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Victorian Models and Miniatures

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
Monkey Band Austrian Vienna Bronze 9 Piece Antique circa 1900 Drum Violin Horn
Monkey Band Austrian Vienna Bronze 9 Piece Antique circa 1900 Drum Violin Horn

Monkey Band Austrian Vienna Bronze 9 Piece Antique circa 1900 Drum Violin Horn

Located in New York, NY

THIS IS A RARE MONKEY BAND WITH NINE PLAYERS AND CONDUCTORS. THE MONKEY MUSICIANS ARE ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZES. THE BAND INCLUDES THE CONDUCTOR WITH MUSIC STAND, DRUM, VIOLIN, TRUMPET, CELLO OR BASE, CYMBALS, FRENCH HORN OR TUBA AND FLUTE. These wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronzes (Bronze de Vienne...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Princess
Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Princess

Antique Victorian Cameo Shell Princess

Located in Chesterland, OH

This Victorian unmounted Carnelian shell cameo depicting the right-facing profile of the Princess is very well carved in exquisite detail. The surface is as crisp as the day it was crafted, impressive for a shell cameo from the late Victorian era. This would date back to around the 1860s-1890s. The carving on this cameo is excellent and well-detailed, with good relief. This was carved by an excellent carver, as were most Victorian cameos. This loose cameo...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Antique Victorian Charm Pendant Seal Bird of Pray Claw Holding a Fluorite Ball
Antique Victorian Charm Pendant Seal Bird of Pray Claw Holding a Fluorite Ball

Antique Victorian Charm Pendant Seal Bird of Pray Claw Holding a Fluorite Ball

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This antique charm was created in the last quarter of the nineteenth century out of metal. The pendant is designed as a claw of a bird of prey holding a fluorite ball. The naturalist...

Category

1980s European Vintage Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Fluorite, Base Metal, Other

Antique Gorham Reticulated Sterling Silver Miniature Basket
Antique Gorham Reticulated Sterling Silver Miniature Basket

Antique Gorham Reticulated Sterling Silver Miniature Basket

By Gorham

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique sterling silver basket. By Gorham. In the form of a small handled openwork basket with decorative molded garlands to the exterior. Simply a great diminutive basket ...

Category

20th Century American Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cat Kitten Bronze Letter Holder Austrian Vienna Bronze Long Live Katzenjammer
Cat Kitten Bronze Letter Holder Austrian Vienna Bronze Long Live Katzenjammer

Cat Kitten Bronze Letter Holder Austrian Vienna Bronze Long Live Katzenjammer

Located in New York, NY

This is a superb antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted Bronze) Letter Holder. The bronze plaque on the front depicts a trio of kittens eating and drinking...

Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Coral Stickpin of Figural Face in the Motif of the Grotesque
Victorian Coral Stickpin of Figural Face in the Motif of the Grotesque

Victorian Coral Stickpin of Figural Face in the Motif of the Grotesque

Located in Baltimore, MD

We love our wonderfully esoteric Grotesque man (or "other") crafted by a talented unknown carver in the 19th century from a chunk of the most desirable orange-red toned coral. Connoisseurs of literature or theater or the arts understand the term Grotesque as referring to fantastical, exaggerated or distorted representations, usually of the human face or figure. (The word "grotesque" originates from the Italian "grottesca", meaning of a cave" (grotto = cave in Italian) and refers to doubled, metamorphosed, or altered forms). Originally Italian, the concept of the Grotesque was used in French and German literature as well, and is a an integral part of English literature and theatre (The Theatre of the Grotesque preceded the Theatre of the Absurd) today. We find our Grotesque stickpin guy (gal) to be not grotesque at all but endearing, with his (or her) exaggerated features and droopy skin folds. And as a reference to classic theatre, this coral stickpin...

Category

1880s British Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Coral, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Gilt Sterling Silver Drum Shaped Napkin Ring and Case
Antique Victorian Gilt Sterling Silver Drum Shaped Napkin Ring and Case

Antique Victorian Gilt Sterling Silver Drum Shaped Napkin Ring and Case

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An extraordinarily fine and rare antique American napkin ring. In sterling silver. In the form of a drum with a stippled, gilt finished body and silver tension ropes and clamps. T...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Sterling Silver

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Vintage 1970s Yellow Gold Articulated Fish Charm
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Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

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Tiffany & Co Estate Antique Buttons 1.625" Sterling Silver
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Tiffany & Co Estate Antique Buttons 1.625" Sterling Silver

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Tiffany & Co Estate Antique Buttons 1.625" Sterling Silver TIF667 These elegant Authentic Tiffany & Co Men's Antique Buttons are made of sterling silver and have a weight of...

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1990s American Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Old Signed Carved Nephrite Jade German / Russian Hippopotamus Figure
Old Signed Carved Nephrite Jade German / Russian Hippopotamus Figure

Old Signed Carved Nephrite Jade German / Russian Hippopotamus Figure

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A very fine carved Nephrite Jade hippopotamus figurine. Likely the work of the German lapidary carvers in Idar Oberstein (or possibly Russian in origin). The feet of the hippo have numbered inscription or signature. Simply a great carving! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition. There are a few round concussion marks here and there, loss to one ear, a small fracture in one nostril (likely from the carving), some edge wear, and some very fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age Maker: Possibly from Idar Oberstein (or one of the Russian houses...

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20th Century Unknown Victorian Models and Miniatures

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925 Silver Gilt Miniature Cira Violin with Case
925 Silver Gilt Miniature Cira Violin with Case

925 Silver Gilt Miniature Cira Violin with Case

Located in Montreal, QC

Vintage sterling silver gold gilt miniature violin with original case and bow made by Cira. Measures 12cm long, case 17cm long. Stamped Cira 925, good condition.

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Sterling Silver Jungle Animals
Sterling Silver Jungle Animals

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Five sterling silver jungle animals to include: an elephant; a lion; a rhinoceros; a jungle cat and a wading bird with a fish in its mouth. The pieces ...

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Sterling Silver

Antique Swivel Seal Pendant/Charm Carnelian & Blood-Stone British Hallmarked
Antique Swivel Seal Pendant/Charm Carnelian & Blood-Stone British Hallmarked

Antique Swivel Seal Pendant/Charm Carnelian & Blood-Stone British Hallmarked

Located in London, GB

Antique swivel seal pendant set with Carnelian and Blood-Stone set in 9-carat rose gold, British Hallmarked Birmingham 1900, Sponsor mark "M&M". Could ...

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Early 1900s British Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Line Vautrin Gilt Bronze "Station de Métro", c. 1945
Line Vautrin Gilt Bronze "Station de Métro", c. 1945

Line Vautrin Gilt Bronze "Station de Métro", c. 1945

By Line Vautrin

Located in New York, NY

This marvelous and whimsical gilded bronze “Stations du Métro” belt was designed and made by Line Vautrin in France in 1945. True to Vautrin’s signature style, the belt is imbued wit...

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Mid-20th Century French Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Bronze

Green Parrot Bird Bergman Austrian Vienna Bronze Lovebird Cold Painted Bronze
Green Parrot Bird Bergman Austrian Vienna Bronze Lovebird Cold Painted Bronze

Green Parrot Bird Bergman Austrian Vienna Bronze Lovebird Cold Painted Bronze

Located in New York, NY

THIS IS A SUPERB ANTIQUE BERGMAN AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZE OF A GREEN PARROT OR LOVEBIRD. This wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted Br...

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Antique Sterling Silver Mesh Bag With Deer Design
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Located in Bernardsville, NJ

Weight: 236.4 grams Material: Sterling Silver Marked 925 Dimension: 6 inches x 7 inches Handle length: 12.5 inches

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20th Century Victorian Models and Miniatures

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1784 Antique Royal Imperial Vienna Sorgenthal White Cat porcelain figure
1784 Antique Royal Imperial Vienna Sorgenthal White Cat porcelain figure

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Located in SE

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The Olympic Flame Centenary Coin 22 karat Yellow Gold 1992
The Olympic Flame Centenary Coin 22 karat Yellow Gold 1992

The Olympic Flame Centenary Coin 22 karat Yellow Gold 1992

Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette

The Olympic Flame Centenary Coin is a commemorative piece minted to celebrate the centenary of the Olympic Games. Head of Queen Elizabeth II, as at 64 years of age, wearing the royal diadem, necklace, and earrings, facing right. The coin is crafted from 22 karat yellow gold, ensuring both durability and a rich, lustrous appearance. The use of high-purity gold signifies its value and collectible status. The coin has a face value of 175 dollars, issued by Canada, marking its authenticity and legal tender status. The coin commemorates the centenary of the Olympic Flame, a symbol of the enduring spirit and tradition of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Flame represents the ideals of peace, unity, and friendship among nations. The obverse side of the coin features an image of Queen Elizabeth II, a common element on Canadian currency, along with inscriptions denoting the coin’s country of origin and face value. Inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "D.G. REGINA" (by the Grace of God, Queen), "175 DOLLARS," and the year of minting, 1992. Engraver: Dora de Pédery-Hunt The reverse side features a detailed and symbolic depiction of the Olympic Flame, shown as a burning torch or flame, accompanied by several different faces reaching toward the Olympic torch. Engraver: Ago Aarand, Designer: Stewart Sherwood. On the edge there is a script in latin : citius, altius, fortius. Mint : Royal Canadian Mint of Ottawa, Canada. This coin was minted along with several countries for the International Olympic Comittee (I.O.C.) in commemoration of the centennial of the Olympics. The coin is struck with high relief, showcasing intricate details and fine craftsmanship typical of commemorative coins. The design elements are rendered with precision, highlighting both the flame's symbolic significance and the historical importance of the centenary celebration. As a limited-edition commemorative coin, the Olympic Flame Centenary Coin holds significant value for collectors, particularly those with an interest in Olympic memorabilia...

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20th Century Canadian Victorian Models and Miniatures

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18 Karat Gold Unicorn Miniature on Lazurite Magnetic Stone, MOISEIKIN
18 Karat Gold Unicorn Miniature on Lazurite Magnetic Stone, MOISEIKIN

18 Karat Gold Unicorn Miniature on Lazurite Magnetic Stone, MOISEIKIN

By MOISEIKIN

Located in Hong Kong, HK

The legendary unicorn embodies toleration, dignity, care and purity. This gift is a wish for longevity and enlightenment. MOISEIKIN® embodied the images of energetic, tough and freedom loving horse on the precious metal and lazurite which was considered symbolic to success and bright ability . Specialised in carving technique, the body of unicorn is detailed. The pebble shape lazurite contains special magnet which attracts some coins such as Rubles, Yuan, Dirham, Singapore Dollars as well as desk stationary -clips while helping enhancing the natural stone power. Unicorn miniature will become a real talisman that attracts good fortune throughout the year. 18K Gold Unicorn Miniature "Source of Inspiration" Gross weight 115g Size: W57mm x D45mm x H 60mm Lazurite 81.27g accompanied with a handmade wooden box If you are interested in miniature collections...

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21st Century and Contemporary Russian Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold

Previously Available Items
Antique Early Victorian Winged Diamond And Turquoise Cherub Brooch Circa 1850/60
Antique Early Victorian Winged Diamond And Turquoise Cherub Brooch Circa 1850/60

Antique Early Victorian Winged Diamond And Turquoise Cherub Brooch Circa 1850/60

Located in NEW TOWN, AU

Dating to the early Victorian era circa 1850-60’s an incredibly rare and exquisite diamond winged Turquoise cherub brooch. The wings are set with sixteen rose cut diamonds and to th...

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1850s Unknown Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Silver

Vintage Shell Cameo G.Noto
Vintage Shell Cameo G.Noto

Vintage Shell Cameo G.Noto

Sold

W 1.34 in L 1.75 in

Vintage Shell Cameo G.Noto

Located in Chesterland, OH

This vintage unmounted Carnelian shell cameo depicting the profile of the beautiful young lady with a little bird is very well carved in exquisite detail. This cameo dates back to around the 1930s-1940s. The carving on this cameo is excellent and well-detailed, with good relief. This was carved by Giovanni Noto, an excellent carver, sculptor, artist, and professor (1902 - 1985). This loose cameo...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Victorian Models and Miniatures

Antique Figural Sterling Silver Dog Whistle
Antique Figural Sterling Silver Dog Whistle

Antique Figural Sterling Silver Dog Whistle

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique silver dog whistle. Made in sterling silver in the form of the bust of a hound mounted atop a functional whistle. The dog holds a bail i...

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Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Sterling Silver

Aurelio Teno Surrealist Sterling Silver & Shell Character
Aurelio Teno Surrealist Sterling Silver & Shell Character

Aurelio Teno Surrealist Sterling Silver & Shell Character

By Aurelio Teno

Located in London, GB

Deaigner Aurelio Teno. created this Surrealist Sterling Silver & Whole Sunken Shell ,as the back ,Squirrel Character with red coral Stone eyes Presented on a marble stone base. Creat...

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Mid-20th Century Spanish Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Victorian Portrait Miniature Pendant, Locket, Hairwork, 9 Karat Yellow Gold
Victorian Portrait Miniature Pendant, Locket, Hairwork, 9 Karat Yellow Gold

Victorian Portrait Miniature Pendant, Locket, Hairwork, 9 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in NEWARK, GB

A very fine antique portrait miniature in gold with a pendant fitting. It is a large piece with a rich 9 karat gold bezel frame with glazed covers either side, the front features the most beautiful hand painted portrait of a lady in a dress with a pearl necklace, her hair worn high. The reverse features a large lock of light brown hair, swirled and fixed with a small section of metallic thread on a silk backing. It could be worn as a large pendant. This stunning piece is truly a sight to behold, it comes in the original leather fitted triptych case, marked on the reverse for Dickinsons Regent Street (London). Dickinsons were a very renowned team, all brothers and at one time they dominated the photographic and print making industry of London. They were considered pioneers with the swift pace of technology they utilised and new techniques they adopted to produce the finest images and at a faster pace. They gained recognition for the work they created quickly and their customer base included dignitaries and Royals, Prince Albert himself commissioned a number of lithographs from the company. One of the brothers was Lowes Cato Dickinson, it is thought his primary work with the company was painting and portraits, Lowes was an artist who is widely recognised for his works and he taught with John Ruskin and Dante Rossetti...

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19th Century British Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Yellow Gold

Victorian 14 Karat Hand Engraved Locket Portrait Miniature Watch Key
Victorian 14 Karat Hand Engraved Locket Portrait Miniature Watch Key

Victorian 14 Karat Hand Engraved Locket Portrait Miniature Watch Key

Located in Towson, MD

Truly charming Early Victorian 14kt yellow gold watch key. The outside of the watch key is hand engraved on the front. It's also hand engraved with the initials "CCC" on the reverse. Upon opening the locket, you will discover the hand painted portrait of a woman. Watch keys were generally worn by men to wind their pocket watches when pocket watches were worn attached to their waist coat. This one is all the more special given the locket style- a rarity as opposed to the purely utilitarian watch keys usually in style at the time. Men were generally in public more often than women and while they owned portraits of their wives and family (the only way to get an image of your family prior to the advent of photography) those portraits were usually left at home. The fact that this one is concealed inside a locket meant that the original owner of this watch key wanted to keep his wife with him all the time- sort of like a little secret that he had. This watch key symbolizes love in it's all it's forms. The sitters dress and hairstyle date this watch key to the 1840's to 1850's. Daggerreotypes were developed in 1839 and by the 1850's, photography had almost completely replaced hand painted portrait miniatures. This miniature portrait seems to have been painted in a time before photography had completely eliminated the art form of hand painted miniatures altogether. By this, we can surmise a couple of things about man who commissioned this; One- he most likely was more wealthy than the average man. It was by far less expensive to have a photograph taken than it was to pay a painter to paint his wife's portrait. Two- this man most likely valued established traditions. He chose to continue a centuries old practice rather than switch to a modern technology no matter how much money...

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1850s Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Gold and Lapis Watch Fob in Form of a Greyhound
Antique Gold and Lapis Watch Fob in Form of a Greyhound

Antique Gold and Lapis Watch Fob in Form of a Greyhound

Located in Baltimore, MD

C1900 18K figural dog fob depicting a greyhound, or possibly a whippet, with adorable blue collar, perched atop a bed of lapis. He or she would look wonderful ...

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Early 1900s British Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Victorian Miniature Portrait in a Yellow Gold Locket
Victorian Miniature Portrait in a Yellow Gold Locket

Victorian Miniature Portrait in a Yellow Gold Locket

Located in Banbury, GB

This is a piece to be treasured. The young man pictured in the miniature obviously held a special place in somebody's heart. The guilloché pattern surrounding the centre of each pane...

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Early 19th Century British Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Yellow Gold

Victorian 1890s French Bulldog Enamel Diamond Gold Stick Pin
Victorian 1890s French Bulldog Enamel Diamond Gold Stick Pin

Victorian 1890s French Bulldog Enamel Diamond Gold Stick Pin

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Victorian 1890s French Bulldog stick pin enamel diamond and gold. The dimensional, full-front face design features diamond-set eyes and realistic ena...

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1890s American Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

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Antique Essex Crystal English Terrier Stickpin
Antique Essex Crystal English Terrier Stickpin

Antique Essex Crystal English Terrier Stickpin

Located in Baltimore, MD

Charming Victorian 18K gold Essex crystal stickpin of an English terrier. Essex crystal is a process where rock crystals are cut as a cabochon (...

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Late 19th Century British Antique Victorian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold