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.
Antique Red Coral 14 Karat Gold Beaded Bracelet
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique 1900's natural red coral and 14 karat gold three-strand beaded bracelet. The coral beads of this bracelet are round-shaped and set with a beautiful round-shaped clasp crea...
Coral, 14k Gold, Gold
Victorian coral cameo bracelet in 18k gold, French Victorian facetted coral bead
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian coral cameo bracelet in 18 karat gold. Bracelet composed of 6 rows of faceted coral beads. The clasp is a ratchet box, decorated with an oval cameo depicting an antique wom...
Coral, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Beaded Stretch Bracelet Beads
Located in Great neck, NY
Stackable Design: This elegant piece of jewelry will fit perfectly with your favorite outfits; wear it alone or combine it with other bracelets, this bracelet will be the foundational cornerstone of your collection. Timeless and unique bracelet: For the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this bracelet is delicate and chic on her wrist, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our bracelet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! Add this classic 18k Gold Bead Bracelet...
Yellow Gold
Chunky 14 Karat Yellow Gold Rope and Cultured Pearl Twist Bracelet
Located in Troy, MI
What is more classic than this estate 14 karat rope chain and cultured pearl twist bracelet? They go together perfectly with the nautical rope and ...
Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Beaded Bracelet with Peach Moonstone, Gold and Bakelite
Located in Vannes, FR
Beaded Bracelet with Peach Moonstone, Gold and Bakelite. French Collection by Mesure et Art du Temps. French beaded bracelet accompanied by a peach moonstone, which measures 1cm. Th...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Rose Gold Beaded Stretch Bracelet Beads
Located in Great neck, NY
Stackable Design: This elegant piece of jewelry will fit perfectly with your favorite outfits; wear it alone or combine it with other bracelets, this bracelet will be the foundational cornerstone of your collection. Timeless and unique bracelet: For the modern woman who lets her personal style shine through, this bracelet is delicate and chic on her wrist, they are the perfect accessory as they are suitable for any occasion! Gift Box included: If you are looking to gift your spouse, girlfriend, kid, or mother on a special occasion like Christmas, birthday, engagement or anniversary then look no further! Ease Of Mind and With Full Confidence: Your satisfaction is our only priority so in the improbable case that you are not 100% thrilled with our bracelet, we will offer you a full refund, No questions asked! Add this classic 18k Gold Bead Bracelet...
Rose Gold
14 Karat Gold and Red Coral Three - Strand Beaded Bracelet Early 20th C
Located in Arnhem, NL
An antique bracelet made of natural red coral beads with 14 karat golden clasp. The bracelet features three strands of round - shaped beads. The diameter of the beads is ca. 5 mm and the color is red. The clasp features a rectangular shape with two natural round red coral cabochon coral stones and a rope motif decoration. The clasp is stamped with 585 that stands for the 14 karat gold content. The bracelet is subtle yet eye catching and it suitable for daily or evening occasions. The condition is really good and there are no flaws to be mentioned. The red coral jewelry...
Coral, Gold
14 Karat Gold and Vintage Turquoise Beaded Bracelet
Located in London, GB
This women's bracelet features antique turquoise-coloured Venetian glass trade beads, accented with one inch of solid cast 14-carat yellow gold beads. Strung on strong, stretchy ela...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$440Sale Price|20% Off
W 1 in L 7 in
Marina J. Woven Pearl Bracelet with 14 Karat Yellow Gold-Plated Clasp
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful, classic and timeless bracelet has elegant pearl weave. At a 1 inch wide the different size pearls (5mm to 2mm) create a checkered design with the sterling silver yell...
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold
Faceted Jasper Beads & Tahitian Pearl Men's Bracelet
Located in Boostedt, SH
Introducing a luxurious men’s bracelet featuring faceted 8mm jasper beads in beautiful natural tones, interspersed with 8-10mm gray Tahitian pearls. Stru...
Pearl, Jasper
14 Karat Gold and Red Coral Three - Strand Beaded Bracelet Early 20th C
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage bracelet made of natural red coral beads with 14 karat golden clasp. The bracelet features three strands of barrel - shaped beads. The beads differ in the length from 3 mm ...
Coral, Gold
$1,695 / set
L 23.5 in
Salmon Coral Necklace and Bracelet 14 Karat Gold Three Strand Hand Carved Beads
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique salmon colored Coral and 14 Karat Gold three strand Torsade Necklace and Bracelet with beautiful hand carved Coral beads of g...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Turquoise Bead Bracelet
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 18K Gold Turquoise Bead Bracelet An 18k Gold Turquoise Bead Bracelet featuring Turquoise Cabochons measuring approximately 2.2 - 4.5 mm (Diameter). Approximate Dimensions: 1...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,015Sale Price|30% Off
L 6.75 in
Marina J. Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Bracelet with Antique 14k White Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous One of A Kind piece by Marina J. This bracelet features a lovely Antique solid 14k White Gold Diamond encrusted Watch, that has been r...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Four Strand Turquoise and Gold Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This bracelet features a center oval turquoise clasp set in 14 carat yellow gold with a surround of 14 round turquoise beads . The bracelet consists also of 4 strands of finely match...
Turquoise, 14k Gold