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 14k Yellow Gold Branch Brooch with Pearls & Rose Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold branch brooch with stone pearls and rose diamond up to 0.20 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.7 cm long and 2.6 cm wide Weight: 8...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brooch with ruby and rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold brooch set with ruby and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct – F/G – SI Detailed description The brooch measures 4.2 cm by 3.9 cm wide Weight: 12.5 grams Set with: - 4 x ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch, 26g, Circa 1880, Lady's Head
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold brooch with cameo - image of a lady's head Detailed description the brooch is 5.0 cm high and 3.8 cm wide total weight: 26.0 grams set with: - 3.2 cm x 2.5 cm x ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k Red Gold Brooch with Ruby and Diamond, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold brooch with ruby and rose and old mine cut diamond 1.00 ct Detailed description the brooch is 3.1 cm high and 2.8 cm wide total weight: 9.0 grams set with: - 1 x ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Brooch with pearl, ruby, sapphire and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k gold and silver brooch in the shape of a butterfly with pearl, sapphire, ruby, and rose diamonds total approx. 0.90ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18k yellow gold brooch with stone pearls – 2.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold brooch with stone pearls – 2.1 grams detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 2.6 cm long by 3.0 cm wide weight 2.1 grams set with - 6 x ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Voctorian brooch with enamel, cameo and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch decorated with black enamel, set with a cameo and rose diamonds up to 0.20 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.6 c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Victorian 14k Gold and Silver Brooch with Pearl and Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch set with pearl and rose cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.0 cm long and 2.8 cm wide Wei...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 14k Gold & Silver Branch Brooch with 2.00ct Diamonds, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver branch brooch with rose cut diamond up to 2.00 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 6.8 cm long and 3.4 cm wide Weight: 21....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN Brooch with pearl and rose cut diamonds 0.40ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver brooch set with pearls and rose diamonds. 0.40ct. - G/H - SI detailed description: dimensions of the brooch are 3.6 cm wide by 1.2 cm high weight 4.3 gr...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Brooch witrh ruby ond rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver brooch set with ruby and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.10 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 5.2 cm long and 1.3 cm wide Weight: 3.6 grams Se...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Massive 17 Ct Old-Cut Diamond Flower Brooch Headpiece Gold, 1890
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
17 Carats Old-Cut Diamond Floral Brooch in Original Box, circa 1890 An exceptional antique diamond brooch of remarkable scale and beauty, masterfully crafted in the late 19th centur...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
$470Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage style Rose cut Diamond Sterling silver ruby emerald Pearl Bee Brooch pin
Located in Delhi, DL
This Gorgeous Queen Bee Diamond Sapphire brooch is a unique handcrafted art. It brings back the memory of the Victorian era. It has been crafted in 925 sterling silver with 18K Gold ...
Diamond, Pearl, Sterling Silver
Early Victorian brooch with pearls and rose cut diamonds up to 0.05ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch set with pearls and rose diamonds up to 0.05ct - G/H - SI detailed description: The size of the brooch is 3.1 cm long by 2.4 cm wide weight: 5.4 grams Set ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch with rose diamonds up to 0.40ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 3.5 cm long by 1.7 cm wide weight 5.6 grams...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Carrera Y Carrera 18KT Yellow Gold .38Ct Diamond Scarab Brooch with .06Ct Rubies
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 yell...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Guilloche Ruby Enamel, Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lapel Watch
Located in New York, NY
This elegant antique lapel was realized in France, circa 1860. It features a circular pendant composed of 18kt yellow gold with crescent moon and star inlaid in starburst guilloche r...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early Victorian brooch with onyx and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver brooch set with onyx and rose diamonds up to 0.25ct – 41.5 grams detailed description the size of the brooch is 5.1 cm long by 4.4 cm wide weight 41.5 ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorianbrooch/ pendant with ruby and rose cut diamonds 18k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver brooch/pendant set with ruby and rose diamonds up to 1.00ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch/pendant are 6.7 cm ...
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Victorian Brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 14k gold 7.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch set with rose diamonds up to 0.25ct - G/H - SI detailed description: The size of the brooch is approximately 4.1 cm by 2.7 cm wide weight: 7.3 grams set wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian brooch with opal, pearl and rose cut diamonds up to 1.60ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold brooch decorated with black enamel and set with pearl, opal, and rose diamonds totaling 1.60ct Detailed description the dimensions of the brooch are 5.7 cm high and...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k gold and silver brooch set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 4.0 cm long by 2.6 cm wide weight...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Brooch with ruby, sapphire, emerald and single cut diamonds gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Gold and silver brooch with sapphire, ruby, emerald and single cut diamonds. 1.00 ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 8.1 cm long and 3.6 cm wide. Weight: 10.0...
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, 10k Gold, Gold
Victorian Brocch with rose cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold with silver brooch set with rose diamonds up to 1.10ct - G/H - SI - size 2.2 cm x 5.1 cm detailed description: the size of the brooch is 2.2 cm long by 5.1 cm wide, brooc...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian brooch with sapphire and rose cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k gold and silver branch brooch with sapphire and rose diamonds total approx. 1.50ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 7.0 cm long by 3....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k gold brooch with rose diamond total 0.50ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 4.7 cm long by 2.6 cm wide weight 8.9 grams set with -...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 5.50ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch with rose diamond up to 5.50 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 3.6 cm wide by 1.2 cm deep in diameter Weight: 9.3...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Flower basket brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 3.20ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
1k gold (pin) and silver brooch set with rose-cut diamonds up to 3.20 ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 4.7 cm long and 4.1 cm wide Weight: 15.1 grams Set w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$552Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage style rose cut Diamond garnet Sterling silver Bee Brooch pin
Located in Delhi, DL
This Gorgeous Garnet Diamond brooch is a unique handcrafted art. It brings back the memory of the Victorian era. It has been crafted in 925 sterl...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Victorian Brooch with pearl and rose cut diamonds 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold with silver brooch set with a pearl and rose cut diamonds up to 0.10ct- - G/H - SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 3.6 cm long by 1.8 cm wide weight: 4.2 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Circa 1890 Enamel Diamond Snake Brooch, 38.4g Gold, Blue
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous Enamel snake brooch is in almost perfect condition and comes in its original box. Seldom do you find this gorgeous robins egg blue enamel circa 1890 and in near perfect...
Diamond, Enamel
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch/Pendant, Circa 1880, 19.2g
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold cameo brooch/pendant – 19.2 grams Detailed description: The brooch/pendant measures 6.4 cm long by 6.6 cm wide. Weight: 19.2 grams Set with: - 1 x 5.1 ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Branch Brooch, Netherlands, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold branch brooch with stone pearls – 4.3 grams detailed description: the size of the brooch is 4.3 cm long by 1.9 cm wide weight 4.3 grams set with - 28 x...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k yellow gold branch brooch with rose diamond up to 0.50ct 7.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold branch brooch with rose diamond up to 0.50ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 4.7 cm long by 2.1 cm wide weight 7.1 grams set...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN Brooch with rose cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k rose gold and silver brooch in the shape of a feather set with rose diamonds up to 1.40ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 6.0 cm lon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Natural Pearls and Rose Cut Diamonds on a Silver Over Gold Painted Portrait Pin
Located in Lexington, KY
Silver over gold painted portrait pin This charming Victorian pin features a silver over gold painted portrait of a beautiful woman. One can not help but to wonder what she is thinking. There are three initials on the back reading- J.C.S. St. John & Myers Jewelry is the only jeweler in Central Kentucky with expertise in antique and period jewelry, custom design, and restoration of antique jewelry. If you have any questions, give us a call during store hours Wednesday through Saturday 12 PM to 6 PM. Our experts would love to speak with you further about this piece. We love to chat about antique...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Early Victorian Topaz Set Cross Brooch
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian topaz set cross brooch, the brooch in the form of a cross with nine round faceted topazes and pear shape faceted topazes in between ...
Topaz, Rose Gold
Early Victorian 18 Karat Gold Seed Pearl Floral Motif Drop Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an amazing Victorian floral motif pin brooch crafted in 18K gold. The piece features seed pearls. Circa 1840. Has a loop. Can be also worn as a necklace. Weight: 16.40g S...
Gold
1840s Biedermeier Enamel Pearl Gold Brooch Vienna Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Biedermeier Brooch Vienna, made c. 1840 / 50 14 Carat Gold / 585 (checked) Red Gold, decorated with ornaments made of enamel as well as cover...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Gold, Enamel
$424Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Natural Coral "Eternal Knot" Brooch & Pendant 1840-1860
Located in Honolulu, HI
This antique brooch, dating to the Romantic Victorian era (circa 1840–1860), features the "Eternal Knot" motif, a design historically symbolizing fidelity and an unbroken spiritual b...
Coral, Gold-filled
Victorian 18k Gold Brooch with Porcelain Portrait & 1.00ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold brooch with a porcelain portrait surrounded by old mine cut/rose cut diamonds. 1.00ct – G/H – SI detailed description: the size of the brooch is 3.8 cm l...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Gold Micro Mosaic Floral Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Wallkill, NY
Wonderful Micro-Mosaic Brooch and Pendant with a floral center. Does double duty, truly a wonderful piece. Antique C style pin back. Set in 14kt Yellow Gold . Measuring 1.83 in wide...
Gold
Victoria brooch with cameo - 15.5 grams - 9k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
9k yellow gold cameo brooch depicting three dancing women – 15.5 grams – dimensions 5.3 cm x 4.0 cm Detailed description The brooch measures 5.3 cm high by 4.0 cm wide Weight 15.5...
9k Gold
$17,534Sale Price|20% Off
Rose Cut Diamond Mouse Brooch
Located in Firenze, FI
Vintage Early Victorian Rose-cut Diamond Mouse with Neckless Pearl , Blue Sapphire and Ruby set in silver.
Diamond, Silver
Brooch with pearl, ruby and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 18k gold/ silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver brooch/pendant with pearls, ruby, and old mine-cut diamond, totaling approximately 0.80 ct – N/O, G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch/pen...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
9th-Century Hand-Painted Miniature Portrait Brooch in Filigree Silver, 1850
Located in Honolulu, HI
This rare and evocative piece of 19th-century artistry offers a captivating glimpse into the refined world of European aristocracy. At its heart lies a meticulously hand-painted mini...
Silver
Victorian brooch with ruby and rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 13.8 gram
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold branch brooch set with ruby and diamonds totaling 0.60ct - H/I - SI - dimensions 5.5 cm x 3.0 cm detailed description: the dimensions of the brooch are 5.5 cm by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$7,513Sale Price|20% Off
Antique French early Victorian pink topaz and green enamel brooch
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique French early Victorian pink topaz and green enamel brooch. Hallmarked with wild boar mark. Made in Circa 1830s The brooch has a bold, symmetrical design, inspired by nature ...
Enamel
Yellow Gold Beautiful Early Victorian Floral Brooch, circa 1860s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An early Victorian flower broach, ca. 1860s, with big rosecut diamonds. The diamonds weigh circa 6-7 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Brooch with old mine cut diamonds up to 6.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k gold and silver brooch set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 6.00 ct - G/H – VS/SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 7.4 cm long and 2.9 cm wide Weight: 15.4 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
C1850 English Victorian Angelic Cameo Gold Frame Brooch signed by J. Mouhe
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cherubs dancing on clouds adorn this heavenly antique bull's mouth shell cameo brooch carved in mid century France by a Parisian by the name of J. Mouhe and set with an ornate 18K go...
18k Gold, Gold
Fontane Circa 1900s Antique Gold Miniature Painting Fringe Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Antique original Fontane brooch in 14k gold, circa 1900s. Brooch depicts a miniature painting of a nude lady. Brooch measures 2 7/8" x 1 3/8". Weight of the piece - 22.4 grams.
Gold
9.82 Ct Sapphire, Pearl, and 0.16 Ct Diamond Brooch in 18K Yellow and White Gold
Located in Warszawa, PL
Sapphire brooch, 9.82 carats, pearl and diamond brooch, 0.16 carats, 18K yellow and white gold. This exceptional brooch is expertly crafted from 18-karat yellow and white gold, showc...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Mediterranean Coral Cameo Brooch Pendant
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18k Yellow gold Mediterranean coral cameo brooch/pendant. The high relief hand carved round coral cameo depicts the portrait of a young g...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k Gold Silver Hand Enamel Portrait & Old Cut Diamond Frame Pin Brooch
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous antique piece was crafted during the early Victorian era from solid 18k gold with a silver top and features an incredibly detailed hand enameled portrait at its center....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Early Victorian 28.43ct Natural No-Heat Ceylon Sapphires and Diamond Brooch
Located in London, GB
An exceptional Early Victorian sapphire and diamond brooch, designed as a cruciform quatrefoil centred by five richly coloured natural Ceylon sapphires. The brooch is set with a pri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Victorian brooch with pearls 6.3 grams 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold and silver brooch set with pearls Detailed description The brooch is approximately 4.0 cm high and 5.5 cm wide Total weight: 6.3 grams Set with: - 41 x 1.5mm fresh...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian brooch with garnet and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver brooch with garnet and rose diamond up to 0.30ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The brooch measures 6.2 cm long by 2.6 cm wide Weight: 19.5 ...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Silver
Early 19th Century 18K Rock Crystal Lover's Eye with Silver & Paste Teardrop
Located in New York, NY
While the craze for Lover’s Eye miniatures flourished from the 1790s through the 1820s—spurred on by the Prince of Wales’ famously illicit romance with Maria Fitzherbert—this brooc...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond and Baroque Pearl Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique baroque pearl and silver set diamond brooch in 9 karat yellow gold; part of our antique brooch and estate jewelry ...
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold