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.
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage style Natural rose cut Diamonds 14k Gold serpent snake bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This snake gold bracelet is a versatile and captivating accessory that can add a touch of elegance, mystery, and individuality to your style. This diamond gold bracelet consists of: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage style Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver elephant bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond elephant oxidized silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 10.50cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diam...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Italian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Paperclip Link Bracelet 5.4 Grams 7.25 Inches
Located in New York, NY
Made in Italy, this 14k yellow gold paperclip bracelet features 10 links weighing 5.4 grams. Perfect for stacking Link measurements: 0.75" x 0.30" Comes in white & rose gold. ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red and White Enamel Ladybug Bracelet in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Bracelet Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ladybug Count: 14 Bracelet Length: ~7 inches Bracelet Width: ~ 7.9 mm Total Weight: 5 Grams Condition: Vintage, Excellent Stamp...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage silver horn lucky charms bracelet
Located in Capri, IT
Vintage silver horn charms bracelet
Silver
Evil Eye Diamond Bracelet in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Length: 7” 18k Yellow Gold Diamonds: 2.85ct. Retail: $9900
$1,463Sale Price / item|24% Off
14K Yellow Gold 0.16CT Diamond PAPER CLIP Link Bracelet
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: main stone:ROUND DIAMONDS diamonds:1 PC carat total weight:approximately 0.16 CT color:f clarity:SI brand:CUSTOM MADE metal:14K YELLOW gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
11.46ctw Ombre Montana Sapphire Bracelet 14K Gold 7" R2118
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 11.46ctw Ombre Montana Sapphire Bracelet 14K Gold 7" R2118 ♥ The bracelet is 7" long ♥ Material: 14K White gold ♥ Gemstone: Montana sapphires, 11.36ct total ♥ All gemstones used...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Dubini Roma Ancient Coin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Calfskin Braided Bracelet
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI coin bracelet from the 'Empires' collection features an authentic silver denarius coin minted circa 114-113 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold with braided calfskin bracelet. D...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Dubini Lion Ancient Coin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Calfskin Braided Bracelet
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI coin bracelet from the 'Empires' collection features an authentic silver didrachm coin minted circa 300-280 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold with braided calfskin bracelet. D...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Steven Battelle 20.2 Carats Rose Cut Kyanite 18k Gold Bracelet
Located in Soquel, CA
Ten brilliant blue rose cut kyanites from 7 x 9 mm to 8 x 12 mm in size are set in simple matte-finish 18 bezels with surrounding double bezels in this lively juxtaposition of blue a...
Kyanite, 18k Gold
Dubini Medusa Ancient Coin 18 Karat Yellow Gold Calfskin Braided Bracelet
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI coin bracelet from the 'Empires' collection features an authentic silver denarius coin minted circa 47 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold with braided calfskin bracelet. DEPICTED ON THE COIN Obverse: Facing head of Medusa with disheveled hair; serpents on either side; L•PLA[VTIVS] below. Reverse: Aurora, flying right, head facing slightly left, holding reins in each hand and conducting four rearing horses of the Sun; PLANCVS below. HISTORY The striking head of Medusa, the legendary Gorgon, is framed by exquisitely detailed curls and serpents. This captivating depiction captures Medusa's mythic power as an apotropaic symbol, believed to repel other evils with her petrifying gaze. Once a beautiful mortal, Medusa incurred Athena's wrath when Poseidon violated her in the goddess's temple. In retribution, Athena transformed Medusa into a snake-haired killer with menacing teeth and brass claws. This act is interpreted as either a severe punishment or a means of protecting Medusa from further violation. Beheaded by the legendary hero Perseus, Medusa’s severed head retained its formidable power to turn anyone who gazed upon it into stone. In a twist of fate, this head became a divine talisman, gifted to Athena and embedded on her aegis. Its presence shielded Athena in countless battles, and even the mighty Zeus adorned his breastplate with the Gorgoneion for added protection. The reverse displays either Aurora, the goddess of dawn, flying forward and leading the four horses of the sun, or Victory, the Roman equivalent of the Greek Nike...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$5,535
W 2.04 in D 0.1 in L 2.46 in
Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat Brushed Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat brushed rose gold bangle bracelet with 9 white diamonds, weighing 0.14 carats in total. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Classic Model Bracelet Size 17 4 Diamond 18K Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301869 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2013 RRP £11,400 Incl. Taxes / €13,100 Incl. Taxes / $13,100 Excl. Taxes Model B6036017 Serial Number XS**** Size 17 Metal 18k Ro...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold