karat Gold This remarkable bangle bracelet from the 1950s is a true statement piece, blending elegance and bold desig...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Gold Filled Etched and Engraved Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Gold Filled Etched Bangle from the late 19th Century. Hollow construction with etched and engraved patterns around a central cartouche with initial (E or Y?). Nice p...
Gold-filled
FRIEDRICH DRAXLER 1880 Victorian Black Enameled Bangle In 14Kt Gold With Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian enameled bangle designed by Friedrich Draxler. Gorgeous late 19th century antique bangle bracelet, created in Vienna during the Austrian-Hungarian empire period, back in t...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Late Victorian 15K Gold Amethyst Bangle Bracelet, Circa 1910, UK
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Amethyst bangle bracelet is rare as we seldom find these bracelets surviving. This is beautiful as it alternates between large Amethyst and smaller ones throughout this bracele...
Amethyst, 15k Gold
China 1900 Qing Dynasty Clear Green jade Bangle Bracelet With A Carved Horse
Located in Miami, FL
Horse bracelet from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). An antique bangle, made in the turn of the 20th century, circa 1900, during the Imperial China period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). This delicate bracelet was carved from a single piece of translucent natural green jade with the figure of a horse's head on top. The inside part of the bangle is smooth carved. This piece exhibits very complicated realistic details and the work on the size is outstanding, the artist taken advantage of the various soft shades of the green jade to highlight the characters. Weight: 47.5 Grams (237.2 Carats) Size: Fit a wrist up to 7 Inches (18 Cm). Measures: The thickness is 11 mm (0.44 Inch). Horse During this period, the horse formed the backbone of the Chinese military...
Jade
14K Yellow Gold Snake Bracelet Turquoise
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Here we go another beautiful Snake Bracelet. This one is done in 14K yellow Gold and adorned with Gorgeous (persian) Turquoise beads on the head and a few scattered around the tail. ...
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Antique French Napoleon III 1891 Engraved 18k Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This coveted bracelet from late 19th Century France is an outstanding example of French Neoclassic design. Also known as Victorian or Napoleon III era, the bangle of 18k yellow gold...
Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Bracelet
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.3 grams. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 0.20 ct. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.25 ct. The diamond is has G-H-I-J color and vs-s1 clarity. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Carat Gold French Bangle
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold bangle with invisible lock opening with two hinges at the back with the decor of a fence with rosettes, kites and scrolls, France, end 1...
Gold, 18k Gold