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 Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch-Pendant from the 1870's. Charming design with angel putti playing with florals. Likely French in origin with hand painted porcelain in a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel, Silver
Antique Victorian 1887 Ladies Pocket Silver Watch
Located in New York, NY
This finely crafted antique pocket watch is a strong example of late 19th-century British horology, combining decorative silver casework with a carefully detailed enamel dial. The wh...
Victorian Gold Griffin Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Victorian Gold Griffin Pendant with diamond accent in mouth. The chain is a pinkish ornate link in 10k gold matched to this late 19th Century griffin brooch in 14K. The ornat...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold
$288Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Sterling Silver Black Onyx Bird Claw Charm Necklace Circa 1880
Located in Honolulu, HI
An edgy and highly collectible late 19th-century Victorian silver necklace, featuring a masterfully sculpted bird’s claw gripping a solid, po...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Rivière necklace with amethysts, second half of the 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique necklace made of sterling silver (0.990 fineness). The necklace is decorated with a single row of 25 amethysts, each gradually changing in size. The amethysts weigh a total o...
Amethyst, Silver
Victorian necklace watch chain in 18 karat gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian necklace watch chain in 18 karat gold. Antique bar-link chain. The fluted cylindrical links, with a polished finish, alternate with small faceted oval links. The chain is e...
Gold
Oversized Victorian Locket with Moonstone
Located in New York, NY
Oversized Victorian Gold Filled Locket with Moonstone from the late 19th Century. Art Nouveau floral design with genuine moonstone. Large scale with...
Moonstone, Gold Plate
Victorian Gold Etruscan Locket with Pearls
Located in New York, NY
Substantial Victorian Etruscan Locket in 14k gold with Half Pearls from the mid 19th Century. Elaborate Etruscan decoration throughout. Origi...
Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Gargoyle Pendant in 14k gold. Beautiful detailing with tiny ruby eyes. 1870's USA. 18" chain in 14k gold, pendant .5 high.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 1883 Silver Ivy Oval Locket Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Victorian silver oval locket is a beautifully restrained example of late 19th-century craftsmanship, combining crisp engraving.The front is decorated with a central engraved fol...
Silver
Large Victorian Gutta Percha Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Imposing Victorian Gutta Percha Cross Pendant from the 1870's. Large cross pendant set with gutta percha cabochons on a mixed link chain with heavily hand etched rectangular stations...
Antique 14 Karat Gold Multicolor Enamel Floral Locket Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A charming floral locket pendant, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and accented with colorful enamel. The oval locket features a finely textured and hand-engraved surface decorated ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Shiebler Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Shiebler Pendant Necklace composed of a late 19th Century winged lion whistle pendant attached to antique Victorian silver chains...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace. Weve assembled these pieces from the same era together. A brown hemp/linen twine slide necklace holds a ...
Metal
Antique 9ct Gold Jade etched Medallion pendant
Located in London, GB
Antique - Victorian Era - Circa 1800s 9ct Rose Gold swing Mounted Centurion etched Shield jade medallion Condition : very good - there is a drilled hole in the jade so definitely som...
Jade, Gold
15ct Gold Whippet / Greyhound Dog Pendant with Sardonyx Seal Fob, 19th Century
Located in London, England
A rare and beautiful gold dog seal charm. We were thrilled to find this canine delight, who even has red stone eyes! The sardonyx stone is not engraved, so it is perfect for those wh...
18k Gold
Victorian Jade Pendant Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
A certified natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade hololith (a ring made from one piece of stone) is adorned with a handmade 18K rose gold bail that attaches to the jade through ...
Jade, 18k Gold
$632Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Mother-of-Pearl Scent Bottle Pendant Necklace, C. 1890–1900
Located in Honolulu, HI
An antique Victorian scent bottle pendant necklace, circa 1890–1900. The three-dimensional bottle is formed from two matching convex mother-of-pearl panels secured within a brass fra...
Brass
Victorian Five Strand Red Coral Necklace with 14k Gold Clasp, 1890
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Antique Coral necklace. A five strand of fine European natural red/salmon coral necklace beads about 6-7mm. The coral beads are barrel-shaped and the handmade clasp is made of 14k y...
Coral, 14k Gold
$392Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1890 Victorian Rose Gold-Filled Pocket Watch Case Locke
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite antique late Victorian pocket watch style locket, dating to circa 1890. The case is crafted from a warm, rose-toned gold-filled metal, featuring a classic ribbed watch-t...
Gold-filled
Antique pendant with numerous old-cut diamonds 3.00ct, late 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique pendant with numerous old-cut diamonds 3.00ct, late 19th century. Antique diamond pendant in the shape of a floral branch, set with old-cut diamonds, a vintage piece from th...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
$424Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1890s Victorian Gold-Filled Book Chain Necklace with Detachable Cross
Located in Honolulu, HI
Antique Victorian gold-filled book chain necklace, circa 1890s. Features a highly detailed, hand-engraved Gothic-style cross pendant. A key feature is the specialized open-clasp mech...
Gold-filled
Victorian Cassis Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant Necklace HEB Chain c. 1880s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exceptional Victorian era (circa 1880s) book chain necklace crafted with intricately linked rectangular motifs resembling the bound spine of a book. This piece features a versati...
Gold Plate
$632Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1890s French Antique Mother of Pearl and Silver-Tone Rosary Description:
Located in Honolulu, HI
A stunning example of 19th-century French religious craftsmanship, this antique rosary features hand-carved Mother of Pearl (MOP) beads that radiate a...
Silver Plate
Vintage Chinese Export Coral Turquoise Necklace 30 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous 1950s imported necklace features stunning genuine coral and turquoise beads. The ornate clasp is 14k gold. Measurements: 1/2 of an inch wide, 30 wearable inches Weight...
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Vintage 9K/ 14K Yellow Gold Snake Necklace with Rubies and Diamond.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, with a 9K Yellow Gold Chain, this antique snake necklace captivates with it's expertly detailed textural scales, and unique antique chain. There are 2 Rou...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Onyx and Diamond Mourning Locket Pendant
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A refined 19th-century mourning locket pendant, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and set with a deep black oval onyx plaque. The onyx is centrally mounted with a delicate rose-cut dia...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Silver
$2,455Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Cameo Large Brooch Pendant Depicting Ceres, circa 1890
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An elegant late 19th century Italian shell cameo pendant necklace, finely carved to depict the classical goddess Ceres (Demeter) in profile, her flowing hair adorned with wheat sheav...
Original Victorian Coral Beads
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Coral Beads on original cotton cord from a period jewelers lot. Genuine coral beads, great to wear loosely tied on back or wit...
Coral
RARE Antique Essex Crystal Butterfly Locket Pendant/Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare antique locket boasts an intricate Essex Crystal depicting a hand painted butterfly surrounded by possibly natural pearl beads. Expertly crafted in 22 karat yellow gold, th...
Pearl, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Emerald & Diamond Brooch Pendant Set, 9k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.77 carat emerald, 1.95 carat diamond, 9 carat yellow gold and silver set brooch/pendant and earrings jewellery set - boxed...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver
A late Victorian gold guard chain
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian gold guard chain, consisting of double belcher links terminating in a bow clasp, bearing a cartouche marked 18ct, English,circa 1890, measuring 167x0.3cm, gross weig...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Coral Graduated Toggle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Victorian Coral Graduated Toggle Necklace composed of hundreds of hand carved coral beads in the shape of barbells which form a "bead" rope of ...
10k Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Victorian Barrel clasp Necklace
Located in London, GB
Antique 9ct 375 Gold Victorian Chain with secure Barrel clasp With a wrap around Plaque marked "9c" "J M" (Goldsmiths initials) Length - 18 Inches Thickness - 2.25 mm (millimeters)...
Gold
Victorian Black Glass Intaglio Classical Cameo Pendant Necklace c.1890s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An impressive and bold antique Neo-Classical Revival pendant necklace (circa 1890s–1910s). The focal point is a large circular pendant housing a matte black molded glass intaglio de...
Silver Plate
Victorian Cabochon Garnet Snake Necklace with a Heart Locket in Original Case
Located in London, England
Few motifs in Victorian jewellery are as symbolic as the snake. Popularised after Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a serpent engagement ring in 1839, the snake became a symbol of et...
Garnet, 15k Gold
Bohemian Crystal Pontifical Crucifix
Located in New York, NY
Faceted crystal crucifix from Bohemia circa 1900. The faceted crystals are set into darkened silver gilt plate with a decorative multi pronged edge. B...
Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Gilt Metal, Pinchbeck
Georgian Revival 15 Karat Yellow Gold and Natural Topaz Rivière
Located in New York, NY
Georgian Revival 15 Karat Yellow Gold and Natural Topaz Rivière c.1890 L 54.5 cm / 21.5 in. 1 cm x .8 cm / 0.4 in x 0.3 in. 31 grams
Topaz, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique gold pendant with turquoises and pearls, Austria-Hungary 1867-1922.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique gold pendant with turquoises and pearls, Austria-Hungary 1867-1922. Antique gold pendant made of 14-karat yellow gold (0.585 fineness). An antique gold pendant decorated wit...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Diamond, Silver and Gold Crescent Pendant, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
An antique diamond crescent pendant, set with a row of old-cut diamonds, graduating from the centre, in cut down settings, surrounded by old-cut diamonds, in a grain set channel, wit...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
$7,988Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN Bohemian 1880 Gilt Festoon Necklace With 112.90 Ctw Of Natural Garnets
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian large festoon necklace with Bohemian red garnets. This is a fabulous and rare antique festoon Bohemian necklace created in England during th...
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
Antique GIA Certified Natural Pearl 14K Old Mine Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Late Victorian diamond and natural pearl pendant executed in the highly desirable silver-topped gold technique, characteristic of fine jewelry from the late 19th century...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Old Cut Diamond Convertible Star Brooch / Pendant
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Late Victorian old cut diamond star brooch/pendant, set in silver and gold. The piece is composed of a large star motif; set throughout with large old cut diamo...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique Gold and Platinum Amethyst and Diamond Cross Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An antique amethyst and diamond cross necklace. The necklace is composed as a delicate double-chain arrangement, set with 12 bezel-set square amethysts, accented with 10 round amethy...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Saltwater Pearl & Old Cut Diamond Multi-Strand Platinum Necklace
Located in London, GB
We are proud to introduce a magnificent authentic antique necklace, a true celebration of timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. Dating back to the 1910s, this elegant piece...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique Victorian 15CT YG Amethyst Festoon Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A rare example of a 15ct gold necklace, a hallmark of British antique jewelry. This elegant antique necklace crafted in 15ct gold, designed as a graceful festoon with draped chain sw...
Amethyst, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Era Sterling Silver and Banded Agate Heart Padlock Necklace, 1880
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exquisite Victorian-era necklace features a remarkable heart-shaped padlock pendant, serving as a quintessential example of 19th-century sentimental jewelry. The face of the hea...
Sterling Silver
French 18 Carat Yellow Gold Double Round Bar Link Long Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
This fancy 18 carat yellow gold chain necklace is beautifully designed with alternating textured double bar links and small textured square links. The sturdy necklace secures with a ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Diamond Approx 30.00 Carat Old Rose Cut Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Victorian era hand made Diamond Necklace is made of 7-9k gold. It contains old rose cut diamonds weighing approximately 30.00 CTTW. Beautiful Floral motif. Several missing...
Diamond
Unusual Victorian Agate Figural Fob
Located in New York, NY
Rare Victorian Agate Figural Fob from the late 19th Century of gilt metal with striped Scottish agate. Finely detailed elk or deer motif with original bal...
Agate, Gilt Metal
$2,278
18ct Gold Box Chain
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Vintage Italian 18ct 750 Gold 24.25" Box Chain Italian province mark 13VI origin Vincenza Era 1944- 1968 Weight 8.36 grams
Gold
$568Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Scottish Banded Agate T-Bar Watch Chain Conversion Necklace Circa 1880
Located in Honolulu, HI
A beautiful piece of history repurposed for contemporary wear. This necklace features an original late 19th-century Victorian British watch fob assembly, showcasing a magnificent, hi...
Agate, Gold Plate
Rare Victorian Vulcanite Athena Tear Drop Cameo Pendant
Located in Honolulu, HI
This is an exceptionally rare and striking late-Victorian (circa 1860s-1880s) mourning pendant, masterfully crafted from deep black Vulcanite. During the 19th century, as the demand ...
Other, Other
Victorian Hand Carved Shell Cameo Goddess Pendant Necklace c. 1890s
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite Victorian era (circa 1880s–1890s) hand-carved shell cameo pendant necklace, featuring a finely detailed classical profile of a goddess, likely Flora, adorned with hair f...
Gold Plate
$680Sale Price|20% Off
1880s Victorian Restored Onyx Cameo Double Tassel Book Chain Slide Necklace
Located in Honolulu, HI
A masterclass in Victorian ingenuity and versatility, this rare c. 1880s antique piece functions as a dual-purpose convertible brooch and pendant necklace. At its center rests a met...
Onyx, Gold Plate
$30,000Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN 1880 Convertible Necklace In 18Kt Gold Graduated Amethysts & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian 19th century necklace with graduated Amethysts. A magnificent and exceptional necklace created in the United Kingdom during the late High Victorian era, circa 1870–1880. T...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Gold Pendant 1.50 Carat Natural Old European Diamond, circa 1910
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian Yellow Gold Pendant, set with 31 approximately 1.50 Carat Natural Old European Diamonds ranging from F-H color and VS-SI in cla...
Diamond, Gold
$216Sale Price|20% Off
LB offers Vintage French Enamel Buckle Venetian Glass Gold Glass Brass Necklace
By Lorraines' Bijoux
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Lorraine’s Bijoux has on offer a Vintage French Enamel Blue and Red Brass Buckle Necklace. A string of Vintage Venetian glass Mille Fiore beads, Vintage Cobalt Blue Venetian Wedding ...
Brass, Gilt Metal, Gold, Enamel
Late-Victorian 9k Yellow Gold Fob Chain Circa 1890s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This antique fob chain from the late-Victorian era is crafted in 9k yellow gold and features solid graduated curb links with a T-bar drop. Secured and fitted with two swivel clasps. ...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Starburst Locket in 18K Gold with Old Mine-Cut Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A magnificent late Victorian-era locket crafted in 18K yellow gold, adorned with a radiant star motif set with 41 old mine-cut diamonds totaling approximately 3.67 carats. The centra...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold