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.
Classic Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.50cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$1,285Sale Price|20% Off
Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver broad Bracelet Diamond Bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 12.40cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white ...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Classic Natural uncut rose cut Diamond sterling silver hinged bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.30cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver zig zag diamond Bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.60cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Classic Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver broad bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 14.50cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white ...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage look Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver square bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Step back in time to the opulence of the Victorian era with our exquisite square bracelet, a timeless masterpiece adorned with natural uncut and rose cut diamonds set in sterling sil...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$5,599Sale Price|20% Off
Early Victorian 1.15 Carat Emerald, Crystal & Diamond in Silver & 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian bracelet featuring Diamond , emeralds & crystal in 18k solid gold & Silver. This piece is luxurious and craftsmanship can...
Crystal, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Bakelite Bracelet Carved Bangle Toffee and Custard Marble
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning yellow and brown marble Bakelite carved bracelet bangle. It features a chunky domed shape with deep floral carving all around. The color is an intense yellow-beige...
14kt Yellow Gold Woven Bracelet w Hidden Concord Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Stylish statement jewelry in bold 14 karat yellow gold, this elegant Bracelet Watch accessorizes with functional luxury for all occasions. Integrated into this smart looking gold bra...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT YG Diamond 1.34Ct. Hand Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow gold bracelet is a perfect example of Carrera's iconic designs. The bracelet features two very detailed hands in the sandblasted yellow gold finish, which is a beautiful contrast to the high polish of the bangle. The delicately scalloped wrist cuffs are of 18 kt white gold and are set with round brilliant pave diamonds. Total diamond weight is 0.21 carats. Each hand is holding a pear shaped diamond totaling 1.13 carats. The bracelet has a hidden clasp on its side with an extra figure 8 safety clasp. The inside of the bracelet is stamped with the CYC logo and 750. Serial # 107879 This bracelet is part of Carrera's original "Los Manos...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 14K Yellow Gold Bubble Link Bracelet
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Bold in gold with unique retro appeal, the distinctive bubble links give this sure-to-be-noticed 14 karat yellow gold bracelet plenty of panache. Brightly polished oblong contoured l...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$25,740
W 0.6 in L 7 in
Retro Original Tiffany & Company Yellow Gold and Turquoise Bracelet Circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent Turquoise and 18k Yellow Gold TIFFANY&CO bracelet, Circa 1960's. The weight is 87 grams, the length is 7 inches, width is little over 1/2 inch (15mm). No original pa...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.20 Carat Cubic Zirconia 14Kt Yellow Gold Fancy Art Deco Filigree Swirl Bangle
Located in London, GB
An intricate and dazzling design. Wear this striking piece to add impact and glamour to that special celebration. Featuring 8.20ct of the highest quality round brilliant cut cubic ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
Retro Gold Bangle Bracelet with Rubies
Located in Darnestown, MD
Understated and elegant Retro bracelet in 14 karat rose gold. Undulating links truly have the effect of folded ribbon with rubies on the underside as well as the front. Measures 7 1/...
14k Gold
1990s Vintage Gilded Bronze and Blue Agate Italian Chain Bracelet by Anomis
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A never worn bronze bracelet with an oval blue agate cabochon and an heart clousure designed and manufactured in Italy by Anomis. Anomis was an italian sma...
Agate, Bronze
Fendi Italy Cognac Calf Leather Bangle Bracelet with Brass Studs
By Fendi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fendi, Italy, designed this stunning leather bangle bracelet. This striking fashion accessory combines the luxurious allure of cognac leather with the mysterious accents of gilded br...
Brass
14 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Motif Bracelet 10.2 Grams Made In Italy
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold bracelet featuring a snake motif design weighing 10.2 grams. Made in Italy
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bottega Veneta Magenta Acrylic and Silvered Metal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This gorgeous, original Bottega Veneta Italy clamper bangle bracelet boasts a chunky square shape with transparent magenta red acrylic resin or Lucite, complemented by an important s...
1940s Retro Ruby and Diamond Watch, Bracelet and Brooch Clip
Located in Wailea, HI
1940's Retro Ruby and Diamond Watch, Bracelet and Brooch Clip A Truly Remarkable Piece of Jewelry The Watch Detaches As A Stand Alone Brooch Clip Three Carve Rubies Weighing .75 Cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Classic Natural uncut rose cut Diamond sterling silver hinged bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.30cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Classic Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.50cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Natural uncut rose cut Diamonds sterling silver zig zag diamond Bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
This vintage style diamond silver and yellow gold plating hinged bangle consists of: Diamond- 7.60cts Diamond type: Rose cut diamonds and uncut polki diamond Diamond color: white a...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Vintage Sweet Romance USA cabochon antique style bracelet, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Sweet Romance USA antique style link bracelet embedded with colored glass cabochons and beads. Period: 1980s Signed. Diameter: 7cm Width: 3cm Con...
Diamond Platinum Feather Bracelet With Two Large Pear Shaped Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A true one of a kind bracelet hand made in platinum. This bracelet features marquise shape diamonds, round diamonds, pear shape diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, and baguette diamonds ...
Diamond, Platinum