Also called Aesthetic period jewelry, historians have determined that antique late Victorian jewelry and watches are representative of an era that lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque.
Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her emotions were reflected in her fashion and in what we now call Victorian jewelry. By about 1880, Queen Victoria and her constituents were ready to look to the future. The dark skies were parting and fashion was changing. There was also a major shift in industry.
While in the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign the focus was on manufacturing, toward the later years there was a renewed interest and appreciation of the handmade. The late Victorian period (1880–1901) was referred to as the Aesthetic period and coincided with these changing tastes.
The Aesthetic Movement, concerned with “art for art’s sake,” began in Britain around the 1870s and became recognized by designers and artists worldwide, eventually resulting in the Arts and Crafts movement (1880s–1920s).
Stylistically, jewelry of this time period did not resemble its earlier Victorian counterparts, in fact it was in complete opposition to what preceded it. Gone were the mourning jewelry, heavy brooches and large necklaces. Late Victorian-era jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty. Women still layered pieces, though, and favored smaller scatter pins. Jewelry also became an evening accessory and not so visible during the day.
Women were starting to actively participate in sporting events (socially, of course, not professionally), so athletic motifs showed up on their accessories. Lockets and heart pendants remained popular, but the REGARD or DEAREST rings of the early Victorian period were replaced by Mizpah pieces, which means “the Lord watches over me” in Hebrew. These items were exchanged between two people to symbolize a close bond.
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 Aesthetics movement felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
The Brits still looked to their monarchs to dictate the latest trends. Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law Alexandra famously wore a dog-collar necklace, also known as a collier de chien, made up of multiple strands of pearls, to hide a scar. This style of necklace quickly rose to prominence. Toward the end of the 19th century, solitaire rings were also becoming fashionable thanks to Tiffany & Co.’s advent of the six-prong diamond setting in 1886. Platinum was starting to be used in jewelry production as well. Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings.
Women were the biggest influences on jewelry. They joined the workforce, fought for their independence and overall began to lead a much more active lifestyle. Jewelry had to become comfortable and serve multiple purposes. While in the United States, the Gibson Girls lifestyle was emulated by young women, and starlets became trendsetters.
Finally, the international expositions made the world seem like a much smaller place and jewelry from North Africa and India captured people’s attention, appealing to those who already favored Revival jewelry from the Etruscans to the Romans.
Find antique late Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Colombian Emerald & Old Mine Diamond Ring, 18K, France
Located in Northampton, MA
Sleek and classic, this hefty, substantial (9 grams) men's ring (although a woman could certainly wear it) features an incredible rich green GIA. certified F1 emerald from Colombia t...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Pendant Brooch-Pendant from the 1870's. Charming design with angel putti playing with florals. Likely French in origin with hand painted porcelain in a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel, Silver
Late Victorian 3-Stone Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This pretty antique cluster ring is set with three juicy rubies, surrounded by a cluster of old cut diamonds that rest in fine gold settings with a finely pierced gallery. The three ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Silver Chased Curb Link Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Victorian Silver Chased Curb Link Bracelet from the late 19th Century. Elaborately chased links are hollow but not flimsy. Wonderful quality. Incredibly modern design for men...
Silver
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gunmetal Photo Locket Slide Necklace. Weve assembled these pieces from the same era together. A brown hemp/linen twine slide necklace holds a ...
Metal
Ceylon Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1880, Nearly 7 Carats
Located in Northampton, MA
Late Victorian Ceylon Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1880 – Nearly 7 Carats This exceptional late Victorian cluster ring showcases the enduring elegance of 19th-cen...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century 18k Yellow Gold Burma Ruby Five Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
A superb antique 18k yellow gold ruby five stone ring circa 1880. The rubies are certified by the American Gemological Laboratory as Burma with no heat treatment. The rubies are acce...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 1883 Silver Ivy Oval Locket Necklace
Located in London, GB
This Victorian silver oval locket is a beautifully restrained example of late 19th-century craftsmanship, combining crisp engraving.The front is decorated with a central engraved fol...
Silver
Large Victorian Gutta Percha Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Imposing Victorian Gutta Percha Cross Pendant from the 1870's. Large cross pendant set with gutta percha cabochons on a mixed link chain with heavily hand etched rectangular stations...
Antique Portuguese 5ct Unheated Burmese Raspberry Spinel & Old-Mine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary, investment-grade heirloom centred on an approximately 5.00-carat natural, unheated Burmese spinel of exceptional museum quality, originating from Mogok, Burma (Myanmar), with no indications of heat treatment. The centre stone displays a highly coveted, deeply saturated raspberry-pink hue with outstanding transparency and an ultra-rare 100% eye-clean clarity profile, radiating remarkable brilliance and life. Sourced from the historic old mines of Mogok — the legendary "Valley of Rubies" — this completely untreated specimen is an absolute rarity at this significant carat weight; fine unheated Mogok spinels...
Diamond, Spinel
Victorian Kashmir Sapphire, Diamond and 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian Kashmir sapphire and diamond cluster ring, with a cushion shaped Kashmir sapphire, in a claw setting, surrounded by an old-cut diamond cluster, in crown claw setting...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique, GIA 4.04 Carat Old Mine Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous antique ring boasts a 4.04 carat old mine cut diamond flanked by six single diamonds along the shank. Mounted in white gold claw prongs with a delicate gallery and yell...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ladies Hunter Elgin 4 Color Gold Pocket Watch and 18k Gold Chain
By Elgin
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Antique 14k four color gold hunter case pocket watch made by the Elgin Company around 1908 (based on movement serial # 13333340) features an elaborately decorated 14 c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$624Sale Price|20% Off
Late Victorian Era Sterling Silver and Mother of Pearl Whistle Chatelaine
Located in Honolulu, HI
This exquisite piece is a rare example of 19th-century vanity history, featuring a whistle crafted from natural Mother of Pearl and heavy-gauge sterling silver. Historically associat...
Silver
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Diamond and Certified No-Heat Burma Pink Sapphire Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Natural, unheated Burmese pink sapphires and a halo of single-cut diamonds surround a central oval pink sapphire in this late Victorian ring. Cra...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Tri Color Gold Filled Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Tri Color Gold Filled Bangle. Late 19th Century with tri colored gold applications on Etruscan work base. Very good condition. 5/8" wide, Interior diameter 2.2" x 2". Sma...
Gold Plate, Gold-filled
RARE Antique Essex Crystal Butterfly Locket Pendant/Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare antique locket boasts an intricate Essex Crystal depicting a hand painted butterfly surrounded by possibly natural pearl beads. Expertly crafted in 22 karat yellow gold, th...
Pearl, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 1887 Ladies Pocket Silver Watch
Located in London, GB
This finely crafted antique pocket watch is a strong example of late 19th-century British horology, combining decorative silver casework with a carefully detailed enamel dial. The wh...
Pair of Victorian Taille d'Epargne Enamel Bangle Cuffs
Located in Riverdale, NY
Pair of 14K Victorian Taille d'Epargne Enamel Bangle Cuffs from the 1870's. Lovely matching pair with ornate black enamel designs of elegant fruit baskets and Victorian tracery on bo...
14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Coral Pendant Drop Earrings
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Victorian Coral Pendant Drop Earrings from the 19th Century with screw back fittings. Italian coral beads with original gold filled settings...
Coral, Gold Plate
Victorian 14K Gold Serpent Bracelet with Garnet & Diamonds, 1890
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This captivating serpent bracelet is crafted in rich 14K yellow gold, featuring a finely woven herringbone-pattern chain that coils elegantly around the wrist. The articulated snake'...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Silver-Upon-Gold Brooch, circa 1875
Located in London, GB
A Victorian oval diamond openwork brooch, with a centre cluster, set with a cushion shaped old-cut diamond, surrounded by old-mine cut diamonds, in claw settings, enclosed by four tr...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Pair of Antique Late 19th Century Pearl and Diamond Pendent Earrings
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A PAIR OF LATE 19TH CENTURY PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS From the top of each pearl suspending vertically set from three graduated old brilliant-cut diamonds suspending, appro...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Original Victorian Coral Beads
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Coral Beads on original cotton cord from a period jewelers lot. Genuine coral beads, great to wear loosely tied on back or wit...
Coral
VICTORIAN Antique Bracelet 18K Rose Gold Silver Top 6.50 CTW Rose Cut Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
This important antique estate bangle bracelet features a magnificent, multi-tiered floral cluster densely encrusted with approximately 6.50 carats of natural rose-cut diamonds. Maste...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 19th Century Imperial Russian Diamond & Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The crowned double-headed eagle at the center of this grand bracelet is the Imperial coat of arms of the Russian Tsardom, a symbol Russia adopted from the Byzantine Empire in the 15t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Victorian Jade Pendant Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
A certified natural and untreated Burmese jadeite jade hololith (a ring made from one piece of stone) is adorned with a handmade 18K rose gold bail that attaches to the jade through ...
Jade, 18k Gold
Victorian Cabochon Garnet Snake Necklace with a Heart Locket in Original Case
Located in London, England
Few motifs in Victorian jewellery are as symbolic as the snake. Popularised after Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a serpent engagement ring in 1839, the snake became a symbol of et...
Garnet, 15k Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring 0.30ct approx
Located in London, GB
A charming late Victorian three-stone diamond ring set with a trio of old-cut diamonds in an elegant graduated arrangement. The centre diamond is flanked by two slightly smaller ston...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Bohemian Gold Filled Garnet Bangle Bracelet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Antique Bohemian gold-filled bangle bracelet. Prong set with garnets in a flower pattern to the top and around the circumference of the bra...
Garnet, Gold-filled
Late Victorian Enamel Guilloche Sterling Silver Brooch with Morning Glory
Located in New York, NY
This round brooch is sterling silver and set with Guilloche enamel detailing and features a stylized morning glory floating on a stylized geometric sinuous background.It is marked 92...
Silver, Enamel
Antique Ladies Elongated Diamond Platinum and Gold Wrist Watch
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Elegant elongated platinum rectangular head with diamond frame with hinged pierced diamond garland chevron lug sides. The band is a double woven 9k white gold design terminating wit...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Platinum
Rivière necklace with amethysts, second half of the 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique necklace made of sterling silver (0.990 fineness). The necklace is decorated with a single row of 25 amethysts, each gradually changing in size. The amethysts weigh a total o...
Amethyst, Silver
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Starburst Ring, Celestial, 1899, Size 4.25, 18K
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Add a touch of enchantment to your collection with our Antique Celestial Ring. This stunning piece boasts a rare old mine cut ...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 18kt Gold Cognac Citrine & Diamond Ring, Linköping 1920
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
There is something remarkably modern about this ring despite being over a century old. A richly colored cognac citrine sits low to the finger, framed by twenty-eight eight cut diam...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$7,988Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN Bohemian 1880 Gilt Festoon Necklace With 112.90 Ctw Of Natural Garnets
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian large festoon necklace with Bohemian red garnets. This is a fabulous and rare antique festoon Bohemian necklace created in England during th...
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
Antique c.1860–1880 Victorian Gold Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
This exquisite mourning ring is a poignant example of Victorian sentimentality, beautifully crafted in gold with a hand-engraved and black enamel face. At its centre lies a compartme...
Gold, Enamel
Vintage Chinese Export Coral Turquoise Necklace 30 Inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous 1950s imported necklace features stunning genuine coral and turquoise beads. The ornate clasp is 14k gold. Measurements: 1/2 of an inch wide, 30 wearable inches Weight...
Coral, Turquoise, 14k Gold
$952Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Late Victorian Moonstone and Paste Sterling Silver Draped Necklac
Located in Honolulu, HI
A rare late-Victorian sterling silver necklace set with luminous moonstone cabochons and finely cut Victorian paste stones. Each moonstone displays a soft, internal glow—an opaline s...
Moonstone, Sterling Silver
19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch
Located in Riverdale, NY
Charming 19th C. Egyptian Revival Micro Mosaic Brooch circa 1870's, Italy. Designed as a micromosaic of a pharaoh head set in 14k setting of gold bead and twisted wirework. Very fine...
14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Mesh Coin Purse #23779
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Tiffany & Co. 14K Yellow Gold Mesh Coin Purse- Theis elegant Tiffany & Co. 14K yellow gold mesh purse features a beautifully detailed floral filigree ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Coral Bud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Coral Bud Earrings from the late 19th Century. Carved genuine coral shaped as apples, set with 14k gold with original wires. Bud is 3/8" across. 1880's Italy. DOMESTIC SALE...
Coral, 14k Gold
$879Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 9K Yellow Gold Marquise Chalcedony Signet Ring, England
Located in Honolulu, HI
A quintessential example of late Victorian craftsmanship, this authentic 9K yellow gold signet ring features a smooth, marquise-shaped chalcedony with a mesmerizing, misty lavender g...
Chalcedony, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian French Jet Cameo Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian long french jet earrings of faceted and smooth jet cabocheons, round beads and tear drop shaped drops. With focal cameo ovals facing one ...
Enamel, Steel
Hungarian Silver Emerald and Ruby Heart Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Lovely Hungarian Silver Emerald and Ruby Heart Pendant from the late 19th Century. Handmade filigree silver setting set with pale emeralds and rubies with mabe half pearls. 2" x 1.5"...
Emerald, Ruby, Silver
Antique Victorian Opals Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Ring, Circa 1890s, UK
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Details * Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring * Circa 1890s *...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
C1940 14K Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Flush Mount or Gypsy Three Stone Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love this three stone ring for its eye catching, red white and blue array which includes a substantial sapphire, ruby and diamond. Our ring weighs a hefty 10 grams. Three stone ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
15ct Gold Whippet / Greyhound Dog Pendant with Sardonyx Seal Fob, 19th Century
Located in London, England
A rare and beautiful gold dog seal charm. We were thrilled to find this canine delight, who even has red stone eyes! The sardonyx stone is not engraved, so it is perfect for those wh...
18k Gold
Victorian Opal, Diamond & Demantoid Garnet Cluster Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This stunning late Victorian cluster ring is set with the most gorgeous combination of stones- opal, diamond and demantoid garnet. A fiery cluster of opal cabochons are set around a ...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 15k Gold
Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gold Filled Paste Set Bangle from the 19th Century. Set with ruby pastes and faux half pearls on the top with hinged opening. 3/8" wide. 1880's USA.
Gold-filled
Victorian Bohemian Garnet Silver Bangle Bracelet
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Amazing Victorian Bohemian garnet bracelet encrusted in lovely deep red garnets. Nice round sparkly bangle bracelet with a lovely red...
Garnet, Silver
Victorian Coral Graduated Toggle Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Victorian Coral Graduated Toggle Necklace composed of hundreds of hand carved coral beads in the shape of barbells which form a "bead" rope of ...
10k Gold
Victorian Bird Aesthetic Sterling & Rose Gold Bracelet
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Beautiful Aesthetic movement European Victorian sterling silver, yellow and rose gold bird and bamboo pattern bracelet. The details on this piece are lovely, with a large ro...
Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 5.58 Ct Opal Diamond Pearl 18 KT Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Opal Diamond Pearl 18 KT Bangle An impressive Victorian Period bangle boasting amazing workmanship , made of 18 Kt and silver for the Diamond setting Facing up with an el...
Diamond, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Rose-Cut Diamond & Pearl Link Bracelet, mounted Silver over Gold.
Located in OVIEDO, AS
The bracelet features repeating floral/starburst motifs, each centered with a pearl and surrounded by rose-cut diamonds arranged in petal-like marquise and teardrop-shaped frames. Th...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
Burmese Ruby and Diamond Floral Cluster Statement Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
This Burmese Ruby and Diamond Statement Bracelet is an opulent fusion of classic elegance and contemporary floral design. Handcrafted in luminous 18K white gold, the piece features a...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Victorian Scottish Banded Agate T-Bar Watch Chain Conversion Necklace Circa 1880
Located in Honolulu, HI
A beautiful piece of history repurposed for contemporary wear. This necklace features an original late 19th-century Victorian British watch fob assembly, showcasing a magnificent, hi...
Agate, Gold Plate
Antique 1.40 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking cluster ring from the late 19th century. This exquisite piece showcases a deep blue sapphire at its centre, surrounded by a frame of round faceted old mine-cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 ...
Silver
Antique Gold and Platinum Amethyst and Diamond Cross Necklace
Located in New York, NY
An antique amethyst and diamond cross necklace. The necklace is composed as a delicate double-chain arrangement, set with 12 bezel-set square amethysts, accented with 10 round amethy...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Platinum