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.
Pair of Antique Late 19th Century Pearl and Diamond Pendent Earrings
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A PAIR OF LATE 19TH CENTURY PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS From the top of each pearl suspending vertically set from three graduated old brilliant-cut diamonds suspending, appro...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Coral Pendant Drop Earrings
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Victorian Coral Pendant Drop Earrings from the 19th Century with screw back fittings. Italian coral beads with original gold filled settings...
Coral, Gold Plate
Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings from the late 19th Century. A pair of chased ovals with wreath motifs each have an urn shaped drop hanging fro...
Gold-filled
Victorian flat garnet earrings in 9 karat gold, Flower, Flat Garnets
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian flat garnet earrings in 9 karat gold forming a five-petal flower, set with flat garnets, in a closed and domed setting. The flower holds a drop-cut garnet, in a tassel. The...
Garnet, Gold
$16,250Sale Price|33% Off
1900 Victorian 18k Gold over Silver Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in Lexington, KY
These absolutely knockout earrings are from the Victorian Era and feature a staggering 14 carats of old mine-cut diamonds in silver over gold starburst-shaped earrings. The top of th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Pair of Late Victorian Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of late Victorian diamond drop earrings, the old-cut diamonds, weighing 3.14 and 3.23 carats, respectively H colour VS1 and H colour SI1, accompanied by De Beers Report , each eight claw-set to a platinum scroll collet, suspended from a knife-edge bar with brilliant-cut diamond surmount, estimated to weigh 0.15 carats each, millegrain rubover-set in platinum to a yellow gold mount with hook fitting, circa 1900, later hallmarked 18ct gold London. measuring approximately 2.8 x 0.9cm, gross weight 4.4 grams. This pair of Victorian earrings is in very good condition for its age. An exquisite pair of late Victorian earrings. These earrings each feature a lively diamond connected to a hook fitting. From the fitting is a platinum bar, suspending a scintillating old-cut diamond weighing over three carats. The two impressive diamonds catch the light beautifully: the old-cut diamonds have a wonderful antique allure...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Antique Pearl And Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in Banbury, GB
An adorable pair of cluster earrings feature lustrous natural pearls wrapped with a scalloped diamond border in 18 karat yellow gold. Sweet as can be. Circa 1900. Perfect Condition Diamond: 2.1ct Weight: 4.7g Length: 18mm Width: 12mm Size of pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Pendants d'oreilles fin du 19ème siècle en forme d'oiseau en perles et rubis
Located in PARIS, FR
Pendants d'oreilles anciens en or 14 carats (585 millièmes) et argent de la fin du 19ème siècle, formés d'une dormeuse en forme de boule rehaussée d'émail rouge et ivoire, retenant u...
Natural Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Micro Mosaic Dangle Earrings, Base Metal, Italy, Circa 1880
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These antique Micro mosaic drop earrings were produced in the late 1800's. During this time the rage was going overseas on what was called the Wo...
Multi-gemstone, Base Metal
Victorian Natural Coral & Diamond Drop earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Treasures A beautiful pair of antique Coral & Diamond earrings, 1890/1900 ca marvellous in design, hand crafted of solid 12 KT gold Set with a fantastic selection of Natural un...
Coral, Diamond, Gold
Antique Victorian Diamonds and Gold with Silver Earrings, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique 19th century pair of yellow gold earrings set with rose-cut diamonds crafted in a silver setting. These antique Dutch dangle earrings have a beautiful design with leaves and a flower with a large diamond in the middle - while the stem and leaves feature smaller diamonds. The diamonds in the earrings have a diameter between 1.5 - 5.1 mm. These rose cut diamonds are quite clear in color and are foiled to give them more sparkle. The allure, the subtle shine of this cut, the imperfect shape of the diamond give this cut its own style. The brisures or ear hooks are attached to it at a later period. Rose cut can be counted among the oldest diamond cuts. Unlike brilliant cuts, the rose has no volume at the colet, no point downwards. The underside of the rose is flat. The top is spherical facet cut. The play of light is less than that of the brilliant cut. Roses were widely used in antique jewelry and now in antique style jewelry...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Ruby and Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Firenze, FI
12.6 Carats Natural Ruby with 2.8 Carats Diamonds Made of 10K Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold
Late Victorian French Rose Gold Diamond Dangling Earrings
Located in New York, NY
An earring with movement and fringe is fashionable and fun. These earrings pass the swinging test, as each component swings forward and back freely. A small diamond on a wire suspe...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Cut Steel Tassel Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Cut Steel Tassel Earrings from the 19th Century. Tiny cut steel beads are strung into twists under a cut steel faceted cap. Ear wires lat...
Cut Steel
Victorian Coral 14KT Earrings & Pin Set
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Fabulous Pin & Earring Victorian Set Swirl design with "Plume" accents on the gold. Coral branches swirled in gold Pin measures 1 5/8 " x 5/8 " C clasp for the pin . Coral bra...
Coral, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K yellow gold black enameled natural pearl earrings C 1880
Located in Firenze, IT
A lovely pair of antique C 1880 late Victorian earrings in black enameled 18K yellow gold highlighted by cushion cut diamonds and centered with 2 certified natural saltwater baroque ...
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 18K Gold French Coral Ball Dangle Earrings, 1870
Located in Venice, CA
Victorian 18K Gold French Coral Ball Dangle Earrings, 1870 These beautiful French coral ball dangle earrings remind one of a summers day. Two graduated sl...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Shell Cameo Diamond Drop Earrings in Silver and 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Angelic this Shell Cameo Diamond Drop Earrings in Silver and 18K Gold is sweet. Closure: Push Post 18kt Gold: 7.03gms Diamond: 2.84cts Sh...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
14K Gold Victorian Garnet Red Stone Dangle Earrings- Antique
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Circles with inset Garnet Red stone in center. Open cut work. For Pierced Ears Measuring .96 in in diameter. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Southwes...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Milagrosa Large Flame ball Pearl Earrings
Located in Monrovia, CA
A large white freshwater baroque flame ball pearl hangs on a gold plated Milagrosa earring post. Size & shape of pearls may vary slightly as they are natural pearls. Statement earrin...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold-filled, Gold Plate
$4,500 / item
Ruby Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These beautiful earrings are handmade in 14-karat gold and sterling silver. It is set with 2.56 carats ruby and 1.98 carats diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
Victorian Style Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Statement Victorian inspired chandelier earrings. 2 rose cut diamonds and 2 round cut diamonds, approximately I/J color and VS2/SI1 clarity. Silver...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut and Rose Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut and Rose Cut Diamond Earrings. These gorgeous pair of earrings are crafted in platinum and 18k white gold clip backs. The earrings ha...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
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
$495 / item
W 0.21 in L 0.57 in
Garnet Drop Earrings, 1 Carat Garnet Leverback Yellow Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Austin, TX
The garnet earrings are emerald cut and set in a glorious leverback settings. The garnets are genuine and approximate .50 carats each. These earrings are lovely with the garnet hangi...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,285Sale Price / item|22% Off
W 0.75 in L 1.5 in
Sapphire and Diamonds with Dangle South Sea Pearl Earrings
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold South Sea Pearl 12-13 mm Sapphire 0.90 Carats Diamonds 0.70 Carats
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,500
H 1.9 in W 0.65 in
Victorian Bohemian Garnet Dangle Drop Earrings Gold Circa 1880 Rare 2 Inches
Located in New York, NY
This is a very rare pair of Victorian Bohemian Garnet Cabochon Dangle Drop Earrings in Gold. The exquisite earrings have large 19mm by 11mm by 5mm deep gorgeous blood red Bohemian G...
Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, 9k Gold
$1,500
H 1.46 in W 0.55 in D 0.18 in
Antique Victorian Diamond and Black Enamel Drop Dangle Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Beautiful pair of Victorian drop earrings made of 10k yellow gold with black enamel accents and single cut diamonds. The post is attached to a gold flower with black enamel petals a...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Double Pink Paste Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Cotton Candy is the color of this pair of Victorian pink paste earrings, the color that is a favorite of paste lovers. Not one paste but two comprise each earring, one stone being a ...
Sold
W 0.41 in L 2.68 in
PORTUGUESE 1910 Porto Iberian Dangle Fringe Earrings In Rich 19.2Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A Portuguese Iberian fringe earrings made in the city of Porto. This a a gorgeous pair of Iberian dangle earrings with fringes, created in the city of Porto in Portugal during the v...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Antique Austro Hungarian Empire 14k Rose Cut Diamond Day to Night Earrings
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
These beautiful earrings date back to the late 19th century, created during the Austro Hungarian empire. Hallmarks tell us these rare and charming, antique rose-cut diamond earrings ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby and Seed Pearl Fringe Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Take a cruise on the River Thames, the river where the seed pearls that make the fringe of these earrings originate. Who did the selection, matching and beading of this tiny pearls? ...
Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Circa 1900s Ottoman 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 ct. Acid tested to be 8k real gold. Box is not included. Please contact for any questions.
Diamond, Gold
Sold
W 0.79 in L 2.56 in
Victorian 1890 Italian Dangle Drop Earrings In I4Kt Yellow Gold With Red Corals
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian pair of dangle earrings with Neapolitan coral. Gorgeous antique dangle drop earrings with red corals, created in Naples Italy during the Victorian period, back in the 1890. This fabulous suite of corals has been mounted from the backs, in customized wired settings made up in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with high polished finish. Fitted with comfortable French screws backs...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Diamond 14k Rose Gold Silver Dangle Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Pair of Late Victorian Diamond 14k Rose Gold Silver Dangle Earrings. Featuring two old mine cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.85 carat, graded J-K color, I1 clarity. Accented by four old European cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.20 carat, graded I color, I1 clarity. Crafted in 14 karat rose gold topped with silver. Circa 1890. The earrings are 1 ¼ inches in length. About this Item: Dive into the enchanting history of this pair of Late Victorian diamond dangle earrings...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold & Enamel Tracery Dangle Drop Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold & Enamel Tracery Dangle Drop Earrings Metal: 14k yellow gold Weight: 4.03 grams Drop length: 24mm Width: 15mm
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Filigree Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of late Victorian, lapis lazuli and diamond, filigree drop earrings, the tops are set with round, cabochon-cut, lapis lazuli and rose-cut...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Pair of Antique Late 19th Century Pearl and Diamond Pendent Earrings
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A PAIR OF LATE 19TH CENTURY PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS From the top of each pearl suspending vertically set from three graduated old brilliant-cut diamonds suspending, appro...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
19th Century Diamond and Pearl Earrings
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Ever so charming pair of pearl earrings! These antique earrings are elegant, charming and is simply stunning on the ears. Made with a gold base and top and settings in silver. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Victorian GIA 5.21ct Old European Diamond Dangling Plat 18K Rose Gold Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Unique and Exquisite pair of The End of the 19th CENTURY, A BEAUTIFUL Pair of Original Late Victorian Era Platinum & 18k Rose Gold (tested) Earrings with shimmering Old European cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum