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.
Antique Swiss 14 ct Gold Blue Guilloché Enamel And Diamond Wristwatch
Located in Portland, England
This exquisite antique 14ct gold, diamond and royal blue guilloché enamel ladies' wristwatch is dated circa 1900 and made in Switzerland. The watch has a round yellow gold case embel...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Patek Philippe Demi Hunter Pocket Watch in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Boston, MA
A Patek Philippe pocket watch crafted in 18k yellow gold. Housed in a rare Demi, or Half Hunters case accented with black enamel. The ...
18k Gold
Antique Gold Reverse Painting under Rock Crystal of Dog Cufflinks, c. 1860
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique gold painting under rock crystal, these finely painted dogs with a tied pink ribbon are brimming with personality, they was made circa 1860. In both yellow and pink gold, t...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold
Exquisite Victorian Enamel Cherub Garden Scene 18 Karat Gold Swiss Pocket Watch
Located in Boston, MA
A Swiss Victorian pocket watch crafted in 18k gold. The round case measures 35mm in width, featuring an exquisite enamel design. The front showcases a detailed scene of two cherubs...
18k Gold
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
Antique Gold Painting on Crystal, Essex Crystal, Cufflinks
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique gold painting under rock crystal, these finely painted dogs brimming with personality was made circa 1890. In both yellow and rose gold, notice the dog bone on the other si...
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold
Waltham Silver Campaign Style Manual Wristwatch from 1918 with Enamel Dial
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign / Military Style METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1918 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 44mm X Diameter 35mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 7 Jewels DIAL / HANDS: Original Kiln Fired Enamel / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Black Leather 14 mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This very early American made Sterling Silver wrist watch...
Sterling Silver, Silver, Enamel
Antique Gold Painting on Crysta, Essex Crystal, Cufflinks
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique gold painting under rock crystal, these finely painted dogs brimming with personality was made circa 1890. In both yellow and rose gold,...
Rock Crystal, Crystal, 14k Gold, Gold
Omega Ladies Ring Watch, 18K Gold, Swiss, 1970s
By Omega
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Omega Ladies Ring Watch, 18K Gold, Swiss, 1970s An elegant and highly collectible ladies ring watch by Omega, crafted in solid 18K gold and embodying the distinctive sophistication o...
18k Gold
Patek Philippe 5711 All Diamond Watch 18 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Patek Philippe Case Material: 18k White Gold Case Diameter: 40mm Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire Bezel: Triple row of round shape Diamonds (aftermarket) Dial: All round sh...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm
By Bulgari
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bvlgari Estate Sapphire Crystal Quartz Watch Stainless Steel 38 mm B12 This elegant Authentic Bvlgari Watch is made of stainless steel. Newly polished TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 P...
Crystal, Quartz, Sapphire, Steel, Stainless Steel
H 0.5 in W 0.5 in
Antique Platinum Diamond Omega Ladies Wrist Watch Vintage Art Deco
Located in Greer, SC
" Lady's dress watch by Omega measures 6.5 inches long. It weighs 13.3 pennyweights. It has a rectangular platinum case measuring 13.62 by 13.21 mm with bead set round diamond lugs. ...
Diamond, Platinum
H 1.03 in W 0.79 in L 0.25 in
Chopard Ladies Diamond Wristwatch 18 Karat Gold Swiss Watch Retro Mid-Century
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous Chopard Ladies Diamond Wristwatch in 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Made in Switzerland. The stunning and elegant Chopard...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Vintage Pocket Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch, 45 M.M. X 9 M.M. thick 18K Yellow Gold 3 piece hinged case with Gold inside Dust cover. 18 Jewel mechanical, Manua...
18k Gold
Waltham Yellow Gold Filled Hunters Case Pocket Watch 1901
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Hunters Case METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt, Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1901 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Diameter 46mm MOVEMENT / CALIB...
Piaget Ladies Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 X 24 M.M. 2 Piece 18k Yellow Gold Oval case, Piaget Factory White Gold Diamond set Bezel totaling 1.20 Carats. Caliber 9P 17 Jewel, mechanic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe Yellow Gold and Enamel Pocket Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1913 Patek Philippe Pocket Watch for Retailer Spaulding and Company , 45 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 4 piece case including the Yellow Gold Cuvette (Dust Cover) Greek Key Pattern Blue...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Lady's 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe "Calatrava" Watch
Located in New York, NY
Lady's 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe "Calatrava" Ref.#4819/1J Wacth White Dial with Black Roman Numerals, Hobnail Pattern Bezel, 18K Yellow Gold Patek Philippe Meshh Bracelet. Swiss...
Yellow Gold
Piaget Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond and Lapis stone dial Ladies Wrist Watch
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Piaget Ladies Wrist Watch, 27 x 24 M.M 2 piece 18k Oval case, White Gold Bezel set with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds totaling 1.10 Carats. Caliber 9P series 17 jewel mech...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Platinum and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Company Ladies Wrist Watch, 26 X 9 M.M. 2 Piece Platinum Case set with European cut Diamonds totaling 1 Carat, the case sides and back are fu...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Diamond and Guilloché Enamel Watch Fob Pendant
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous Victorian pocket watch. The watch features a striking guilloché green enamelled case adorned with intricate gold detailing. At its centre, a bright white old ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
H 0.71 in W 0.56 in Dm 0.26 in
14kt White Gold Bulova Diamond Watch Ladies Serviced Working Warranty Art Deco
Located in San Diego, CA
14kt White Gold Bulova Diamond Watch Ladies Serviced Working Warranty 7 Inches For sale is a stunning ladies' Bulova diamond watch crafted in 14kt...
Diamond, White Gold
H 0.28 in W 0.99 in Dm 0.79 in
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Watch
Located in New York, NY
This elegant timepiece boasts a luxurious 14k yellow gold fold with a weight of 31.5g, making it a statement accessory for any occasion. The watch face is a...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
D 0.87 in Dm 2.29 in
Illinois 1886 Pocket Watch Working Case Heavy 7 Jewel Hunting
Located in San Diego, CA
Heavy 1886 Ilinois watch with a 58mm silver color case (18s size) that has a thick clean glass crystal. There are slight dings on the case. The movement is 7 jewel...
D 0.79 in Dm 2.37 in
Illinois Watch Co. Pocket Watch Key Wind Working Sterling Silver 1886 Year
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Illinois co. pocket watch in good working condition. Year 1886. The case is sterling silver, 60mm diameter, 20mm thick with a thick glass crys...
Sterling Silver
Dent Maker to the Queen English 18 Karat Gold Early Wristwatch circa 1870s-1880s
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Dent, Watchmaker and Chronometer Maker to the Queen STYLE / REFERENCE: Half Hunter / Military Style Early Wrist Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt. Yellow Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1880's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm x Diameter 36mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Lever Escapement DIAL / HANDS: Original Kiln Fired Enamel / Original Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Alligator, 19mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT What an amazing watch this is. Dent was a legendary watchmaker and clockmaker and helped England rule the world through their navigational timekeepers. This watch is entirely hand made and probably was a custom ordered watch as well because few people wore wrist watches when it produced. It is high grade and beautifully finished with "fire gilded plates...
44mm 18kt Gold Yellow 19th Century Pocket Watch, Warranty, Serviced, New Crystal
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 44mm 19th Century 18kt Yellow Gold Pocket Watch, Good Working Condition, Case # 68495, Very Good Condition, White Face, Black Numerals, Second Hands, Floral Scroll Design on ...
Gold, 18k Gold
H 1.74 in Dm 1.38 in
Waltham Silver Campaign Style Manual Wristwatch from 1918 with Enamel Dial
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Campaign / Military Style METAL / MATERIAL: Sterling Silver CIRCA / YEAR: 1918 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 44mm x 35mm MOVEMENT / CA...
Sterling Silver
Triple Strand Hammered Gold, Lapis and Diamond Bracelet-Watch, Boucheron, Paris
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
This authentic Boucheron mechanical watch rendered in 18K yellow gold, is centered with a lustrous octagonal lapis dial with visible pyrite line and slightly white line. Framed by 32...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Wristwatch
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Round diamond encrusted cocktail watch with decorative art deco diamond encrusted and braided wrist band, silk cord attachments. 18k white gold set with rose cut diamonds circa 1925 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ladies Vintage 14 Karat White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Hamilton Fashion Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Movement: manual wind Function: hours, minutes Case: 16mm 14k white gold oval shaped case, round diamond case and lugs, glass protective crystal, pull/push crown, diamonds weigh 1.00...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1884 Victorian Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch
Located in Hicksville, NY
1884 Dainty Women's Wristwatch crafted in 14 Karat Gold and Features Diamonds Watch is full of character and charm, remains in very good condition. Diamonds are inlayed throughout th...
Diamond, 14k Gold