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.
$937Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare 19th Century Solid Bronze Candlesticks August Maximilien Delafontaine, Pair
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer for sale this simply stunning pair of solid bronze candlesticks after Auguste-Maximilien Delafo...
Bronze
$9,500Sale Price|63% Off
19th Century Bronze Ormolu Mounted Sevres Mantel Japy Freres Clock
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is A Rare Ormolu-Mounted Sevres Turquoise Ground Mantel Clock, Late 19th Century, Iron-Red 1245 to the Plaques, the movement stamped JAPY FRERES & ...
Gold, Bronze
7-Light Candelabrum in Solid 925 Silver by Pria e Sari, Italy (1900)
Located in Bergamo, BG
Magnificent 7-light candelabrum entirely crafted in solid 925 silver, without any internal filling, by the artisan Pria e Sari, Italy, dating back to 1900. The piece features an eleg...
Silver
$1,880
H 15 in W 15 in D 2 in L 15 in
Cartier Weighted Sterling Silver Candlesticks & Gorham Candelabra Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An elegant ensemble of fine sterling silver lighting, featuring a pair of Cartier weighted sterling candlesticks alongside an unmatched pair of Gorham three-light weighted sterling candelabra. This grouping offers timeless sophistication, exceptional craftsmanship, and strong decorative presence for formal interiors. Cartier Weighted Sterling Silver Candlesticks Maker: Cartier Material: Weighted Sterling Silver Height: 10 inches Marks: N75 B & M Form: Classic single-light candlestick design These Cartier candlesticks embody refined luxury with balanced proportions and a clean, architectural silhouette. Crafted in weighted sterling silver for stability, they reflect Cartier’s tradition of producing distinguished silver objects suitable for formal dining and elegant entertaining. The 10-inch height makes them ideal for dining tables, mantels, or console displays. Design Appeal: Understated yet unmistakably luxurious, these candlesticks complement both traditional and transitional interiors. Gorham Weighted Sterling Silver Three-Light Candelabra Maker: Gorham Material: Weighted Sterling Silver Pattern/Model: #SD3 Height: 15 inches Configuration: Three-light arms Condition Note: Unmatched pair The Gorham three-light candelabra offer greater scale and visual drama. Standing 15 inches tall, each piece features gracefully curved arms with removable inset branches, allowing versatility in display. Gorham’s longstanding reputation for fine American silver craftsmanship ensures quality construction and enduring appeal. Design Appeal: The multi-light form creates a striking focal point for dining tables, sideboards, or formal entertaining spaces. Styling & Use This collection is ideal for: Formal dining room settings Holiday entertaining and special occasions Traditional or classic interior décor Silver collectors and luxury home enthusiasts Wedding or anniversary gifts The combination allows layered candlelight presentation—use the Cartier sticks for understated elegance and the Gorham candelabra...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,850 / set
H 3.25 in
6 Norwegian Modernist Enamel Sterling Silver Candlesticks N.M.Thune Viking Norse
By N.M. Thune
Located in New York, NY
This is an extraordinary rare museum quality set of six Mid-Century Modern Enamel Candlesticks made by the Norwegian maker N.M. Thune of Norway. Along with the six candlesticks is a matching vase. Each is adorned with magnificent enamel images with depictions of medieval Norse Mythology and Viking imagery. The colors and design are mid-century magnificence. The very rare group of candlesticks...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,950 / set
H 6.5 in Dm 3.5 in
Pair of Silver Plate Fluted Candlesticks by Robert A.M. Stern for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of postmodern silver-plated candlesticks. Designed by Robert A. M. Stern for Swid Powell. In the form of stout, fluted columns with broad flat bobeches. Swid Powell w...
Silver Plate
$2,100Sale Price|61% Off
Rare Important 19th Century Sevres Style Yellow Porcelain Bronze Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is A Beautiful Rare 19th Century Fine French Gilt Bronze and Yellow Sevres Porcelain Center Bowl. The hand p...
Bronze
$1,500 / set
H 12.25 in W 6 in D 4.25 in
Set of 4 Tall Matched Regency Style Silver Plated Candlesticks
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 matching silver plated candlesticks. In the Regency style. Having an oval form with shaped candlecups, fluted sides, and a stepped base. Each has a felt padded b...
Silver Plate
19th-Century European Silver Hanukkah Menorah
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Description: This is a 19th-century silver Hanukkah menorah from Europe, showcasing a beautifully engraved Star of David at its center. Below the star are the Tablets of the Law, fla...
Silver
$10,000Sale Price|60% Off
Pair of 19th Century Bronze Ormolu Signed German Porcelain Flower Encrust Vases
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering are a Pair of Rare and Important Estate Ormolu Mounted European Porcelain Flower Encrusted Urn Vases and Covers Signed with Spurious Blue Crossed S...
Gold, Bronze
George III 19th Century Emes Barnard Sterling Silver Candle Chamberstick
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique George III sterling silver single candle chamberstick by Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard, circa 1817. Features gadrooned edges, a ring handle with thumb rest that also has a small square hole to hold a candle snuffer. Measures 2 1/2" high, 5 1/2" diameter at base, 7/8" diameter candle hole...
Sterling Silver
$23,000Sale Price|69% Off
19th Century Museum Quality French Bronze Clock Children Cherubs & Venus
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is a Large and Impressive 19th Century Museum Quality Louis XVI French Ormolu, Patinated Bronze Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock depicting the Birth of Ven...
Gold, Bronze
$1,243
H 9.62 in W 4.62 in L 4.62 in
Tiffany & Co Makers Sterling Silver 1947-1956 Moore Candlestick #18476
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co Makers Sterling Silver 1947-1956 Moore Candlestick This gorgeous candlestick by amazing designer Tiffany & Co was meticulously crafted from sterling silver in the beaut...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.13 in W 4 in D 3.5 in
Vintage Gorham Sterling Silver Heart Shaped Repousse Chamberstick or Candlestick
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, vintage sterling silver chamberstick or candle holder. By Gorham Silver. The wax pan is heart shaped and decorated with repousse floral swags throughout. Model no. 324 S...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Victorian Sterling Silver Loaded Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A pair of Victorian sterling silver loaded candlesticks, having decorative baluster stems, with a six-scroll pattern base and detachable sconces, maker John Knowles & Son, Sheffield,...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver and Glass Pair of Candle Holders
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Circa 1900. Featuring sterling silver and hand blown etched glass with star motif. Stamped Sterling on the bottom. The weight is 478.8 g. and 399.0 g.
Sterling Silver
Belle Epoque Candlesticks - French Silver - Made by Cardeilhac C 1910
By Maison Cardeilhac
Located in New York, NY
click to view larger picturesPair of 950 silver candlesticks. Made by Cardeilhac in Paris, ca. 1910. Each: twisted baluster stem on double-dome foot. Raised and applied shells, folia...
Sterling Silver
Belle Epoque Candlesticks - Neoclassical - French 950 Silver - C 1896
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Classical 950 silver candlesticks. Made by André Aucoc in Paris, ca. 1896. Each: tapering column with stop-fluting and applied acanthus leaves on lobed and reeded raised foot...
Sterling Silver
TETARD FRERES French 1st Standard Silver Candelabra, Circa 1900
By Tetard Freres
Located in New York, NY
Tetard Freres of Paris made this elegant pair of French Candelabra circa 1900. They are fully hallmarked with the French First Standard mark for Silver of 950 quality, Tetard Freres...
Sterling Silver
Pair of TIFFANY & CO. Sterling CLOVER PATTERN Candlesticks, 1899
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Tiffany & Co., New York sterling silver candlesticks was made in the famous Clover pattern. The candlesticks are fully marked on the underside of the base with Tiffany ...
Sterling Silver