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.
Early Victorian 14k Pink Gold Cross Pendant with Jesus, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
Early Victorian 14k pink gold pendant in the shape of a cross with Jesus - 2.5 grams - 6.5 cm x 3.0 cm Detailed description: The pendant measures 6.5 cm long by 3.0 cm wide Weight...
Gold, 14k Gold
14k Rose Gold & Silver Pendant Necklace with Emeralds & Diamonds, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with a rose gold and silver pendant set with emerald and old mine cut diamonds. 0.50ct - G/H - SI - 50 cm long detailed description the necklace is 50 cm lon...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Necklace and pedant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace and a gold and silver pendant set with a 1.00 ct rose-cut diamond – G/H - SI - 50 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 50 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
14k Rose Gold Victorian Anchor Necklace with 1.01 ct Old Mine Diamond
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold anchor necklace with solitaire pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.60 ct – J/K - Pique – 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Pendant 16ct Aquamarine 1 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver / 8.8 gr
Located in SE
Old pendant with a large natural claw set Aquamarine surrounded with Diamonds halo. Likely German hand- made, ca. 19th cent. Silver clusters on solid 14K Green Gold. Measures : 31 m...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 1.20ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds. 1.20ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 1.3 mm wide....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Medal Necklace Sapphire Diamond Vintage French Medal
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Miraculous Medal Oval Chain Necklace with Sapphire and Diamond on Vintage Gold-Plated Chain Vintage French devotional necklace featuring an oval Virgin Mary medal set with blue sapphires and a diamond, paired with a smaller original French vintage medal, suspended from an aged gold-plated chain with natural dark patina. This necklace is composed of a vintage gold-plated brass chain that has darkened naturally with age and wear, giving the piece depth and historical character. Suspended from the chain are two French devotional medals, one larger oval Marian medal with gemstone settings and one smaller original vintage French medal...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver, B...
Necklace with coral 11.8 grams 14k yellow gold 11.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a centerpiece set with various coral shapes – 11.8 grams – 50 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 50 cm long and 1.2 mm wide The centerpiece...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant set with rose cut diamonds 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with gold and silver entourage pendant with rose diamonds. 0.30ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: necklace is 45 cm long and 1.0 mm wide siz...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.60ct – G/H - SI - 45cm long Detailed description the length of the necklace...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Medallion pendant with onyx and pearls 13.5 grams 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold medallion pendant with onyx and pearl detailed description The pendant is 4.5 cm long by 2.7 cm wide A photo can be placed behind glass in the pendant weight 13.5...
Onyx, Pearl, Yellow 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
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with gold and silver pendant set with rose cut diamonds and old cut diamonds. 1.00 ct - F/G, G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k yellow gold 12.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold pendant decorated with black enamel and set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct – G/H – SI Detailed description The pendant is 5.3 cm high and 4.0 mm wide Total w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pendant with emerald up to 3.00ct and old mine cut diamond up to 2.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold pendant set with a 3.00 ct emerald and old mine-cut diamonds up to 2.00 ct – H/I - SI - Detailed description The pendant measures 2.8 cm high by 1.5 cm wide. Total...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Antique French Virgin Mary Devotional Medals Necklace
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique French Virgin Mary Devotional Medals Necklace on Aged Gold Plated Brass Chain Antique French devotional necklace composed of three original religious medals including Virgin...
Gold Plate, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass, Enamel
Vintage Amethyst Poured Glass Filigree Necklace 1930s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage 1930s Amethyst Poured Glass & Filigree Necklace A rare and exceptional Vintage Amethyst Poured Glass Necklace. The colour and calibre of the amethyst poured glass in t...
Victorian pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian 14k yellow gold and silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds up to 1.50 ct – G/H – SI – 8.8 grams Detailed description: The pendant measures 3.1 cm long and 2.4 cm wide....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Carved Crucifix Natural Burma Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Necklace
Located in Greenwich, CT
Personally precious this 23.48 carat natural Burma blue sapphire diamond, gold, and platinum pendant necklace, featuring a carved antique crucifix in the body of the gemstone, exudes...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Pendant and necklace with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold necklace with a silver cross pendant set with old mine-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 2.00 ct – G/H – SI – 40 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 40 c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with Southsea pearl and rose cut diamonds 14k gold/ silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with a South Sea pearl and a rose-cut diamond 0.10 ct – G/H - SI - 45 cm Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Fleur De Lis Pendant Necklace Enamel Seed Pearl 14K Original 1850's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1850's Victorian Pearl Enamel 14K Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace Features Genuine Natural Seed Pearls 100% Natural Pearls Hand Painted Enamel Gorg...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 7.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with rose-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 ct – G/H - SI – 50 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 50 cm long and 1.6 mm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Amethyst paste riviere necklace, sterling silver, 19th Century
Located in NEWARK, GB
A tremendously good antique riviere necklace. Early Victorian era this beautiful antique riviere necklace borrows much of its design elements from the...
Sterling Silver
14ct Gold Diamond & Ruby Necklace
Located in London, GB
14ct 585 Gold & Silver 925 15.75" Necklace Back & Chain is 14ct Gold and I believe the front is possibly silver or platinum 11 X GENUINE old mine c...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Victorian pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.10ct 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver pendant set with rose cut diamond total approximately 1.10ct – G/H - SI Detailed description the size of the pendant is 4.3 cm high and 1.3 cm wide to...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with pearl and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with a pearl and rose-cut diamonds up to 0.10 ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian necklace with rose cut diamonds up to 4.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver centerpiece set with various sizes of rose diamonds. 4.50 ct – G/H – SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
19th Century Austro-Hungarian Paste and Seed Pearl Collar Necklace
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
An elegant 19th century Austro-Hungarian paste collar necklace featuring richly colored faceted glass stones set in gilt metal. The design alternates larger oval amethyst-colored pas...
Silver Plate
Victorian Pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver pendant set with a rose-cut diamond, totaling approximately 0.60 ct – G/H - SI Detailed description The pendant is 3.1 cm high and 2.3 cm wide Total wei...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Collier en vermeil du début du 19ème siècle et d'origine provençale
Located in PARIS, FR
Collier ancien d'origine provençale en vermeil du début du 19ème siècle, orné de corbeilles de fleurs et d'un saint-esprit sur un premier rang. Sur le second orné de motifs fantaisis...
Vermeil
Medal Chain Necklace Virgin Mary Blue Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multiple Silver Medal 14k Gold Plated Chain Necklace Vintage locket Virgin Mary Blue Enamel Vintage French devotional necklace composed of six silver-tone religious medals, includi...
Gold Plate, Silver, Brass, Silver Plate, Enamel
Antique Victorian Gold Chalcedony Fox Seal with Chased Split Ring Fob Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique early Victorian 9ct gold seal fob pendant, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. This stunning piece features classic scrolling arches leading to an integral bail, which is ...
Chalcedony, Gold, 9k Gold
Fine Large Antique Victorian 15K Rose Gold Banded Agate Natural Pearl Cross
Located in New York, NY
Elegant cabochon banded agate, natural pearl 15K Rose Gold large antique English cross 19th Century Composed of well matched banded agate cabochons forming an elongated vertical white line against a dark background with each arm ending in three silvery white natural pearls. Original bale of substantial size centered with a dimunitive cabochon banded agate flanked by natural pearls. Banded agate has been prized for its beauty and protective powers for thousands of years, making it particularly well suited for a cross. The gem is thought to shield the wearer from negative energies, promote calmness and enhance self-confidence. Victorian banded agate jewelry...
Agate, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
14k gold pendant with cameo - lady's portrait - 12.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold pendant with cameo - lady's portrait - 12.0 grams Detailed description The pendant is 6.0 cm high and 3.4 cm wide. Total weight: 12.0 grams Set with: - 4.4 cm x 3.3 cm ...
14k Gold
1800's Victorian Cameo with Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Capture the elegance of the Victorian and Art Deco eras with this exquisite Antique Shell Cameo Habillé Brooch/Pendant. Hand-carved from genuine natural shell, likely carnelian, this...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Necklace and pendant with pearl, old mine and rose cut diamonds 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with a pearl, old mine and rose-cut diamonds, totaling 3.00 ct – G/H - SI - 45 cm Detailed description The necklace is 60 cm long and 1.6 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace with Pearl & Diamonds, 0.70ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with pendant set with pearl and old mine cut diamond total approximately 0.70 ct G/H - SI - 40 cm long detailed description the pendant is 2.3 cm high and ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine and rose cut diamonds 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold necklace with a rose gold and silver pendant set with old mine cut and rose cut diamonds. up to 1.00 ct - G/H - SI - 50 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Virgin Mary Medal Necklace Sacred Heart Jesus Vintage Figaro Chain Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Miraculous Medal Necklace with Virgin Mary and Sacred Heart Medals on Sterling Silver Figaro Chain This Miraculous Medal necklace is composed of a 17-inch sterling silver Figaro cha...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with a rose-cut diamond, totaling approximately 1.50 ct – G/H - SI – 60 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 60 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace with pearl and rose cut diamonds up to 0.15ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold necklace with a gold and silver centerpiece set with pearl and rose diamond up to 0.20ct - G/H - SI - 45 cm long detailed description: the necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 m...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Choker with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 14k gold and silver 4.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k red gold necklace with a gold and silver centerpiece set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.40 ct – G/H – SI - 45 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 45 cm long and 0.7 mm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Cross pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 6.00ct silver 12.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Victorian silver cross pendant set with rose-cut diamonds up to 6.00 ct Detailed description: The cross pendant measures approximately 6.5 cm by 4.5 cm Weight: 12.6 grams Set wit...
Diamond, Silver
Victorian pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k yellow gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver pendant set with rose cut diamond total approximately 0.30ct – G/H - SI Detailed description the size of the pendant is 2.5 cm high and 0.9 cm wide to...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
necklace with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 3.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold necklace with a gold and silver center piece set with old mine and rose cut diamonds. 3.00ct – G/H – VS/SI – 45 cm long Detailed description the length of the necklac...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
18ct Gold French Early Victorian Rose Cut Diamond, Enamel & Pearl Brooch/Pendent
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Brooch/Pendant 18ct Gold French Circa 1850 * THE CHAIN IS SOLD SEPARATELY Step back in time with this stunning Early Victorian-era brooch, meticulously crafted to showc...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Spectacular Victorian Citrine Cross
Located in Cohasset, MA
Victorian Citrine Cross pendant 2.25 - 2.5", circa 1890 This Antique Victorian Large 14K Citrine Cross Pendant is a stunning piece of vintage jewelry. The pendant features a cross s...
Citrine, 14k Gold
Silver necklace with pendant set with a rose-cut diamond 0.50 ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
Silver necklace with pendant set with a rose-cut diamond 0.50 ct - H/I - SI - 38 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 38 cm long and 0.7 mm wide. The pendant measures 2.0 ...
Diamond, Silver
Victorian Pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver pendant set with rose-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.35 ct, F/G, SI Detailed description: The pendant measures 2.0 cm high and 1.2 cm wide. Total weigh...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Flower head shape pendant with rose diamonds up to. 4.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver in a flower head shape pendant set with various rose diamonds up to. 4.00ct – G/H – SI – 6.1 grams Detailed description dimensions of the pendant are 3....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace, the flexible tapering yellow gold body formed of three rows of scale-like collets each set with a ro...
Turquoise, Gold
Antique 18k Gold Garnet and Rose Cut Diamond Pendant Necklace, 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold necklace with pendant with garnet and rose cut diamond 0.20ct - H/I - SI - 50 cm Detailed description the necklace is 50 cm long and 0.7 mm wide The size of the pendant i...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Necklace and pendant with old mine cut diamonds up to 2.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver necklace with a cross pendant set with an old mine-cut diamond up to 2.00 ct - F/G - SI/P - 40 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 40 cm long and 0.9 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage French Virgin Mary Devotional Medals Necklace
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage French Solid Silver Religious Medals Necklace on Aged Gold-Plated Brass Chain Vintage French religious necklace featuring two solid silver devotional medals suspended from a...
Gold Plate, Silver, Brass
Fine Diamond and Cultured Pearl Necklace
Located in London, GB
A fine early Victorian diamond detachable centrepiece set with an old-cut diamond surrounded by eight diamond-set petals, all within an ornate openwork scroll design plaque suspending an old-cut diamond drop, set throughout with old brilliant and rose-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 6.3 carats in total, strung to five rows of cultured saltwater pearls measuring approximately 5mm in diameter, with two early Victorian plaques...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Rope necklace and pendant with pearls 8.2 grams 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold pendant set with pearls, with black ribbon detailed description: the pendant is 6.5 cm long by 3.0 cm wide Black ribbon is approximately 50 cm long, end can be tied ...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Breathtaking Georgian Old Mine Cut Diamond Silver and Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This stunning silver and gold necklace is set with 44 sparkling old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 37.30ct. The color of the diamonds is J-K with VS clarity. The necklace h...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver pendant set with a rose-cut diamond, total approximately 1.00 ct – G/H - SI – 50 cm long Detailed description The necklace is 50 cm ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Necklace and pendant with rose cut diamonds up to 2.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold necklace with a gold and silver entourage pendant set with rose-cut diamonds. 2.50 ct - G/ - SI - 45 cm long Detailed description: The necklace is 45 cm long and 1....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver