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Victorian Boxes and Cases

VICTORIAN STYLE

The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.

The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.

Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, 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 era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.

Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs. 

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Style: Victorian
Continental Silver Hunt Scene Repousse Box
Continental Silver Hunt Scene Repousse Box

Continental Silver Hunt Scene Repousse Box

Located in Riverdale, NY

Elegant Continental Silver Hunt Scene Repousse Box. Hand repousee with hunters with boar, dog and boar. 1900's European hallmarks. Handmade. 5.75" x 4" x ...

Category

1890s European Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Rare Victorian Howard and Co Key Presentation Box, 19th Century
Rare Victorian Howard and Co Key Presentation Box, 19th Century

Rare Victorian Howard and Co Key Presentation Box, 19th Century

Located in Braintree, GB

A rare Victorian key presentation box by Howard and Co, dating to the 19th century. An unusual fitted presentation box designed to hold a key, of strong appeal to collectors of antiq...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Antique Dutch Engraved Silver Oval Box, 19th Century
Antique Dutch Engraved Silver Oval Box, 19th Century

Antique Dutch Engraved Silver Oval Box, 19th Century

Located in Rotterdam, NL

This exquisite antique Dutch silver box is a fine example of 19th-century European silversmithing, showcasing both elegance in design and historical significance. Crafted in the Neth...

Category

Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Victorian Sterling Silver Heart Box Jewelry Dresser Pill Patch Box
Victorian Sterling Silver Heart Box Jewelry Dresser Pill Patch Box

Victorian Sterling Silver Heart Box Jewelry Dresser Pill Patch Box

Located in New York, NY

THIS IS A WONDERFUL ANTIQUE VICTORIAN HEART SHAPE BOX WITH A STERLING SILVER REPOUSSE ENGRAVED TOP OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY WITH A CRYSTAL BOTTOM. THE SILVER JEWELRY, KEEPSAKE, DRES...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Silver Ring Box, Circa 1890
Antique Silver Ring Box, Circa 1890

Antique Silver Ring Box, Circa 1890

Located in Altrincham, GB

Here we have a the most incredible antique multi ring/trinket box... With red velvet interiors, we've added a black felt inner that can accommodate up to six individual rings- If you...

Category

1880s German Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver & Enamel “Who The Devil Are You?" Vesta Case
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver & Enamel “Who The Devil Are You?" Vesta Case

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver & Enamel “Who The Devil Are You?" Vesta Case

Located in Rotterdam, NL

A rare and delightfully whimsical Victorian-era sterling silver vesta case, dated 1887, showcasing a unique blend of satire and fine craftsmanship. This collectible piece, both funct...

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

925 Sterling Silver/Silver Gilt Birmingham c1816 English Vinaigrette / Snuff Box
925 Sterling Silver/Silver Gilt Birmingham c1816 English Vinaigrette / Snuff Box

925 Sterling Silver/Silver Gilt Birmingham c1816 English Vinaigrette / Snuff Box

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

Finds such as these are rare, as it’s a fascinating piece of the early XIX century history of England The vinaigrette is nearly 210 years old, yet it’s in beautiful original condit...

Category

1810s British Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Sterling Silver

c. 1890s Rare Antique Victorian Green Turbo Shell Small Box
c. 1890s Rare Antique Victorian Green Turbo Shell Small Box

c. 1890s Rare Antique Victorian Green Turbo Shell Small Box

Located in Honolulu, HI

A sophisticated antique Victorian small box, masterfully crafted from a genuine green turbo shell. Unlike common mother-of-pearl items, this piece is carved from a high-density marin...

Category

1890s British Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Gold Plate

Victorian c1896 Sterling Silver Finely Engraved Card Case by George Unite.
Victorian c1896 Sterling Silver Finely Engraved Card Case by George Unite.

Victorian c1896 Sterling Silver Finely Engraved Card Case by George Unite.

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

An Antique Victorian c1896 Sterling Silver Fully Engraved Card Case Dimensions: 9.5cm x 6.5cm Total weight: 70gr. In beautiful condition Comes in original fitted box

Category

1890s British Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique French Enamel and Gilt Brass Vesta Case, circa 1880
Antique French Enamel and Gilt Brass Vesta Case, circa 1880

Antique French Enamel and Gilt Brass Vesta Case, circa 1880

Located in Rotterdam, NL

A delightful antique French vesta case (match safe), finely crafted in gilt brass and decorated with a colorful hand-painted enamel plaque. The enamel scene depicts a playful seaside...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

English Silver and Enamel Vesta Case with Fox Hunting Scene, circa 1890–1910
English Silver and Enamel Vesta Case with Fox Hunting Scene, circa 1890–1910

English Silver and Enamel Vesta Case with Fox Hunting Scene, circa 1890–1910

Located in Rotterdam, NL

A fine and highly decorative English sterling silver vesta case (match safe), hallmarked in London around the turn of the 20th century. This rectangular case combines utility with ar...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Antique Gilt Metal Enamel Vesta Case Maltese Dog with Red Bow, circa 1900
Antique Gilt Metal Enamel Vesta Case Maltese Dog with Red Bow, circa 1900

Antique Gilt Metal Enamel Vesta Case Maltese Dog with Red Bow, circa 1900

Located in Rotterdam, NL

A charming antique vesta case (match safe) featuring a beautifully hand-painted enamel portrait of a long-haired dog adorned with a red bow against a soft blue background. Crafted ci...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Enamel, Gilt Metal

Victorian 19th-Century Leather Pendant and Locket Box
Victorian 19th-Century Leather Pendant and Locket Box

Victorian 19th-Century Leather Pendant and Locket Box

Located in Braintree, GB

A tall rectangular Victorian jewellery presentation box dating from the 19th century. The exterior is covered in dark brown leather with a raised border and a small brass fastening....

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Other

Victorian Travelling Inkwell Silver Plated Banded Agate
Victorian Travelling Inkwell Silver Plated Banded Agate

Victorian Travelling Inkwell Silver Plated Banded Agate

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This little elegant travelling inkwell is made out of plated silver. The lid and the bottom of the box are set with slices of agate dyed blue.

Category

1890s European Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Agate, Silver Plate

Antique Gold and Abalone Shell Inlay Agate Snuff Box
Antique Gold and Abalone Shell Inlay Agate Snuff Box

Antique Gold and Abalone Shell Inlay Agate Snuff Box

Located in New York, NY

A beautifully crafted antique snuff box featuring exquisite gold piqué and abalone shell inlaid on the lid, depicting a stylized architectural scene bordered with scrolling foliage. ...

Category

19th Century European Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Yellow Gold

Victorian Leather Bracelet Box
Victorian Leather Bracelet Box

Victorian Leather Bracelet Box

Located in Braintree, GB

An unbranded Victorian leather bracelet box with a fitted interior, designed to hold a bracelet or bangle. A handsome period box with good antique character. Victorian presentation ...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Other

Large Victorian Brown Leather Brooch and Earring Suite Box
Large Victorian Brown Leather Brooch and Earring Suite Box

Large Victorian Brown Leather Brooch and Earring Suite Box

Located in Braintree, GB

A large antique jewellery presentation box dating from the late Victorian period, designed to accommodate a central brooch together with a pair of coordinating earrings. The rectang...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Other

Antique Enamel Erotic Vesta Case, French, Late 19th Century
Antique Enamel Erotic Vesta Case, French, Late 19th Century

Antique Enamel Erotic Vesta Case, French, Late 19th Century

Located in Rotterdam, NL

A rare and delightful late 19th-century gilt-brass vesta case with hand-painted enamel scenes, in the tradition of playful Continental "novelty" smoking accessories. The exterior lid depicts a gentleman seated on a riverbank fishing, while a lady stands nearby. Below, a hand-painted French inscription reads: “Entagaînant le goujon jéveux”, which loosely translates as “Catching the gudgeon I desire.” In French slang of the period, “gudgeon” (goujon) was both a small fish and a playful metaphor for a naïve “catch,” giving the scene a humorous double meaning. Opening the case reveals a hidden risqué scene: the same couple, but with the lady having taken a tumble, her skirts up and legs in the air, much to the surprise of her companion. The interior enamel is inscribed in French “Les surprises de Suzon” (“Suzon’s surprises”), a humorous and cheeky detail typical of these whimsical 19th-century objets de vertu. The case is of gilt brass with a ribbed striking surface to the base and retains its original hinged construction. The enamel is beautifully executed in vivid colors and remains in very good condition for its age, with only minor wear consistent with use. Dimensions: Approx. Length 4.6 cm, Width 3,7 cm, Height 1.1 cm. Weight: 39 grams Origin: France, circa 1880–1900 Materials: Gilt brass, enamel Condition: Very good antique condition with light surface wear; enamels intact and vibrant. This piece would make a superb addition to any collection of antique smoking accessories...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Gilt Metal

Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel “Punch” Vesta Case, Circa 1890
Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel “Punch” Vesta Case, Circa 1890

Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel “Punch” Vesta Case, Circa 1890

Located in Rotterdam, NL

An exceptional example of Victorian whimsy and craftsmanship, this antique silver vesta case is both a functional object and a collector’s delight. Designed in the form of a miniatur...

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Hamilton & Inches Edinburgh Brooch and Earring Box
Antique Hamilton & Inches Edinburgh Brooch and Earring Box

Antique Hamilton & Inches Edinburgh Brooch and Earring Box

Located in Braintree, GB

A rectangular antique jewellery presentation box by the renowned Edinburgh jeweller and silversmith Hamilton & Inches. The dark brown leather exterior has softly rounded corners...

Category

1970s Vintage Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

19th Century Fossin et Fils Leather Grained Necklace Presentation Box
19th Century Fossin et Fils Leather Grained Necklace Presentation Box

19th Century Fossin et Fils Leather Grained Necklace Presentation Box

Located in Riverdale, NY

Fossin et Fils Leather Grained Necklace Box from the mid 19th Century. Designed to hold a massive Revivalist Gold necklace with multiple pendants as well as bracelets. Deep Burgundy ...

Category

1850s French Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Glass Scent Bottle with Gold Mounting
Glass Scent Bottle with Gold Mounting

Glass Scent Bottle with Gold Mounting

Located in Amsterdam, NL

A glass scent bottle in the shape of an amphora with a 14 carat gold mounting, foot and stopper and two rings at the side in its original leather ca...

Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Silver Birth Stork Scissors 19th Century Baby Birth Announcement Umbilical Clamp
Silver Birth Stork Scissors 19th Century Baby Birth Announcement Umbilical Clamp

Silver Birth Stork Scissors 19th Century Baby Birth Announcement Umbilical Clamp

Located in New York, NY

This is a rare pair of antique 19th Century Silver Birth Announcement Umbilical Clamp Stork Scissors. The Silver birth stork scissors served as a birth announcement and were used to ...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel Calling Card Vesta Case, 1887
Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel Calling Card Vesta Case, 1887

Antique Victorian Silver and Enamel Calling Card Vesta Case, 1887

Located in Rotterdam, NL

This beautiful and rare Victorian silver vesta case is crafted in rectangular form with a flat-top spring-hinged lid and fine enamel detailing, offering a glimpse into the elegant so...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Antique Silver Needlecase Man Frockcoat Gaiters Playing Cards Ace of Diamonds
Antique Silver Needlecase Man Frockcoat Gaiters Playing Cards Ace of Diamonds

Antique Silver Needlecase Man Frockcoat Gaiters Playing Cards Ace of Diamonds

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Charming silver Biedermeier needle case in the shape of a man wearing a hat, frockcoat and gaiters. He is hiding his right hand, holding a playing card showing a diamond ace, behind...

Category

1820s German Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

19th Century Smith & Bartlam EPNS Finger Coin Purse
19th Century Smith & Bartlam EPNS Finger Coin Purse

19th Century Smith & Bartlam EPNS Finger Coin Purse

Located in Guaynabo, PR

This is a Smith & Bartlam EPNS Finger Coin Purse. It depicts a rectangular electroplated non sterling silver purse decorated with a high relief of scrolls of acanthus leaves, small a...

Category

19th Century English Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver Plate

Victorian engraved box, circa 1900
Victorian engraved box, circa 1900

Victorian engraved box, circa 1900

Located in London, GB

Victorian engraved box. An oval snuff/pill box featuring a gold lid engraved with floral motifs set within a garland border and a foliate pattern to...

Category

Early 1900s Antique Victorian Boxes and Cases

Materials

18k Gold