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 Pave Cut Steel Hair Comb
Located in Stamford, CT
Imagine this Early Victorian Cut Steel Hair highlighting the natural beauty of your hair,. The little bells move but do not jangle. Each cut steel bit was faceted by hand and polishe...
Cut Steel
Exceptional Early Victorian English Sterling Silver Inkstand by Henry Wilkinson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare Early Victorian sterling silver inkstand or standish by Henry Wilkinson. Retaining its original bottles, lids, taper stick, snuffer and a quill or wafer compartment. The body...
Sterling Silver
$1,040Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of French Antique Silver Paste Horn Hair Pin with Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and rare pair of antique French hair pins from early 20th century, crafted in silver and set with sparkling paste stones. Each pin features an elegant openwork horseshoe...
Silver
Handcrafted Elephant in Silver - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Impressive handcrafted elephant sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing an exceptional 3,200 grams. This remarkable piece combines sculptural pres...
Silver
Antique Pair of Stickpins 18 Karat Gold Green Guilloché Enamel Natural Pearls
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This graceful pair of stickpins was created in 1845 ca out of 18 karat gold. Each pin features a Flower with bright green enamelled flowers highlighted by 1 larger and four smaller ...
Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
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. ...
Yellow Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Marble and Brass Mounted Vase
Located in New York, NY
A Large Marble and Brass Mounted Cassolettes, Vases. It is topped with a cover terminating with a pine cone finial and a further collar of downward hanging overlapping leaves.The vas...
Brass
Silver Wild Bison Sculpture - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Impressive handcrafted wild bison sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 1,040 grams. This powerful animalier piec...
Silver
Silver Handcrafted Elephant - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Magnificent handcrafted elephant sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 1,950 grams. This striking piece reflects the excellence of Italian artis...
Silver
Viennese Antique Gold Emerald Ruby and Pearl Clock, Probably by Carl Wurm c1830
Located in London, GB
A Viennese miniature gold zappler carriage clock probably by Carl Wurm, with a repoussé, chased and engraved case, designed as a small bracket clock, with the front face finely chase...
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, Gold
Silver Handcrafted Gazelle - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant handcrafted gazelle sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 800 grams. This refined animalier piece beautifully captures the grace, agility, and noble presence of the gazelle through finely sculpted proportions and exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. The sculpture is distinguished by its long, intricately detailed horns, slender silhouette, and expressive features, all carefully modeled to convey movement and natural elegance. The softly textured silver surface and rich patina enhance the realism of the piece while emphasizing the depth and quality of the hand-finished workmanship. A sophisticated decorative object and collectible work of art, this sterling silver gazelle...
Silver
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...
Silver
Antique Pair of Early Victorian Shoebuckles For Ladies Silver Octangular
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These shoebucles were created out of silver in the scond quarter of the 19th century. The octangular shaped shoe buckles are embossed with a rich flower and foliage design. They were...
Silver
Antique Pair of Buttons Bag Piper Flower Girl Pastural Scenes Silver gilt
Located in Munich, Bavaria
These fine collectors buttons are made out of porcelain with printed and painted pastural scenes in the middle of the 19th century.. A boy with bare feet is resting in the grass hold...
Silver Plate
Silver Sculpture of Poodle Dog - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Handcrafted sterling silver Poodle sculpture, expertly made in Italy and finely detailed to capture the elegance and distinctive character of the breed. This charming figure is craft...
Silver
Silver Sculpture of a Cocker Spaniel Dog - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Handcrafted sterling silver Cocker Spaniel sculpture, finely detailed and entirely made in Italy. This elegant decorative piece captures the distinctive charm and gentle expression o...
Silver
Silver Male Doberman Dog Sculpture - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant handcrafted Doberman sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 611 grams. This refined piece captures the proud stance, sleek silhouette, an...
Silver
Handcrafted Silver Pointer Dog - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant handcrafted Pointer dog sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 558 grams. This refined animalier piece beautifully captures the athletic ...
Silver
Baby Elephant Sculpture - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Charming handcrafted baby elephant sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 640 grams. This delightful piece captures the gentle and playful nature...
Silver
Silver Handcrafted Grayling Fish - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Exceptional handcrafted Grayling fish sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 776 grams. This finely detailed piece captures the elegant form and ...
Silver
Pineapple Handicraft in Silver - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pineapple handicraft in silver
Silver
Chinese Gilt Silver Snuff Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Chinese snuff box. In gilt silver. With engraved decoration to the silver throughout and a faceted orange glass lid. Marked to the ...
Silver, Gilt Metal
Rectangular buffalo horn comb
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Fueki-ryuko is named for a state of mind that holds the eternal within the ever-changing, a harmony between constancy and transformation. It speaks to the quiet recognition that whil...
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Men's Money Clip
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated Sterling Silver money clip. Dimensions: 2.32 in. L x 0.85 in. W x 0.36 in. D - 59 mm. L x 22 mm. W x 10 mm. D Alex...
Sterling Silver
$895
H 0.63 in W 3 in D 1.88 in
Antique Viennese or Austrian Engine-Turned Silver Card Case or Snuff Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver card case or snuff box. With engine turned engraved decoration throughout. Marked with an Austrian silver assay mark for 13 Loth, Vienna, and 1856, along with...
Silver
$2,500
H 0.9 in W 2.62 in D 1.45 in
Historically Important Antique 19th C. Gilt Snuff Box for Hannah Crowninshield
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An historically important gilt bronze snuff box. With highly detailed Neoclassical engraving throughout to the lid and sides. With a cursive inscription to the base for Hannah Crow...
Bronze, Gilt Metal
Antique French Silver Hair Comb Hair Ornament
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This hair comb was handcrafted in the late 1830's, the engraving in the centre is typical for the design of the second quarter of the nineteenth The design of this hair comb feature...
Silver
Art Nouveau Enamel Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Empress Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a concave disk depicting a high relief profile of a woman with curling tendrils of long hair that drapes beyond the confines of the circular surround Her face incredibly...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
$1,800
H 0.5 in W 1.88 in L 2.5 in
Antique Gilt American Coin Silver Snuff Box attributed to Benjamin Tappin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique gilt silver snuff box. With engraved decorations to the top & monograms to both the top & bottom. Struck with what appears to be...
Silver, Gilt Metal
$13,876Sale Price|20% Off
Montblanc, Piston Fountain Pen, Patron of the Art Sir Henry Tate 888 Limited
By Montblanc
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt solid yellow gold piston fountain pen with diamonds and mother of pearl, and 18kt gold nib, fully hallmarked. Limited edition number 792 of 888. The retractable Au 750 solid gold nib is adorned with the engraving of a sugar cane plant...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 18kt Yellow Gold Carnelian Snuff Box, Rococo Design, Europe
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique 18kt yellow gold snuff box, featuring a carnelian stone set within an ornate, scrollwork border. Material: Crafted in 18kt yellow gold, the box showcases an ornate, Rococo-...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Guilloche Enamel Portrait Brooch with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Depicting the elegance and grace of a fine lady of the late 1800, this romantic French antique portrait brooch is skillfully hand painted and c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$6,250
W 1.75 in D 0.38 in L 2.13 in
Vintage Victorian Era Snuff Box 14 Karat Yellow and Rose Gold Floral Motif
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Rare, vintage snuff box from the Victorian era. This is an incredible collectors item and an estate piece that you rarely see! It would be an incredi...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold
H 3.75 in W 2.5 in D 0.5 in Dm 2.5 in L 3.75 in
German Silver Cigarette Case Embossed Scrolled Floral Motifs Lid
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent German cigarette case with embossed scrolled floral motifs to the lid 800 Silver Standard SIZE: 3 3/4 x .2 1/2" Circa 1890 Excellen...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Letter Opener
Located in NEWARK, GB
An exceptionally fine, antique, early Victorian era sterling silver letter opener. This particular example is beautifully decorated with all over engraving of flora, a stylised hilt...
Sterling Silver
Collection of William IV and Victorian Mourning Brooches
Located in London, GB
A collection of sixteen William IV and Victorian mourning brooches, each brooch centred with a glazed locket containing plaited hair within s...
Pearl, Gold
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...
14k Gold
Antique Early Victorian Crystal Glass Gold Scent Bottle Perfume Bottle
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Charming and beautifully designed small gold mounted perfume bottle. The exquisitely cut crystal bottle has the initial LB etched onto one side of the bottle .The opening of the bott...
Gold, 10k Gold
Marble and Brass Mounted Vase
Located in New York, NY
A Large Marble and Brass Mounted Cassolettes, Vases. It is topped with a cover terminating with a pine cone finial and a further collar of downward hanging overlapping leaves.The vas...
Brass
Sold
H 0.88 in W 1.25 in L 2 in
Antique English Sterling Silver and Derbyshire Spar or Bluejohn Snuff Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very rare Victorian sterling silver snuff box inset with bluejohn (or Derbyshire spar) panels to the base and lid. The interior rim bears hallmarks ...
Sterling Silver
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...
Yellow Gold
Silver Wild Bison handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Wild bison handicraft
Silver
Silver Wild Boar handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Wild boar handicraft
Silver
Silver Big African Rhinoceros Sculpture
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver big african rhinoceros Sculpture
Silver
Silver Partridge handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Partridge handicraft
Silver