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 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
$792Sale Price|20% Off
Certified natural uncut rose cut Diamonds oxidized sterling silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Step into a world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Victorian-inspired diamond bracelet. This stunning hinged bangle is a true masterpiece, meticulously crafted to evoke the g...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$2,620Sale Price|20% Off
Sapphire Bangle Pink and Blue Royal Blue and Ruby-ish Pink with Pearls
Located in Northampton, MA
This Victorian pink & blue sapphire bangle with pearls was created in the late 1800s to early 1900s. It features 5 natural heated royal blue sapphires...
Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$848Sale Price|20% Off
Certified natural uncut rose cut Diamonds oxidized sterling silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Step into a world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Victorian-inspired diamond bracelet. This stunning hinged bangle is a true masterpiece, meticulously crafted to evoke the g...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
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
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
Victorian 8 Cttw. Pink Sapphire, Pearl and Diamond Retro Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Victorian 8 Cttw. Pink Sapphire, Pearl, and Diamond Retro Bracelet, a timeless piece that exudes elegance and sophistication. Crafted with meticulous atten...
Diamond, Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rhodium, 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
Etched Gold Vermeil Hardware with Multi-Size Emerald-Green Inlay Accent Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed costume etched vermeil gold hardware bracelet, has multi-sized emerald-green accented with iridescent inlay scatt...
Victorian Bangle Bracelet Flower Motif Heavy Three Dimensional Gold Filled Rare
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A WONDERFUL ANTIQUE VICTORIAN - ART NOUVEAU BANGLE BRACELET IN A STUNNING HEAVY REPOUSSE THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN WITH A SHIELD, SCROLLS AND FLOWERS AND LEAVES OF EXQUISITE B...
Gold-filled
$6,590Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.58 in D 0.4 in L 8.27 in
Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, Cu...
$45,000
H 0.75 in W 2.38 in D 0.25 in Dm 2.88 in L 8.5 in
Bulgari Ruby Sapphire and Pearl Flexible Gold Cuff Bracelet Bangle
By Bulgari
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and classic flexible 18K yellow gold cuff bangle set with pearls, sapphires and rubies by Bulgari, circa 1980's. The bracelet masterfully worked in 18k gold with flexible links and set with pearls, rubies and sapphires. The rubies and sapphires set in a floral motif around a central diamond. The bracelet consists of 14 Akoya cultured pearls, 8 natural blue sapphire cabochons, 8 natural ruby cabochons, and 4 bezel set round brilliant diamonds VS1...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Sapphire Gold Snake Bracelet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare Van Cleef & Arpels vintage gold bracelet with a snake design; features sapphires and diamonds. The bracelet is crafted as two stylized cobra snakes, with the heads staged side by side. The snake “bodies” are flexible and comprise connected movable sections. One of the “tails” features a diamond on the clasp. Each snake’s “head” is adorned with three graduated in size, vertically lined up, round cut diamonds. Above the diamonds there are five channel set sapphires. They are baguette cut and are graduated in size as well. This vintage VCA sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
Jean Louis Scherrer Paris Gilded Jeweled Bangle Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Jean Louis Scherrer Paris link bangle bracelet features a geometric shape in shiny metal, adorned with resin cabochons in transparent turquoise blue color. The security...
Certified natural uncut rose cut Diamonds oxidized sterling silver bracelet
Located in Delhi, DL
Step into a world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Victorian-inspired diamond bracelet. This stunning hinged bangle is a true masterpiece, meticulously crafted to evoke the g...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Antique Old Cut Diamond and Sapphire Silver Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Dating to the turn of the 20th century, this diamond and blue sapphire bracelet is simply divine. Finished in silver, this gorgeous bracelet features an estimated 3.90 carats of bea...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver
Antique Victorian Old European-Cut Diamond 14K Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Miami, FL
This Antique Victorian bangle bracelet is Crafted in solid 14K rose gold; this beauty is centered with (3)natural genuine old European-cut diamond weighing approx 1.00 carats in tot...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian Gold over Sterling Silver Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in McKinney, TX
This Victorian gold vermeil (gold over sterling silver) hinged bangle bracelet is a beautiful treasure from a bygone era. Textured striped d...
Silver