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 28.00 Ct Garnet Rare French Origin 18 KT Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
Extra Ordinary An outstanding antique French origin bracelet, with mourning locket, 19th century Rare example as hardly seen, superbly hand made with eye catching cushion shaped link...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Early Victorian Diamond 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
Early Victorian Foiled Gemstone Padlock
Located in Riverdale, NY
Early Victorian Foiled Gemstone Padlock in 14k gold. Flat cut citrine or topaz set in foil back setting. Heavy gold setting with working padlock for use as clasp. 1" x .75" wide. Ear...
Citrine, Topaz, 14k Gold
Butterfly bracelet 18KT diamond bracelet 7"-8"
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18KT yellow gold diamond bracelet with butterflies, excellent craftsmanship with 0.60 carats of diamonds Si clarity and G color! Certificate of authenticity comes with purchase! Brac...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Bohemian Garnet Person Charm
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This delightful Victorian-era charm (circa 1870–1890) depicts a whimsical figure composed of deep red Bohemian garnets. Designed with articulated legs that dangle freely, the piece h...
Garnet
Vintage Heart Shape Multi-Color Gemstone Bracelet 14k Gold Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Heart Shape Multi-Color Gemstone Bracelet 14k Gold. The bracelet measures 6mm in width and is 7 inches long. The bracelet weight 6.3 grams ...
14k Gold
Diamond Padlock Enamel Charm Pendant, 14k Yellow Gold, White Enamel
Located in Austin, TX
This Charm is perfect for a bracelet, a necklace, or even to add as decoration to your key ring! The padlock design has spoken of unbroken and unending love for decades. The details ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Chanel Charm Bracelet with Leather, 1993
By Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chanel - (Made in France) Golden metal charm bracelet with leather. 1993 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld. ...
Mid-century 1970 Italian 18kt Gold Etruscan Revival Charm Bracelet
Located in Aventura, FL
This vintage 18kt yellow gold bracelet, crafted in the 1970s, is a stunning example of timeless elegance and Italian craftsmanship. Its design features a combination of smooth and te...
Citrine, Garnet, Quartz, Topaz, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18 Carat Yellow Gold Heart Padlock Gate Bracelet, 1913
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1913, this Edwardian gate bracelet, is meticulously handcrafted from 18 carat yellow gold and fastens with a lovely heart-sh...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet with Dangling Ruby Diamond Charm
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Chain Bracelet with Dangling Ruby Diamond Charm in 18K gold showcases 2.88 carats of endlessly sparkling natural ruby and 0.04 carats of diamond. It measures 7.5 inches long in ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 9k Heart Padlock Curb Link Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful link bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 9k rose gold, this substantial piece is comprised of large interlocking curb-style links. The surface of the li...
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$40,000Sale Price|25% Off
Cartier Charm Bracelet in 18 Karat White Gold With 8 Charms
By Cartier
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Cartier Charm Bracelet, a stunning piece of jewelry that is sure to capture your heart. Crafted from 18kt white gold, this exquisite bracelet features eight dazzling charms that are set with shimmering diamonds, adding a touch of elegance and glamour to your look. Each charm is delicately designed to showcase a unique element of Cartier's iconic style, including the iconic Love Bracelet charm, the classic Panthère de Cartier and the Ying Yang charms...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt yellow Gold Enamel Charm Bracelet
Located in Aventura, FL
This stunning 18kt yellow gold enamel charm bracelet measures 7.0 inches in length and is a delightful blend of elegance and playful charm. The brac...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Gold Disk with Sapphire Charms Bracelet
Located in Missoula, MT
A play on one of our most popular necklaces, the mini disk necklace, made into a charm bracelet. -14k yellow gold -5 mini solid gold disks -5, 2.2mm red, pi...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold