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.
Early 19th Century Tumbled Emerald Bead Bracelet.
Located in Riverdale, NY
Early 19th Century Tumbled Emerald Bead Bracelet likely of French origin. High relief repousse links spaced with emerald beads and one large central tumbled triangular emerald. Very ...
Emerald, 14k Gold
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
$808Sale Price|20% Off
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
Early Victorian 14K Gold Padlock Garnet Heart Clasp Rolo Link Bracelet
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the 1840’s, the centerpiece of this 14k gold bracelet is a heart shape padlock clasp with a garnet carbuncle. The oval cabochon has a high profile and blood red glow—the gold b...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN bracelet with pearl and rose cut diamond up to 2.00ct 18k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
VICTORIAN 18k yellow gold with silver bracelet set with pearls and rose diamonds up to 2.00ct – G/H – SI – 17.5 cm long – 28.9 grams Detailed description the length of the bracelet...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
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
Antique Victorian Gold and Pink Topaz Bracelet with Heart-Shaped Padlock Clasp
Located in New York, NY
An antique early Victorian topaz and gold belcher link padlock bracelet, the finely chased links decorated with a clover-leaf rinceau over a stippled background, completed by a heart...
Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
$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
Bracelet with turquoise 18k yellow gold 18 cm long 24.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold bracelet set with turquoise - 18 cm long Detailed description: The bracelet is approximately 18 cm long and 1.4 cm wide, and has a safety chain. Total bracelet wei...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique early 20th-century gold bracelet set with garnet stones
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique bracelet dating to the early 20th century, crafted in high-karat gold and set throughout with deep red garnet inserts. The bracelet is formed of articulated rectangular li...
Garnet, Gold, 22k Gold
Antique Pinchbeck Sardonyx Flower Bracelet
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Wonderful Antique Pinchbeck saradonyx carved flower bracelet Weight 14.9 g length 17.2cm width 5.8 mm The item comes without the box in the phot...
Pinchbeck
Victorian Enamel, Diamond and Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A Victorian enamel, diamond and gold bangle, formed of five plaques, with blue guilloche enamel centres, with scrolling white enamel decoration. The centre plaque is set with six ros...
Diamond, Gold
$880Sale Price|20% Off
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
Bracelet with blue enamel and rose cut diamonds 18k gold with silver 21.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold bracelet with silver decorations and decorated with blue enamel set with rose diamonds set on silver - inner size 5.9 cm x 4.9 cm detailed description: the inner si...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
$1,358Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$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
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Rare Lava Cameo Suite in 18k Gold, Early Victorian Design
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This extremely rare suite consists of a of a bracelet and earrings and a brooch all from the 19th century. It is a lava cameo suite. These pieces are in very high relief and it is ...
18k Gold
$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
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Bangle
Located in London, GB
A Victorian sapphire and diamond carved half hoop bangle, the nine oval-cut faceted sapphires weighing approximately 6.8 carats alternatively set with ten vertical rows of two round old brilliant-cut diamonds in-between weighing an estimated total of 2.20 carats, all claw-set to a hand carved scrolled gold mount and carved shoulders, to a hinged yellow gold bangle...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Victorian Blue Enamel, Diamond and Gold Expanding Bracelet, Circa 1850
Located in London, GB
A Victorian blue enamel diamond and gold expanding bracelet, of scroll links, with sets of three, graduating, old-cut diamonds, in rub over settings, onto dark blue, guilloche enamel...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Early Victorian Amethyst Bracelet
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian amethyst and diamond bracelet, composed of three flowerhead each set with old cut diamond at the centre and round faceted amethys...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Early Victorian 1.15 Carat Emerald, Crystal & Diamond in Silver & 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
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
Victorian Rose Gold Enamel Bangle with 0.48ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A Victorian-era rose gold bangle, dating from approximately 1837 to 1901, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and classic period artistry. The piece features intricate enamel work tha...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
1850 Biedermeier BRACELET GOLD ONE EMERALD TWO PEARLS AUSTRIA
Located in Vienna, AT
GOLDEN BIEDERMEIER (= EARLY VICTORIAN) BRACELET WITH ONE EMERALD AND TWO PEARLS. GOLD ( 14 ct 585) EMERALD & TWO PEARLS ARE ATTACHED TO MIDDLE ...
Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold
VICTORIAN bracelet with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
VICTORIAN 14k yellow gold and silver bracelet set with rose diamonds up to 0.50ct – G/H – SI – 18.5 cm long – 27.4 grams Detailed description the length of the bracelet is 18.5 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
19th-century Dutch bracelet decorated with rose-cut garnets.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A 19th-century Dutch bracelet crafted from 14-karat yellow gold (0.585 fineness). It consists of 14 rectangular elements and a clasp, each adorned with a square rose-cut garnet. The...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unique Biedermeier-style gold bracelet with garnet, pearls, and enamel.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A unique Biedermeier-style gold bracelet with garnet, pearls, and enamel. This exceptional bracelet is crafted from 14-karat yellow gold (0.585 fineness). This antique bracelet is a...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Rosecut Diamond Bangle Made In 14k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Gold & Silver Bangle with Rosecut Diamonds is a very charming piece from our collection. It has small rosecut diamond motifs all around which make it an evergreen piece for you ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold