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.
Victorian Turquoise 15ct Gold Double Heart Lover’s Knot Brooch, Circa 1880’s
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An elegant Victorian turquoise and 15ct gold brooch dating to the late 19th century, designed as a pair of beautifully interlocking hearts in a flowing infinity-style arrangement. T...
Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian 18k Gold Diamond Snake Pin, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
A sleek antique pin modelled as a snake, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold throughout. Its slender body makes up the entire pin, swirling round leading to its head that's set with five...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Flower Brooch Victorian Antique 15ct Gold Pearl & Diamond, Circa 1880
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An elegant Victorian Antique pearl and diamond floral spray brooch crafted in 15 carat yellow gold, dating to the late 19th century. Details • Period: Late Victorian, circa 1880–19...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Certified Colombian Emerald Articulating Drop Brooch with Natural Pearls
Located in London, GB
A striking late Victorian articulating drop brooch, crafted in gold and silver-topped gold and set throughout with approximately 8.43 carats of old mine-cut diamonds. The elegant geo...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver
19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming 19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch circa 1870's, Italy. Designed as a micromosaic of a pharaoh head set in 14k setting of gold bead and twisted wirework. Very fine...
14k Gold
19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Exceptional 19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch circa 1870's, Italy. Designed as a micromosaic of a pharaoh head set in 14k setting of gold bead and twisted wirework. Incred...
14k Gold
Victorian Onyx & Floral Motif Oval Brooch – Warm Rose Gold Filled (c. 1880s)
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exquisite Victorian-era oval brooch (circa 1880s) is a beautiful example of the sentimental jewelry often found in the late 19th century. At its center lies a smooth, polished b...
Onyx, Gold-filled, Rose Gold
Late Victorian Enamel Guilloche Sterling Silver Brooch with Morning Glory
Located in New York, NY
This round brooch is sterling silver and set with Guilloche enamel detailing and features a stylized morning glory floating on a stylized geometric sinuous background.It is marked 92...
Silver, Enamel
Late Victorian 10 Karat Gold & Seed Pearl Stick Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Late Victorian 10k gold & seed pearl stick pin. With a lotus shaped flower that has a small white round seed pearl set at its center. Si...
Pearl, Gold
Victorian Carved Moonstone and Diamond Angel
Located in Riverdale, NY
Wonderful and rare carved moonstone cherub brooch from the late Victorian era. Intricately carved moonstone putti head with incredible detail in the r...
Diamond, Moonstone, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Six Point Star Brooch, With Rays Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
An antique diamond six point star brooch, with rays, with an old-cut diamond, in a cut down setting, in the centre, with an air gap surrounded by a flower, grain set with old-cut di...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Gold Etruscan Bar Pin
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian 18K Gold Etruscan Bar Pin from the mid to late 19th Century. Beautiful hand applied gold shot and wirework on Victorian base. 2.25" x .4". 1870's USA.
14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Diamond, Silver, Gold Twelve Point Star Brooch, Circa 1880, 11.26 Carats
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond star brooch, with twelve points, set with old-cut diamonds, with an estimated total weight of 11.26 carats, with a cushion shaped old-cut diamond, in the centre, ...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Italian Renaissance Revival Seed Pearl Gold-Filled Fleur-de-lis Brooch 1900
Located in Honolulu, HI
Acquired in Milan, this antique Italian brooch features an elegantly reimagined Fleur-de-lis motif, reflecting the humanistic spirit of the Re...
Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold Plate, Gilt Metal
Victorian Coral Button Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Coral Button Brooch of beautifully matched coral buttons from the late 19th Century. Wonderful coral color, Gilt metal. 1880's Ita...
Coral, Gilt Metal
Victorian Mother-of-Pearl and Paste Gold-Tone Horn Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
This Victorian-era novelty brooch, circa 1890, is masterfully carved from a single piece of luminous mother-of-pearl in the protective "Corno" or Italian horn silhouette. A popular t...
Base Metal, Brass, Gilt Metal
Antique Victorian Pressed Horn Mourning Brooch, c.1880
Located in London, GB
A poignant and beautifully crafted example of Victorian mourning jewellery, this antique brooch dates to around 1880. The piece features an intricately carved floral design, formed f...
Antique Victorian 14K Gold Reverse Intaglio Essex Crystal Dog Portrait Stickpin
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This Victorian stickpin features a finely detailed reverse intaglio crystal depicting a hunting dog, beautifully hand-painted and carved in reverse beneath a domed crystal cabochon. ...
Crystal, 14k Gold, Gold
Victorian Black Onyx and Seed Pearl 15 Karat Gold Star Brooch, circa 1870
Located in Honolulu, HI
This Victorian-era oval brooch, circa 1870, is a refined example of 19th-century sentimental jewelry. The piece features a high-polished black onyx plaque centered with a 15-karat ye...
Onyx, Freshwater Pearl, 15k Gold
Victorian Ruby, Opal & Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
Victorian to Edwardian Butterfly Brooch, c.1900–1910 A charming antique butterfly brooch dating from the late Victorian to early Edwardian period, ...
Opal, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold
Victorian Painted Miniature Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Painted Miniature Brooch with a surround of half pearls. A finely painted miniature watercolor of a young child playing a harp in t...
Natural Pearl, Gold Plate, Silver
Victorian Onyx and Half Pearl Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Onyx and Half Pearl Brooch set in 14k gold from the late 19th Century. High quality manufacture. 1.5 x.25". 1880's USA.
Onyx, Pearl, 14k Gold
Coral Cabochon Victorian Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Attractive Coral Cabochon Victorian Brooch from the late 19th Century. Very dimensional layered construction with Italian origin coral cabochons likely ...
Coral, Silver
Hungarian Coral and Seed Pearl Silver Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Hungarian Coral and Seed Pearl Silver Brooch from the late 19th Century. Set in a heavy sterling hand made mount with genuine coral cabochons, seed pearls and faux ruby pastes. 1.5" ...
Coral, Pearl, Silver
1900s 3.55 Carat Aquamarine and 0.59 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.55 carat aquamarine and 0.59 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and platinum set brooch; part of our diverse antique aquamarine jewellery c...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique English Clover Blue Enamel 15 Karat Gold Pearl Pendant Brooch Diamonds
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This beautiful and delicate clover jewel comes in it's original fitted leather case, it has been crafted in England by Collingwood & Co around 1900. The elegant piece of jewellery ha...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel, Silver
$43,360Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond and Platinum Brooch by Cartier, Circa 1900
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A diamond and platinum brooch by Cartier, circa 1900. This elegant brooch by Cartier dates from the turn of the last century and is in beautiful condition for its age. The brooch t...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Shell Cameo and Gold Tone Spinning Locket Brooch, circa 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exceptional example of late-Victorian ingenuity, dating to circa 1890, features a masterfully hand-carved natural shell cameo set within a highly functional rotating frame. The ...
Other, Gold-filled
Victorian double heart sweetheart ruby diamond brooch in 14k rose gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian Diamond ruby heart brooch in 14K gold and silver. Antique brooch with a central motif of two intertwined hearts, one set with diamonds, the other with natural rubies. The h...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Magnificent Late Victorian Diamond-Set Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Magnificent late Victorian diamond-set butterfly brooch, the brooch in the form of a butterfly, the body, pierced wings and head set throughout with old brilliant- and rose-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 15 carats, with ruby eyes, all set in silver to a yellow gold mount and brooch fitting, circa 1890, measuring approximately 7.1x4cm, gross weight 18.2 grams. This gorgeous butterfly brooch comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to His Majesty King Charles III. This brooch is in the shape of a lovely butterfly modelled from silver and yellow gold, set throughout with a combined weight of 17 & ¾ carats of dazzling diamonds. The diamonds are all old-cut and rose-cut, giving this piece alluring sparkle. The eyes of the butterfly are set with cabochon-cut rubies, a typical feature of Victorian jewellery depicting insects. This magnificent piece is a perfect example of late Victorian insect jewellery...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Brooch/Pendant
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian pearl and diamond brooch/pendant, centrally-set with a cream pearl measuring approximately 8.7 mm in diameter, to a d...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Essex Crystal Gold Duck Pin
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Framed in 9 carat yellow gold, the reverse painted duck stands on the shore overlooking the water, his lustrous feathers bursting with color. Water laps at his webbed feet and reeds ...
9k Gold
Late 19th Century Emerald and Diamond Cluster Brooch in Gold
Located in Roma, RM
An elegant antique emerald and diamond brooch, featuring a refined oval cluster design that reflects the charm and craftsmanship of late 19th to early 20th century jewelry. At the c...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Antique Victorian Cobalt Enamel Old Mine Cut Diamond Tourmaline Brooch
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An original Victorian brooch finely handcrafted in 18K yellow gold and richly finished in cobalt blue and white enamel. At its center glows an elongated antique cushion-cut pink tou...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Enamel and Diamond Stickpin
Located in New York, NY
Large Victorian Enamel and Diamond Pinwheel Stickpin in 14k from the late 19th Century. Originally a brooch but converted to a stickpin later. Fine...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 15k Gold Pearl Lucky Horseshoe Stick Pin, Circa 1880
Located in Altrincham, GB
Horseshoes have long been associated with good luck, and has become popular symbol to provide protection. There are many superstitions on which way you should hang a horseshoe, howev...
Pearl, 15k Gold
$4,118Sale Price|20% Off
Antıque Cırca 1900s Handcrafted 18K Gold Natural Old Cut Dıamond Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6 grams. Totally is diamond 1.80 carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Dimention is brooch 7.9x0.06 cm. Box is not included....
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 3.50 Ct Old Mine Diamond Floral Spray Brooch 18 KT Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Victorian period spray brooch is 1890/1900 ca Hand crafted during the time of solid 18 Kt yellow gold topped by silver Nature inspired design of a stunning bunch of leaf and flowers, rich and opulent as it could be in nature, articulate three-dimensional art work...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Diamond Brooch/Pendant in a Fitted Box
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set brooch/pendant, set with graduated old European and rose-cut diamonds to an openwork foliate and scroll design, suspending a diamond-set drop, with detac...
Diamond
Antique Moonstone, Natural Pearl Enamel And Gold Lucky Clover Brooch, Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An antique lucky clover brooch, with a gold circle, edged with rope wirework, with white enamelled clover leaves, with a clover leaf in the centre, with a central natural pearl and t...
Moonstone, Natural Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Late Victorian 14 Karat Gold & Diamond Stick Pin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine 14k gold and diamond stick pin. Converted from a Late Victorian larger piece of jewelry. With a round brilliant cut diamond pave set in center of a 14k gold flower shap...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Persian Turquoise and Seed Pearl Dove
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Persian Turquoise and Seed Pearl Dove from the late 19th Century. Pave turquoises and pearls are used to decorate the dove in fli...
Pearl, Turquoise, Silver, Gilt Metal
Late Victorian Gem-Set Butterfly Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian gem-set butterfly brooch, the thorax with a round cabochon emerald, the abdomen with a pear-shaped rose-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.6 carats, the eyes set with round faceted rubies, and the wings embellished with faceted emeralds, rose-cut diamonds and two pear-shaped rubies, all millegrain-set in platinum and yellow gold mount, with gold brooch fitting, circa 1900, measuring 4.5 x 2.2 cm, gross weight 9.9 grams. This antique brooch is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked tested as 18ct gold and platinum. This beautiful late Victorian butterfly brooch...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$15,988Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN 1890 GIA Bar Brooch In 14Kt Gold With 15.78 mm Natural Pearl & Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
An antique Victorian brooch with natural pearl This is a beautiful bar brooch created in England during the Victorian period, back in the 1890-1900. The elegant brooch has been craf...
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian Essex Crystal and 15 Carat Gold Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This monogrammed brooch is made up of glossy Essex crystal surrounded by pearls, the decorative bow and the frame in which it sits is modelled in 15car...
Crystal, Gold
19th Century French Tri Color Gold Ruby Brooch
Located in New York, NY
French Tri Color Gold Ruby Brooch set in 18k gold from the 19th Century, Originally a cover for a fancy pocket watch, this was converted in the peri...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Important Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Brooch/Ring
Located in London, GB
An Important Victorian yellow sapphire and diamond brooch/ring, the natural sapphire weighing 31.58 carats, accompanied by GCS Re...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Gold and Turquoise Memorial Brooch, ca. 1870–1890
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A beautiful late 19th-century brooch, finely crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and adorned with vibrant turquoise cabochons. At its center sits a domed cluster of round cabochon-cut tu...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Leitão & Irmão Antique 19th Century Diamond Star Tortoise Shell Brooch Hair Comb
Located in Lisbon, PT
Leitão & Irmão Portuguese crown jewelers antique late 19th century diamond star brooch and convertible tortoise shell hair piece in silver and yellow gold, Portugal, circa 1880. This highly collectible Victorian jewel is composed by an old-cut diamond-set star mounted in silver-on-gold which is mounted onto a two-leg tortoise shell hair comb...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Company Early 1900 Gold and Diamond double Butterfly Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 Tiffany & Company Double Butterfly Brooch, measuring 2 1/4 inches in length. Silver top and 14k Gold back, set with old Mine and Rose cut Diamonds totaling approximately ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond Dove Stickpin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Victorian Diamond Dove or Sparrow Stickpin in 18K with bright European cut diamonds with tiny ruby eye. Platinum topped gold, beautifully crafted. 2.7...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
14k Rose Gold Crescent Brooch with Blue Sapphire & White Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This late Victorian-style brooch features a central blue sapphire surrounded by a radiant array of white diamonds. The crescent shape is adorned with alternating sapphires and diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Rose Gold
$2,574Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Enamel Decorated Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.1 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.50 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Unusual Victorian Amythest and Enamel Stickpin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Unusual Victorian Amythest and Enamel Stickpin from the 19th Century of fine French manufacture. Originally born as a hat pin, it has been cut down for...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Antique 14k Gold Diamond Sapphire Butterfly Brooch, Circa 1899, Russia
Located in Victoria, CA
A captivating antique Russian brooch crafted in 14k gold in St. Petersburg between 1899 and 1908, embodying the refined artistry of the late Imperial era. Designed as a delicate butt...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Victorian Revival Spiral Sun Oxidised Diamond Pendant in Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This dazzling 2.05 carat diamond pendant is crafted in 925 sterling silver, designed with a refined silhouette that exudes timeless sophistication while offering radiant brilliance a...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
A Late Victorian Caduceus Pearl And Diamond Stick-pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian caduceus pearl and diamond stickpin, the two entwined snakes with black enamel decorations, the wings encrusted with rose-cut diamonds, the staff terminating to a pearl on each end, mounted in silver and gold, with gold pin, circa 1890, measuring 2 x 1 cm, the pin measuring 6.8cm long, gross weight 1.8 grams. This antique stick pin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Cameo, with Rose Cut Diamonds and Natural Pearls, Pin/Pendant, c. 1890.
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique pin/pendant centering a cameo which is accented with rose cut diamonds and natural pearls. The carnelian cameo of lovers on a swing has, on the verso, the word Printemp (Fre...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Ruby, Diamond and Pearl Heart Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond and pearl heart brooch, the natural saltwater pearl measuring 10.1 x 8.5 x 7.1mm set to the centre, surrounded by a row of...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Diamond Brooch in Silver on Yellow Gold, circa 1890
Located in Wailea, HI
Diamond Brooch in Silver on Yellow Gold Circa 1890 One Old Mine Cut Diamonds Weighing .45 Carats Approximately ' Seventy Eight Rose Cut Diamonds Weighing 2.00 Carats Approximately
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver