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 18k yellow gold 4 collar buttons in matching case – 6.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 18k yellow gold 4 collar buttons in matching case – 6.0 grams detailed description: the dimensions of the front of the button are 1.0 cm wide brooch is 1.8 cm long by 4.8...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Figural Sterling Silver Wise Owl Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Wise Owl cufflinks of sterling silver and garnet cabochons eyes. "S" hook shank, original patina. Lovely detailing. Excellent Condition. 1890's USA.
Garnet, Sterling Silver
Cartier Yellow Gold 18K Panther Cufflinks
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier yellow gold 18K cufflinks. Panther collection. Signed Cartier, marks and numbered C 80205. Circa 1980 Original Cartier box. Total weight: 16.97 grams.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cufflinks for Men Rose Gold Squared with 36 Diamonds Each
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Cufflinks For Men Rose Gold Squared with 36 diamonds each. Special Cufflinks for Business or Leisure Time to be worn on white, light blue or stripe Cu...
Brown Diamond, Rose Gold
Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Saint Andrew's Cross Cufflinks, circa 1910"
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Edwardian Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Saint Andrew's Cross Rose Cut Diamond and Calibré Sapphire Cufflinks, circa 1910 Descripción An elegant and finely crafted pair of Edwardian c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
$95 / set
H 0.63 in W 0.63 in D 0.75 in Dm 0.63 in L 0.75 in
A Pair of Square Cufflinks with Grey Speckled Enamel and "T" Backs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of square shaped cufflinks with grey enamel speckled with black and white. The frames are gold filled and have "T" backs that fold flat in order to move with your wrist. Diam...
Gold-filled, Enamel
Tiffany & Co. Spiral Seashell Men's Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
The Tiffany & Co. 18kt Gold Seashell Cufflinks are a distinguished accessory, reflecting the brand's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. Fashioned from 1...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage Bamboo Style Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
The Vintage Tiffany & Co. Bamboo Style Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold are a distinguished accessory that exemplifies the brand's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and timeless de...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Cufflinks & Buttons Set, Circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
All the world’s a stage.. Rare, theatrical interest Art Nouveau period French reticulated 18K yellow gold dress set in original leather silk and velvet lined box retailed by A. Hersa...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond & Malachite Cufflinks in 18K Yellow Gold – Elegant Pair
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: 23430701 ■ Retail Price: - ■ Brand: Cartier ■ Product Name: Diamond Malachite Cufflinks ■ Reference Number: - ■ Material: Diamonds / Malachite / 750 K18 YG Yellow Gold...
Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cufflinks Black Gold from Gavello Featuring a Skull Head with Rubies
By Gavello
Located in Roma, IT
Cufflinks Black Gold from Gavello Featuring a Skull Head with Rubies. Unisex Cufflinks Suitable to Many Different Outfit. Unique Desing by Gavell...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,968 / item
W 0.41 in D 0.28 in L 1.05 in
18K Rose White Gold Diamonds Made in Italy Jaguar E Type Cosmic Design Cufflinks
Located in Milan, IT
18K Rose White Gold Diamonds Made in Italy Jaguar E Type Cosmic Design Cufflinks. The Jaguar E Type cufflinks are made of 18 karat rose and white gold an...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co 18k Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Cufflinks 13.4 Grams
Located in Palatine, IL
You are purchasing a Tiffany & Co Vintage 18K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Square Cufflinks. The cufflinks weigh 13.4 grams of solid 18k yellow gold, 17 mm long x 19.3 mm ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$5,235
W 0.47 in L 0.62 in
Cufflinks Black Gold from Gavello Featuring a Skull Head Black Diamonds & Ruby
By Gavello
Located in Roma, IT
Cufflinks Black Gold from Gavello Featuring a Skull Head Black Diamonds & Ruby. Unisex Cufflinks Suitable to Many Different Outfit. Unique De...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,877
H 0.99 in W 0.48 in D 0.48 in L 0.87 in
Cufflinks For Men Yellow Gold with Oval Rodocrosite from Argentina
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Cufflinks For Men Yellow Gold with Oval Rodocrosite from Argentina. Everyday Cufflinks for every Business or Leisure Time to be worn on white, light b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Knot Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
A pair of yellow gold-plated sterling silver knot cufflinks in the style of Tiffany & Co., circa late-20th to early-21st century.
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Pearl and Mother of Pearl Cufflinks
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of white cultured pearl and mother of pearl cufflinks set in sterling silver, circa mid-20th century. Marked 'Sterling' on back of both as shown in last image. Dimen...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl
Sold
W 0.79 in L 0.79 in
Pair of Antique French Cufflinks & Studs with Lys Flower design, 19th C (1850)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
PAIR OF ANTIQUE FRENCH CUFFLINKS & MATCHING STUDS WITH ENGRAVED FLEUR DE LIS MOTIF DESIGN. 19th C (approx. 1850) in 18 Karat yellow and rose Gold. A rare dress set dating from the m...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian Fox Head Cufflinks Set with Diamond
Located in London, England
A pair of Victorian 18ct gold and silver fox's head cufflinks. Each head is pave set with 26 rose cut diamonds and with 2 round fauted ruby eyes. The fox's heads have beautiful intri...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold