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Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

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
Silver Fish Grayling handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver fish grayling handicraft
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Antique 9K Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl Button Hook
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique yellow gold and mother of pearl button hook, in 9 karat rose gold. The button hook is elegantly crafted in rose gold and mother of pearl, the warmth of both, complementi...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Impressive Victorian Banded Agate Desk Seal
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This monumental desk seal dates to the Victorian era and has been carved from a large piece of banded agate. The faceted piece of agate features heavy ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate

Miller Bros Sterling Silver Late Victorian Exquisite Belt. Birmingham, c1899.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Bearing English Hallmarks: Anchor - for Birmingham assay office Letter date - for 1899 Lion Passant - for English Sterling Silver & maker's mark: M Bros - for Miller Brothers, w...
Category

1890s British Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Moses Cameo Brooch
Located in New Orleans, LA
The legendary Michelangelo's Moses is meticulously recreated in this 19th-century cameo brooch. Crafted of beautiful onyx, the intricate cameo resides in ...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 19th century Two Hard Stone Agate Cameos One Shell Cameos Unmounted
Located in Munich, Bavaria
A round Carnelian cameo depicts a laureate after an antique model. The three colour cameo shows a profile bust of a bearded man. This cameo has a diameter of 2 cm. The small oval two...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Carnelian

Elephant handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant handicraft in silver
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Victorian Gold Double-Ended Crystal Scent Bottle
Located in Paris, FR
A cylindrical, double-ended transparent crystal perfume bottle with one side a fine vinaigrette and the other a smelling salt compartiment. The vinaigre...
Category

1860s English Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Crystal, Gold

Silver Gazelle handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Gazelle handicraft
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Dog Sculpture Poodle in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Dog sculpture poodle in silver
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Antique Spinel Diamond Silver Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
A articulated antique pendant, composed by an articulated gold and silver mounting structure, centering an old mine spinel weighing approximately 8cts, embellished by rose cut diamo...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Spinel, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Dolphin Sculpture Paperclip Paperweight Cast Iron Aquatic Mammal
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare and outstanding sculpture of an expressive dolphin designed as a paperclip and a paperweight made out of cast iron. Its eyes are made out of glass and it can open its mouth and ...
Category

1850s Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Antique Victorian Desk Accessories Writing Set Carved Sardonyx Banded Agate
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Very pristine and elegant Victorian writing set comprising a sardonyx pencil, a sardonyx ruler and a letter opener. The ruler measures 0.8 cm x 0.8 cm, length 16.5 cm. The length o...
Category

1880s British Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, Mixed Metal

Antique Whiting Repoussé Sterling Silver Glove Stretcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian glove stretcher. In sterling silver with repoussé handles. By Whiting and patent dated June 1875. Simply an amazi...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

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 Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

22K Gold Australian Sovereign "Young Head" c1881 Victorian Melbourne Mint aEF
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
· Purity: 91.67 – 22K · Struck in 1881 at The Royal Mint Melbourne branch with M mint mark · Queen Victoria’s Young Head portrait on the obverse by William Wyon RA (chief engraver at the Royal Mint), which was her favourite portrait for coinage · The reverse features Benedetto Pistrucci’s iconic St George and the slaying dragon...
Category

1880s Australian Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

22k Gold

Victorian Owl Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Owl Letter Opener crafted of 800 grade silver with celluloid and glass eyes. Charming figural, novelty motif from the late 19th Century. Be...
Category

1880s German Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Hand Painted Madonna and Child Portrait Miniature Necklace Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful Antique Pendant Necklace with an extraordinary hand painted portrait miniature of the Madonna and Child in a Sterling Silv...
Category

20th Century Unknown Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

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 Objets d'Art and Vertu

Antique Victorian Writing Set Sardonyx Banded Agate Pencil Ruler Letter Opener
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant Victorian three piece writing set is in truely pristine condition. It is cut out of fine banded agate, the pieces of stone have been carefully chosen to highlight the stripey chacteristic and the array of colours and shades of sardonyx. The pencil lead holder...
Category

1870s English Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate

Set of 5 Antique German Jeweled Silver and Shell Country Folk Figures
Located in New York, NY
Five German 812 silver figures, ca 1880. This set comprises two musicians, a tankard-bearing tavern keeper, a fowl-serving wench, and a dagger-wielding pierrot let loose among these ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Silver

Victorian Brass Filigree Monogrammed Hat Pin - 'DGV' - U.K. - Late 19th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
Victorian brass filigree hat pin - massive size - 'DGV' monogram - unsigned - United Kingdom (likely) - late 19th/early 20th century. Good antique condition - no loss - no repairs -...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Brass

Antique Early 19th Century Sardonyx Cameo Profile Bust of a Bearded Gentleman
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This exquisit profile portrait of a bearded gentleman is mounted in 1800 ca in an exquisite hand made frame. The cameo is secured in a wavy inner gold frame surrounded by an outer f...
Category

1850s English Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Agate, 15k Gold

Antique English Sterling Silver Repousse Ring Stand by William Comyns
By William Comyns
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English sterling silver ring stand. By William Comyns. With a scalloped edge and repousse floral designs. The ring nub is monogrammed "ADS". Marked to the base with English hallmarks for Sterling, London, 1888, and William Comyns' maker's mark. Simply a great antique silver ring...
Category

19th Century English Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Clovers Pill Box Wristlet
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in silver over 18k yellow gold and Rose cut Diamonds with a mirror inside. Circa late 1800s 1 3/8 x 1 inch + 12 inch chain
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Bronze Empire Mantel Clock Grenon France Uroboros Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze Empire Mantel Clock Grenon France Uroboros Design Thirteen Jewels two adjustments signed Grenon French Uroboros Design, no keys, in excellent physical condition considering ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Bronze

Victorian-Era Etched Floral with Inlaid "Floral Lady" 3-Piece Silver Belt Buckle
Located in New York, NY
Magnificently detailed, this 3-piece Victorian-era etched Silver buckle of beautiful florals on all three pieces highlights the center buckle with inlaid "Floral Lady". All ...
Category

Early 1800s British Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Swiss Gold and Enamel Brooch with Romantic Chateau de Chillon
Located in New York, NY
Swiss brooch, ca 1880. Oval enameled plaque in gold frame; rim comprises applied scrolls heightened with enamel and inset with pearls.The plaque depicts t...
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Antique French Wood Framed "Classical Scene" Miniature, 10.7cm x 10.7cm
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Antique French Miniature, wood-framed, depicting a classical scene painting Dimensions: 10.7cm x 10.7cm
Category

1850s French Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

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 Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Coral, 15k Gold

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...
Category

1830s Austrian Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Pearl, Gold

Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette/Scent Bottle
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Sampson Mordan & Co. is this Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette/Scent Bottle, Circa 1870-71....
Category

1870s English Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver

1860s Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Belt Buckle
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional Victorian 0.19 carat ruby and 0.18 carat diamond, 20 karat yellow gold belt buckle; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This exceptional Victorian belt buckle has been crafted in 20k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, rectangular frame is embellished with a three dimensional floriate design. The buckle is embellished with eleven Dutch cut diamonds displayed alternately between eleven round cut rubies. The diamonds and rubies are set to the centre of applied trefoil flower shaped collet settings. The inner and outer borders of this frame and prong buckle have a ribbed decoration. The buckle secures with a three prong swivel chape to the centre of the design. This antique Victorian belt buckle...
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique Silver Filigree and Cannetille Floral Belt Buckle
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This is a Dutch Walcher apron buckle, which was worn as a closure at the back of an apron. The gorgeous buckle was sewn onto the apron band for decoration. This type of accessory buc...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

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 Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold

Silver Wild Bison Sculpture
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver Wild bison Sculpture
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Pineapple Handicraft in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pineapple handicraft in silver
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

1800s Miniature Pearl Diamond Gold Portrait Pin Cushion
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This miniature portrait of a young lady centers this unique gold pin 'cushion' with 14 removable pins, each topped with a pearl. Portrait is surrounded with small single cut old mine...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Sterling Silver Monkey Shakers in Gilded Asian Costume by Edward Charles
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a very RARE pair of antique shakers hand-wrought in sterling silver by the craftsmen of Edward Charles Brown of London England in 1867. These lifelike little monkeys are remi...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gilt Metal

Victorian diamond and enamel sash buckle, circa 1860.
Located in London, GB
Victorian diamond and enamel sash buckle. Vibrant blue baisse taille enamelled border set with forty two rose cut diamonds in closed back grain settings with an approximate combined ...
Category

1860s Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

"Nicholas Nickleby" 1st Edition Charles Dickens Serialized 19 Volumes Great!
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous 1st Edition Serialized "Nicholas Nickleby" Set Originally Published April 1838 - 1839 in 19 Issues (Last Volume includes 2 volumes, 19 and 20). Includes All Issues and Book-...
Category

1830s British Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Late XIXc Swiss Black Forest Carved Walnut Bear Side Table with Tobacco Jar
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Highly collectable, this Black Forest Tobacco Jar Side table is meticulously carved from walnut in a form of a bear climbing a finely deta...
Category

1890s Swiss Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

14 Karat Yellow Gold Victorian Cigarette Holding Tongs/Tweezer with Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Era: 1890s Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.7 grams Piece Measurements: Length: 2.5 inches Condition: Excellent
Category

1890s Unknown Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Yellow Gold

Silver Hound Bracco handicraft
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Silver hound bracco handicraft
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Elephant Puppy Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elephant Puppy sculpture in silver
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Sculpture of Dog Cocker in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Sculpture of dog Cocker in silver
Category

1880s Italian Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Male Doberman Dog Sculpture in Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Male Doberman dog sculpture in Silver
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

"Our Mutual Friend" by Charles Dickens 1st Edition 20 Vols. in 19 Issues
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous 1st Edition Set of Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens Includes 20 Volumes in 19 Issues (Volume 19 and 20 in Final Issue) Includes Hardcase for Storage Issues are in nice a...
Category

1860s British Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

"Martin Chuzzlewit" by Charles Dickens 1st Edition 20 Vol. in 19 Issues
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous 1st Edition Set of Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens Includes 20 Volumes in 19 Issues (Vol. 19 and 20 in final issue) Includes Hardcase box for storage All copies include...
Category

1840s British Antique Victorian Objets d'Art and Vertu

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