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 earrings with rose cut diamonds up to 3.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver earrings set with rose-cut diamonds up to 3.50ct – G/H – SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 2.9 cm long by 1.7 cm wide Weight 8.8 grams...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
14k gold and silver earrings with rose-cut diamonds up to 1.00ct - 11.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver earrings set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 1.00ct – G/H - SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earrings are 5.7 cm long by 1.2 cm wide Weight 11.7 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.80 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Rare Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Superb early Victorian, 1850 ca. Beautifully hand crafted exalting the lovely antique Diamond sparkle at best Crafted of solid 15 KT gold topped by silver Set with a fantastic select...
Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver
Earrings with pearls and rose cut diamonds up to 0.05ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver earrings with freshwater pearls and rose diamonds up to 0.05ct - G/H - SI detailed description: the size of the earrings is 5.1 cm long by 8.3 mm wide ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
VIVTORIAN earrings with pearls 18k gold 4.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold earrings decorated with black enamel and set with pearls – 4.6 grams Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.4 cm long by 1.7 cm wide Total weigh...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Early Victorian Peridot and Gold Parure
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian peridot and gold parure in the Knight pattern, the necklace consisting of three plaques each set with five cushion shape faceted p...
Peridot, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Enamel Repousse Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fabulous pair of Antique Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Repousse Earrings from circa 1850-1860. These are truly stunning in person, with the glam...
14k Gold, Enamel
French Victorian Coral Earrings and Brooch suite 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
Coral Treasures Beautiful antique Coral treasure to cherish The ageless allure of antique Coral is even more sought after with the time passing by This beautiful French example is pr...
Coral, 18k Gold
Exceptional Long Victorian Cut Steel Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Rare Victorian Cut Steel Earrings in graduated hoop motifs with fringed edges. Exceptional quality, scale and design in original condition with scr...
Cut Steel
Early Victorian Topaz and Gold Repousse Suite
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian topaz and gold repousse suite, the necklace consisting of nine graduating from the centre oval faceted topazes, set on gold collets ...
Topaz, Gold, Yellow Gold
Earrings with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 10k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k yellow gold and silver earrings set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - G/H - SI Detailed description: The dimensions of the earring are 3.2 cm long by 1.3 cm wide Total wei...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver
Pear Shaped Emerald Earring With Diamonds Made In 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Dangling Diamond & Emerald Earring in Silver & Gold, this earring is truly a royal looking from the big size of diamond on top and dangling pear shape emerald. Closure: Push Post 1...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Antique 1860s Amethyst Fringe Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Created circa the 1860s, these antique 18K gold Italian fringe pendant earrings are set with amethysts. The flexible pendant earrings in the archaeological style are designed as circ...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$704Sale Price / set|20% Off
Oval Cut Pink Sapphire and Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Pink Sapphire Dangle earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a sparkling, luxurious look featuring oval cut gemstone. If you love to gravitate towards uniq...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian style uncut rose cut diamond oxidized 925 silver dangler earrings
Located in Delhi, DL
A Victorian style uncut rose cut diamond silver earrings. This striking handmade antique look diamond earrings with old cut diamonds, Impressive tinted old Uncut diamonds, surrounde...
Diamond, Silver
Hanging gold and silver earrings in Biedermeier style.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Hanging gold-plated earrings in Biedermeier style, Early Victorian era. Made of silver and covered with low-grade gold. Originally preserved earrings dated 1840-1850 - rarely seen....
Gold, Silver
Polychrome Enamel 18K Gold Geometric Pendant Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1860s, these long antique pendant earrings are composed of 18K gold, enamel and split seed pearls. Each is designed as a navette-shaped top enclosing a hemisphere, sus...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Mid 19th Century 14K Gold Dangle Earrings Carnealian
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These yellow gold dangle earrings were created around 1845-1850 out of 14K gold. They are designed in the naturalistic taste so popular in the 1840's and 1850's. The earrings are com...
Gold
3.50ct Natural Aquamarine and Diamond 14k Solid White Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.50 Carats Natural Aquamarine and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Stud Earrings Amazing looking piece! Suggested Replacement Value $4,200.00 Total Natural Round Cut White Diamonds...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings 1.00ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14k White Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings. Small single-cut diamonds are set on the outside and inside of the hoops. Total weight is 1.00ct., H to i color, Vs to Si clarity. The hoops mea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 3.50ct Diamond Cluster Earrings, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian period, these diamond cluster earrings are truly beautiful. Hand crafted in 18 carat yellow gold they feature a 0.50 carat old cut diamonds at the centre...
Diamond, 18k Gold
7.00ct Natural Emerald and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Earrings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.00ct Natural Emerald and Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Earrings Total Natural Oval Emeralds Weight: Approx. 3.90 Carats Emerald Meas...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Earrings In Recycled 18K Gold
Located in London, Richmond
Timeless and alluring upcycled pearl drop earrings, both precious and sustainable. Floating on a deliberately rough 18k recycled white gold chain, sleek freshwater pearls are retain...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 8.64 Carats Total Old Mine Cut Diamond Antique Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
An unique and beautiful pair of drop earrings showcasing 8.64 carats total, old mine cut diamonds certified by GIA as H-J Color and SI2-I1 in Clarity. Hand-crafted and set in an intr...
Diamond, Platinum
14K Black 0.05ct Diamond Huggie Earrings for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
Quality Earrings Set: Made from real 14k gold and approximately 0.09 ct. Certified black diamonds, featuring a single line of white diamonds 7MM diameter with a color and clarity of GH-SI. Leaver Back closure. Surprise Your Loved Ones with Our Diamond Earrings For Her...
Diamond
$266Sale Price|46% Off
L 1.5 in
Marina J White Pearl Earrings with Iolite and Peridot Brioletts and 14 K Gold
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These white pearl earring with iolite and peridot drops and 14k yellow gold hooks are hand made by Marina J. The round white pearl is beautiful with slight imperfections that add to ...
Iolite, Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearls, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing earrings in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with emeralds for all the length and two leaves studded with diamonds, In the final part, a pearl. This elegant object...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Syna Yellow Gold Earrings with Peridot, Blue Topaz and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Peridot 5.4 carats approx. Blue Topaz 14 carats approx. Diamonds 0.80 carat approx. 18kyg Butterfly backs Limited E...
Diamond, Peridot, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearls, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE ...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Baroque Pearl Dangle Earrings With Diamond Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:4.702g,D:0.67ct, Pear:73.44ct,
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Natural Red Coral Gold Filled Twist Back Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Sweet Victorian natural red coral drop earrings with Gold Filled twist backs. The coral is natural red coral, and the earrings dates back to the Victorian Era, 1880's. These...
Coral, Yellow Gold, Gold-filled
Engraved High Karat Gold Antique Ball Earrings c. 1840
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1840 These antique high-karat gold ball earrings (approximately 21.17 kt) are entirely covered with finely hand-engraved floral motifs. The engraving reflects light from multi...
Gold
Antique Victorian Torpedo Floral Silver Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fabulous Victorian silver torpedo drop earrings with fabulous 3D floral details. These earrings are magnificent, and very dramatic. These are a dramatic length of 3 1/4 inc...
Silver
Sold
W 0.75 in L 1.58 in
Earrings with sapphire, briljant and single cut diamonds up to 1.64ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold earrings set with sapphire and brilliant and single cut diamonds. 1.64ct - F/G - VS/SI detailed description the size of the earring is 4.0 cm long by 1.9 cm wide w...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Victorian Moonstone Silver Drop Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Lovely, ultra feminine cabochon moonstone and silver earrings from the Victorian Era. The moonstones are set in a dramatic claw style setting, with tiny seed pearl details i...
Moonstone, Silver
Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Charming pair of Victorian era long drop earrings – Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold topped by silver Exquisite minute scroll work like an antique trim, fully enhanced by very tiny rose cut Diamonds complemented a trio of antique Pearls set...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Pendants d'oreilles anciens d'origine provençale argent et diamants
Located in PARIS, FR
Pendants d'oreilles anciens d'origine provençale en argent et or rose 18 carats (750 millièmes) début 19ème siècle, ornés de diamants table. Poids total du bijou : 14,84 g environ....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Moonstone Silver Drop Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Lovely, ultra feminine cabochon moonstone and silver earrings from the Victorian Era. The moonstones are set in a dramatic claw style setting, with tiny seed pearl details i...
Moonstone, Silver
Victorian Natural Red Coral 14K Earrings
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Lovely Victorian natural red coral earrings with 14K gold fastening ear wires. The red coral earrings are floral in theme. They are...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cut Pink Sapphire and Diamond Dangle Earrings in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Pink Sapphire Dangle earrings to make a statement with your look. These earrings create a sparkling, luxurious look featuring oval cut gemstone. If you love to gravitate towards uniq...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Pair of Early Victorian Gold and Coral Leaf Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of early Victorian gold and coral leaf drop earrings, each earrings with gold foliate and tendril decorations, flanked with two carved coral flowerheads, mounted in gold, circ...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
1860 Victorian Enameled Hand Articulated Earrings
Located in Lexington, KY
These are a fantastic pair of 1860s Victorian era earrings. The fringe tassel is completely intact. A gauntleted hand holding a wreath of leaves ...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel