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.
$2,400Sale Price|50% Off
Tourmaline & Natural Pearl Ring, Georgian
Located in Northampton, MA
A bright pink tourmaline weighing .60 carats is surrounded by 10 luminous natural saltwater pearls in this antique buttery 18K yellow gold ring. This gorgeous jewel dates from around...
Natural Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Early French Victorian (19th Century) Cluster Rose and Table Cut Diamond Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Early French Victorian (19th Century) Cluster Rose Cut and Table Cut Diamond Ring Hand made antique cluster diamond ring with parts i...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Silver
Victorian 14K Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, 2.10 Carats, Circa 1880s
Located in Brunswick, ME
This Antique Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring boasts an impressive approx. 2.10 carats of natural Old Mine diamonds of G-H color /VS-SI clarity grade making it a true sta...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
White Yellow Pink Diamond Blue Sapphire Pink Spinel Starstruck Ring, Joke Quick
By Joke Quick
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a kind Starstruck Ring handmade in Belgium by jewelry artist Joke Quick in high-polished 18k yellow gold featuring a mosaic of spectacular natural gemstones, including three no heat Sri Lankan rose-cut blue sapphires totaling 0.43 carats, four no heat Burmese brilliant-cut blue sapphires totaling 0.04 carats, one no heat rose-cut pink sapphire from Madagascar totaling 0.11 carats, three GH color/VS clarity, fancy shape rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.23 carats, six DEF color/VVS clarity brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.04 carats, three fancy chocolate pink brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.015 carats, three fancy yellow brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.015 carats, and finished with five no heat Burmese brilliant-cut pink spinel totaling 0.08 carats. Size 6 (can be sized). Stamped and Hallmarked. Top Curved Oval Dimensions = 14.4mm x 12.07 mm ( 0.565in X 0.475in) About the Artist - Joke Quick developed a fascination for fine jewelry while admiring her grandfather’s noble jewel...
Pink Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, ...
Antique Rose-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique ring features eleven rose-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.25 carats set in darkened silver over 18K yellow gold with a closed back setting in classic late Georgian...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early Victorian Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian ruby, emerald and diamond ring, to the centre two old brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 0.5 carats in total, set between an emerald estimated to weigh 0.3...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Classic Victorian Looking Rosecut Diamond Ring in Silver and Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Classic Victorian Looking Rosecut Diamond Ring in Silver and Gold is an old charm piece. 14kt gold:3.10gms Diamond:2.46cts
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
13.42 Carats Zambian Emerald Cabochon Ring Diamond Studded
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Zambian emeralds are renowned worldwide for their vibrant green color and exceptional clarity, making them some of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. This ring exemplifies...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Victorian Emerald, Ruby and Pearl 15 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous daisy cluster ring holds four emeralds, four rubies and a pearl. Modelled in 15 carat gold. The emeralds measure 6pts each and the rubies are 3pts each. Ring Size: O ...
Emerald, Ruby, Pearl, Gold
$224Sale Price|20% Off
3.95 Carat Natural Red Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Ring Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type : Rubellite Tourmaline Weight : 3.95 Carats Dimensions : 10x8x6.1 Mm Origin : Africa Clarity : SI Shape: Cushion Color: Pink Red Certificate: On Demand The rubellite...
Rubelite, Tourmaline, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Alex Jona Pink Spinel Pink Sapphire White Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, designed and hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring, set with one Pink Spinel weighing 1,41 carats. On either side of the vivid center stone a sp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Turquoise and Rose Cut Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Locket Back Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beauty has an incredibly decorative 9ct gold shank and a locket back on the underside of the cluster. Sat on top of the swirling detail is a cluster of five bright turquoise and...
Turquoise, Diamond, Gold
GIA Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Weight: 4.82 grams Ring Size: 6.25 (Free Resizing Available) Center Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone GIA Report #: 5231037978 ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Late Georgian 9 Carat Gold Pearl Cluster Locket Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Georgian ring holds a lock of hair behind glazing. The shoulders of the ring are delicate and decorative. Behind the face of the ring is the inscription 'John Greenslade Ob 28 A...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold
Yellow Gold Aquamarine Pearl and Diamond Retro Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A aquamarine, pearl and diamond ring in a floral design in yellow gold from the Retro period, 1940s. The ring centres a big aquamarine, ca. 16 carats and it is accentuated by round b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
$4,611Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Art Deco-Inspired Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, 1980s
Located in Braintree, GB
Platinum Art Deco-inspired diamond and ruby ring. Ring made in 1980s Makers Mark: JoAq Hallmarked PLAT 950 - D 0.3 - 0.12 - 1.50 Dimensions - Finger Size (UK) = N (US) = 7 (EU)...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Baguette Cut Diamond Cocktail 14k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Centering a 0.89 Carat Oval-Cut Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Blue Sapphire, accented by Baguette-Cut Diamonds, and set in 14K Yellow Gold. Details: ✔ Center Stone: Blue Sapphire ✔ Sapphire W...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow ...
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold rose cut diamond ring with an estimate weight of 1.5 carars unfoiled back in a circular ring head shape hall marked 56 imperial russian ...
Blue Star Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Star Sapphire 10.68 carats, Blue Sapphire 4.06 carats, Pink Sapphire 2.0 carats and Diamond 0.74 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.2 cm Ring ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Ring with Garnet and Rose Cut Diamonds, French 19th c.
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exquisite antique French ring is crafted in rich 18k yellow gold and showcases a stunning deep-red garnet weighing approximately 2 carats. The central gemstone is beautifully su...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spain Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring "Isabelino" Ca. 1830´s
Located in OVIEDO, AS
"Isabelino" Spain Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Heart Shaped Ring Ca. 1830´s (1833-1868). A gorgeous and beautiful old Halo 18 Karat gold ring featuring a medium deep blue nat...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Ring with Tourmaline and old mine cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 10k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k pink gold with silver ring set with tourmaline. approximately 5.00 ct and old mine cut diamonds up to. approx. 1.50 ct - ring size US. 6.5 - EU. 17 (53) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide and 7.0 mm high Ring size US 6.5 - EU. 17 (53), ring can be enlarged or reduced a few sizes at cost price. Please contact us by email for purchase and shipping. Weight 6.6 grams Set with - 1 x 11 mm x 8 mm oval cabochon cut tourmaline...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 10k Gold, Silver
Bague du début du 19ème siècle en rubis et diamants
Located in PARIS, FR
Bague ancienne en or 18 carats (750 millièmes) du début du 19ème siècle. Elle est centrée d'un rubis taille ovale d'env. 0,5 carat entouré d'une première ligne de diamants taille ros...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Garnet and Seed Pearl 15ct Yellow Gold Engraved Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Full of Early Victorian charm, this 15 carat yellow gold dress ring showcases an absolutely fabulous combination of colourful gemstones and intricate hand carved details. The fabulo...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hallmarked 1842 18K Five Gemstone "Adore" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian five stone ADORE ring which spells out the first letter of each gemstone in the following linear pattern: Amethyst-Diamond-Opal-Ruby-Emerald. message ring similar to REGARD...
18k Gold
Antique Emerald and Diamond floral cluster ring, 18k yellow gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This antique Emerald and Diamond cluster ring is a true showstopper and exudes regal beauty and luxury. This impeccable ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century 15ct Sugerloaf Cabochon Emerald and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Sugerloaf emerald Regal 19th century sugerloaf cabochon emerald and rose cut diamond cluster ring, rose cut diamond weight app 08-1.0ct total, emerald approx. 15 ct, 18K gold shank,...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Crowned 19th Century Old Mine Cushion 2.16ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A crowned 19th century diamond and emerald cluster ring. Set to center with a cushion shape old mine cut diamond with an approximate weight of 2.16 carats, in an open back claw setting, encircled by 17 emeralds in open back claw and rubover setting, the crown tops off with 9 old cut diamonds and three additional emeralds. The charming and chunky central stone has a slightly warm color and is exceptionally clear. We believe the stone to be a late cut old mine, or an early old cushion based on the rustic face up, high table and chunky faceting. No matter what she's called, she's a true old cut with loads of charm and character about her - and a lovely, bright face up to boot! What a gorgeous stone! Approx color N with vvs/vs1 clarity. This elegant coronet cluster design features an intricately pierced gallery and open back, leading to solid shoulders and flowing through to a solid flat shank. Unmarked 14 karat gold shank. Made in the 19th century. The Crown symbol is an instantly recognizable symbol of power and dominance. Crowns are and have been used as ceremonial symbol, an emblem or a type of heraldic representation for thousands of years. Usually worn to signify a ruler, aristocratic, noble or religious authority. The crown symbolizes the importance, legitimacy, tradition and sovereignty of the wearer and is a clear display of rank. Ancient crowns have been found all over the world; some of the oldest include the Egyptian crowns...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Early Victorian Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Alternative Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a navette form centering a cushion shaped rose cut diamond. Weighing approximately 0.40 carat total - prong set and foil backed. With a surround of additional bead set ro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
A delightful Early Victorian period navette ring in 18 karat yellow gold. It is composed of 17 old mine cut diamonds, which in total weight ~0,70ct. The colour of gems is RW-W and cl...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian Topaz and Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian topaz and pearl cluster ring, the oval faceted golden topaz, estimated to weigh 4 carats, to a surround of eighteen half pearls, in cut dow...
Pearl, Topaz, Yellow Gold
Early Victorian Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
An early Victorian pearl and ruby cluster ring, the ring set with a cushion-cut ruby, surrounded by six half pearls measuring approximately 3.7mm, flanked by pearl trefoils, all set...
Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold