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.
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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
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
Antique 14k Gold Sapphire Old European Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Antique 14k yellow gold sapphire and old European cut diamond ring, circa 1900, designed with a round blue sapphire set at the center and flanked by two old European cut diamonds. Th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, c.1870s
Located in London, GB
Introducing a delicate Late Victorian five stone diamond ring, dating to the 1870s and finely crafted in rich 18 carat gold. The ring features five graduating old mine cut diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Certified 6.35 Ct Imperial Topaz 1.20 CT Diamond three stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Find Imperial Topaz is also known as “precious Topaz”. It is the most sought after in the Topaz family, considered to be the color of the setting sun, imperial topaz gets its na...
Diamond, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 1.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring 18 KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
Amazing Victorian late 1800 Diamond trilogy ring in a classy statement design of the era Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold with Silver portions for the Dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1886
Located in London, GB
This wonderful antique Victorian ring is beautifully set with five old mine cut diamonds, weighing approximately 1.10ct combined, all grain set in 18 carat yellow gold open back sett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in 18K Gold and Platinum, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s, this antique piece is full of history, with a lasting elegance that will be cherished for generations to come. A beautiful example of Late Victorian craftsmansh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Gold Diamond and Sapphire Three-Stone Ring, circa 1900
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful antique three-stone ring crafted circa 1900. The central sapphire measures approximately 70 points and is flanked by two stunning white diamonds weighing approximately 35...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Opal & Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1899
Located in London, GB
Introducing a wonderful late Victorian five-stone ring, dating to 1899, meticulously crafted in warm 18 carat yellow gold and featuring a beautifully handcrafted fluted gallery, a ch...
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 4.61 Carat Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 1920's three stone diamond engagement ring is timeless. The ring features a gorgeous cushion shaped Old Mine Cut diamond in the centre which weighs 2.50ct and is mount...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Gold 6.00 Ct Pink Tourmaline Diamond Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Heritage This appealing Victorian ring is 1890/1900 ca hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt gold and silver potions Elegant, timeless, trilogy design to suit modern lifest...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian emerald and diamond three-stone ring, the cushion-shape faceted emerald, weighing 1.88 carats, set between two round old European-cut diamonds weighing 2.30 carats in total, all claw-set with old-cut diamonds in-between, to a gold mount with scroll engraved sides and shoulders, marked 18ct, circa 1890, head measuring 0.9x2.2cm, gross weight 5.2 grams. Finger size O This ring is in very good condition, signs of wear consistent with the age of the piece. A beautiful Victorian ring from the extensive antique ring collection...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Amethyst Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Late Victorian-era ring features an oval-shaped amethyst center stone measuring approximately 9.7 x 10.11 mm held in a coronet-style setting with sculpted prongs. It is flanked ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Old European-Cut Diamond and Red Garnet Trilogy Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An Old European-cut diamond measuring approximately 0.15 carats, H color VS clarity, sits at the center of this three-ring band fashioned from 10K rose gold and accented by two round...
Diamond, Garnet, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Three-Stone Band Ring, 1885
Located in London, GB
Dating to 1885, this charming Late Victorian three stone diamond ring is masterfully crafted in rich 18 carat yellow gold and centres upon three graduated old mine cut diamonds, weig...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Fine Edwardian Three Stone Ring Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This antique ring was skillfully handcrafted sometime during the Edwardian design period ( 1900-1920 ). The setting is platinum and features 3 larger brillinat cut Diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Platinum
Rubellite and Green Beryl Three Stone Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Deep hue rests at the heart of this ring. The central jewel is a dark red rubellite with a hint of purple. It’s cut into a cushion and set between four corner prongs tipped with roun...
Beryl, Diamond, Rubelite, Green Beryl, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Ye...
Edwardian 0.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian period, this stunning three stone ring features a vivid blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of sparkling old cut diamonds. The showcase sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.20ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
Set in the centre of this Edwardian trilogy engagement ring is a carre cut diamond with a carat weight of 0.70 carat. It has been graded as a G in colour and VS2 in clarity. Flanked ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1870s Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.36 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Star Setting Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 18ct gold band holds five diamonds totalling 18pts. They are bright and have a lovely sparkle and are set in star settings. Diamond total 13pts. Ring Size: J 1/2 or 5...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamonds in this band total 17pts. The stones are all set in star settings within the 18carat gold band. Hallmarked Birmingham 1884. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Band Width: 8.5mm We...
Diamond, Gold
0.60ct Diamond princess cut trilogy engagement ring 18ct white gold
Located in London, GB
0.60ct Diamond princess cut trilogy engagement ring 18ct white gold 0.60ct Princess diamond trilogy engagement ring in 18k white gold. Diamonds total weight 0.60ct beautiful matchin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
J. Birnbach GIA Certified 4.80 Carat Emerald Cut J VS1 Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This platinum three-stone ring is a striking example of architectural elegance, designed to showcase clean lines and exceptional diamond presence. At its centre is a 4.80 carat emera...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA Certified 13.46 Carats Oval Cut Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Cartier engagement ring, showcasing a vibrant 13.46 carats oval cut yellow diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Intense Yellow color and VS1 clarity, set on a classic four ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Estate 1.71 TCW Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine estate 1.71 TCW diamond and 14K yellow gold three stone gypsy ring 20th Century Unusual, attractive substantial 14K yellow gold gypsy setting perfectly complements the three bea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.0 Ct Old Mine Diamond Natural Pearl Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
An unique Victorian example, 1870 ca Very beautiful, fashioned upon three rare Natural not Nucleated Salt Sea Pearls, the trio inspired the whole unique design 1.0 Full carat of old ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Old Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, Chester, 1902
Located in London, GB
This antique 18 carat yellow gold ring, hallmarked Chester 1876, is a lovely example of Late Victorian craftsmanship. It features a graduated row of five old mine cut diamonds acros...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Delicate gold ring with rubies and diamonds.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Delicate antique ring made of 14-karat gold (0.585) with three faceted rubies (traces of use) and diamonds in an old cut 8/8 (totalling approx. 0.12 ct; color I; clarity SI-P1) Weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Late Victorian 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the later Victorian era and centres around a stunning, vivid green emerald. The 0.50 carat emerald is classically emerald cut and set within 18 c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A sparkly antique late Victorian old cut diamond three stone ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is set with three extremely well matched old cut diamonds, set in a hand carved f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 14 karat yellow gold antique, circa 1890, late Victorian ring features a straightforward three stone style. The center oval faceted sapphire weighs approximately 0.91 carat and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Three Stone Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 18 karat yellow gold antique, circa 1890, late Victorian ring features a straightforward three stone style. The center round faceted, ruby weighs approximately 0.75 carat and h...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Star Set Pinky Ring
Located in London, GB
Designed specifically for the pinky finger, this gorgeous antique ring is both stylish and versatile. The centrepiece of this lovely ring is a beautiful, vibrant red oval shaped rub...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1899 Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the Victorian era with our Antique 1899 Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Ring, a piece that exudes both elegance a...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Late Victorian Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old mine cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.60 carat, graded near colorless, SI-I1 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.30 Ct Old Mine Diamond Trilogy 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Victorian ring is 1890/1900 ca Ring has been hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold with silver portions over the top for the Diamond housing Centrally set with a bright wh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A stunning five-stone ring from the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Set with two beautiful old European cut white diamonds between three wonderful round red rubies. The diamonds m...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Large Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage old mine cut diamond three stone ring set in platinum. The piece is centrally set with a sparkly 2.30 carat old mine ...
Diamond, Platinum