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.
$7,458Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Emerald Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 28.6 grams. Totally is diamond about totally 5 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.25 carat. Totall...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 9k Gold
Late Victorian Blue Sapphire & Od Cut Diamond 18K Rose Gold Bangle, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
We are proud to introduce a spectacular authentic antique bangle bracelet, that now is part of our diverse antique jewellery collection. Crafted in 18 carat rose gold, this late Vic...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This late Victorian engagement ring showcases a GIA-certified 1.01 carat Old European-cut diamond, L color and SI1 clarity. The diamond is set within a buttercup mounting, a quintess...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 9 Carat Rose Gold Antique Albert Chain, circa 1900's
Located in London, GB
The classic design of this wonderful antique Albert chain and the warm tone of the 9 carat rose gold make it a timeless accessory to complement any attire. The chain denotes fantast...
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Opal Chips Glass Cross Pendant
Located in London, GB
9ct Gold topped Antique Opal Chippings in Cross Shape- Pendant Unknown Maker Era 1890s Smooth Strong glass with curved edges inside are held many genuine Opal Chips- Topped with a hand engraved Deep 9ct Gold rim - and 9ct gold open bolt ring. Actual Size 6.5cm x 2 cm Rare Unusual Item...
9k Gold
Victorian Coral 14KT Earrings & Pin Set
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Fabulous Pin & Earring Victorian Set Swirl design with "Plume" accents on the gold. Coral branches swirled in gold Pin measures 1 5/8 " x 5/8 " C clasp for the pin . Coral bra...
Coral, 14k Gold
Antique Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A charming antique diamond cluster ring dating to the 1890s, crafted in 18 carat gold and centred by a lovely floral cluster. The design is formed of seven old mine cut diamonds, we...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum Diamond and Onyx Bar Style Brooch #21380
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Platinum Diamond and Onyx Bar Style Brooch This stunning brooch is set in platinum and accented by three round brilliant cut diamonds, 68 smaller round brilliant diamonds and rows o...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Victorian Chalcedony Gold Fob
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a beautiful example of a fob. The chalcedony on the bottom is in pristine condition. The deep scroll work is as beautiful today as it was when it was made. It looks like it went into someones jewelry box to only emerge recently. There is a lovely patina, born from age. St. John & Myers Jewelry is the only jeweler in Central Kentucky with expertise in antique and period jewelry, custom design, and restoration of antique jewelry. If you have any questions, give us a call during store hours Wednesday through Saturday 12 PM to 6 PM. Our experts would love to speak with you further about this piece. We love to chat about antique jewelry!
Chalcedony, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold, Black Onyx & Diamond Shirt Button Hole Studs
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Antique Black Onyx & Diamond Antique Shirt Button Hole Studs with 9ct Gold backs The diamonds are Natural and mine cut Diamond Size a...
9k Gold
Victorian Carved Bone Riding or Hunting Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Unusual and Elegant Victorian Carved Bone Riding or Hunting Brooch from the 19th Century. A hand carved hoof is entwined by a textured snake like crop moti...
Gilt Metal
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Harp with Rose-Cut Diamond Locket
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Harp with Rose-cut Diamond and Pearl Locket c.1900 23.66 grams W: 37.25 H: 67.59 Depth: 13.35
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold White Black Enamel Engraved Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A rare 18k yellow gold hollow form bangle bracelet with beautiful engraving and white and black enamel accents, circa 1880. This oval shaped bangle has a nice tubular width, with in...
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Diamond Sapphire Gold Cufflinks "Clover" Late 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Delicate pair of golden cufflinks set with circular-cut sapphires and rose-cut diamonds in a clover motif. Late 19th century, french import assay marks. These lovely cufflinks comple...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
English Antique Oversized Opal & Diamond "Crecent" Brooch in 15K circa 1900
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An unusually large antique "Crescent Moon" motif brooch. Wow! To most antique jewelry lovers this brooch is exceptional. Made in the United Kingdom circa 1900, it is handmade in 15k ...
Diamond, Opal, 15k Gold
1880's Victorian Dutch Amethyst Bracelet in 14K Solid Gold Fleur de Lis Setting
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
A refined Victorian Dutch bracelet, dating to the 1880s, crafted in solid 14K gold and set with a richly colored natural amethyst. The bracelet is distinguished by its elegant fleur-...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 7.63 Carat Red Tanzanian Cabochon Garnet Dome Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique dome ring, most likely circa late Victorian era, features a wine red cabochon garnet from Tanzania measuring approximately 14 X 10mm and totaling approximately 7.63 cara...
Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.70 Carat Diamond Button Earrings in Platinum & Black Enamel
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
These evocative earrings are skillful reproductions of late Victorian ear drops that would have hung from wires, hooked at the back. This updated version attaches directly to the ea...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Antique 18K Gold Black Enamel Onyx Brooch, Circa 1880
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This antique 18K gold brooch features a round black onyx centerpiece, elegantly accented with a delicate seed pearl at its center. The brooch is framed by a black enamel border and f...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Enamel
Hungarian Silver Vermeil Enamel Chalcedony Seed Pearl Hinged Bangle
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent example of Austro-Hungarian craftsmanship, this rare antique silver vermeil bracelet from 1900s. The wide hinged bangle is adorned with exquisite hand-painted enamel in...
Chalcedony, Pearl, Vermeil, Sterling Silver
10.7mm Vintage Baroque Pearl Stud Earrings 14kt Gold 12380
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Pearl Stud earrings 10.7mm Baroque pearls Cream White 14kt. gold 3.8 grams
Pearl, 14k Gold
$2,018Sale Price|25% Off
Anitique Cİrca 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond 1.15 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and vvs-vs-s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 6 (We offer free resizing) We...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$4,387Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Enamel Brooch
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 20.9 grams. Totally is diamond 2.85 carat. The diamond is has G-H-I color and vs-s1-s2-s3 clarity. Dimention is brooch 6x4 cm. Acid tested to...
Diamond, 9k Gold, Enamel
Miller Bros Sterling Silver Late Victorian Exquisite Belt. Birmingham, c1899.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Bearing English Hallmarks: Anchor - for Birmingham assay office Letter date - for 1899 Lion Passant - for English Sterling Silver & maker's mark: M Bros - for Miller Brothers, w...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 6.03 Carat Fire Opal, Emerald, Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold & silver Fire Opal Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring. This incredible cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold & silver . The center ho...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,369Sale Price|25% Off
Antique 18k Gold Circa 1900s Natural Diamond Decorated Pretty Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 9.1 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.35 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7.5 We can make any size. Acid tested...
Diamond
VICTORIAN 1880 Industrialism Pendant-Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Agate & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian industrialism pendant-brooch with a agate This is an industrial-shaped pendant-brooch created in England during the late Victorian period, between the 1870 and 1880. The u...
Agate, Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
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
9 Carat Yellow Sapphire Diamond Pendant
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Radiating timeless elegance, this 9-carat emerald-cut yellow sapphire commands attention with its rich golden hue, symbolizing prosperity and wisdom. The sapphire is encased in a daz...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster. Centrally set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire in an open back claw setting...
21k Yellow Gold Ruby Floral Bangle, 6.75 inches - 22.5g
Located in Providence, RI
This exquisite 21k gold bangle showcases a romantic floral motif with vibrant pink stones and petite seed pearls. Designed in a classic bypass style, t...
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Ruby 'Beggars Heart' Silver and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian diamond and ruby 'Beggars Heart' silver and yellow gold pendant. This charming heart shaped pendant is composed of two hearts, one set within the other and both freely articulated. The outer heart is set with old mine cut diamonds in silver, which is typical for the Victorian period - this allows the white brilliance of the diamonds to really stand out against the blackened silver behind them. The inner heart is set with old cushion cut rubies in yellow gold, a warmer and softer background for their pinkish hue. The reverse of the pendant is finished in yellow gold. The old mine cut diamonds have a total weight of 1.40 carats approximately, assessed as H/I colour, VS2 clarity. Dimensions: 32 x 28 x 2mm The locket is threaded through with a modern, non original elegant 9 karat white gold 16 inch cable link chain. This pendant is a beautiful example of the romantic and sentimental Victorian aesthetic, no other time was the heart shape so wildy popular as during the era of Queen Victoria, who was the proud owner of many heart shaped jewels...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
2.38 Carats Diamond Pendant
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite diamond pendant features a unique design of nine delicate flower motifs, intricately connected to form an elegant diamond-shaped pattern. With a total of 2.38 carats o...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Rose Gold and Silver Rose Cut Diamond Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique brooch pendant is masterfully crafted in 13k rose gold and set with glistening rose-cut diamonds. Designed in a captivating floral motif, the piece features el...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 9 Carat Rose Gold Graduated Albert Chain With Two 'Dog' Clasps
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous graduated Albert chain is new to our collection, and its unusual length - at approximately 22 inches including the original clasps - makes this an incredibly rare antiq...
9k Gold, Rose Gold
A late Victorian diamond-set duck stick pin
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian diamond-set duck stick pin, the polychrome enamelled head with a cabochon ruby-set eye, the body set with fifteen small rose-cut diamonds, all mounted in silver and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Victorian Lady Portrait Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Discover timeless elegance with our Victorian Lady Portrait Earrings. Crafted in 14K yellow gold and weighing 12.03g, these earrings feature ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.35ct Garnet and 21k Yellow Gold Brooch, Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 2.35 carat garnet and 21 carat yellow gold brooch with a silver pin; part of our diverse antique garnet jewellery and estate jewelry...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
Victorian 19th Century Gunmetal Long Muff Chai
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 19th Century Gunmetal Long Muff Chain c.1870 / 46 grams L: 156.2 cm / 61.5 in. 46 grams
Steel
Antique S/Silver Spoon Set with Sugar Tongs by John M Banks. Birmingham, c1894.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
An Antique Sterling Silver Spoon Set, comprising of 6 tea spoons end handle finely designed in twisted motif with end featuring an Apostle ...
Silver
Antique Victorian 18K yellow gold black enameled natural pearl earrings C 1880
Located in Firenze, IT
A lovely pair of antique C 1880 late Victorian earrings in black enameled 18K yellow gold highlighted by cushion cut diamonds and centered with 2 certified natural saltwater baroque ...
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Seed Pearl and 14 Carat Yellow and Rose Gold Crescent Brooch
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous seed pearl set crescent brooch is simply precious. Dating to around the turn of the century, we believe this piece is late Victorian or early Edwardian. The brooch is ...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Late Victorian Five-Stone 0.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Five old cut diamonds sparkle side by side in pierced platinum galleries atop an 18 carat yellow gold band at the heart of this late Victorian era ring. The diamonds, which are old c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Cabochon Ruby Pearl and Diamond Fly Brooch
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully crafted bar brooch taken from the Late Victorian period. The bar has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and plays host to an intricate insect design...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Natural Mexican Fire Opal and Rose Cut Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This beautiful antique Victorian ring features a natural Mexican fire opal measuring approximately 1.00 carat, surrounded by a halo of twelve rose cut diamonds totaling approximately...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
12k Gold Antique Rectangular Cameo Ring, Right Facing Bust
Located in Fairfield, CT
12k rose gold ring. This lovely antique rectangular cameo ring has an orange background with a creamy white foreground of a handsome profile bust, fa...
Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond and Baroque Pearl Eagle Safety Pin, circa 1890s
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14K Yellow Gold and Baroque Pearl and Diamond Eagle Safety Pin 1890s The symbol of the eagle found prevalence throughout France in the 18th century thanks in large part to Napoleon’s appropriating of the Roman legions...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
0.63 Carat Total Old European Cut Diamond Antique Style Wedding Band in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
An antique style wedding band, showcasing three old European cut diamonds weighing 0.63 carat total with G color and VS clarity, set on a classic four prong setting. Accented by an i...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 1890s Diamond Aquamarine Pearl and Yellow Gold Pendant or Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Victorian 3.22 carat diamond and 2.10 carat aquamarine, seed pearl and 18 karat gold pendant / brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique aquamarine pendant...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian 0.70ct Garnet and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1903
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous late Victorian ring features a deep red garnet. It is an old cut garnet, and is 0.70 carat. Twelve 0.05 carat old cut diamonds surround the garnet in a glittering halo....
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Comedy Mask Stickpin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a comedy mask with a detailed headdress, furrowed brows, and a wide open smile With ribbed engraving wrapping partially down stickpin Tested a...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late- Victorian Style Ruby and Diamond Ladies Ring Set in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A captivating and colorful quintet of richly saturated, oval shaped vibrant raspberry-red rubies, together weighing 1.27 carat weight total, are interspersed by bright white and spar...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
16.47tcw 14K Vintage Inspired Oval Emerald Cabochon & Oval Amethyst Drop Pendant
Located in Jupiter, FL
A remarkable emerald and amethyst necklace, that showcases three gorgeous gemstones. At the very top of the piece, a 1.86-carat, natural cabochon emerald. Followed by a 1.83-carat, n...
Amethyst, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century French Mandolin Brooch
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century mandolin brooch, realistically formed and encrusted with rose-cut diamonds and multi-colour enamel, on a black patinated background...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Beaded Choker Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
Here we have a distinctive gold necklace featuring a multi-strand design. The antique piece is composed of intricately linked chains, each strand meticulously crafted to create a har...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1875 Victorian Lingerie Pin with Seed Pearls in 18K Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: This unique lingerie pin or brooch has an intricate repousse floral design with graduated seed pearls. This pin has an engraved date "May 5...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Steel
Antique Victorian Diamond and Black Enamel Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 0.27 carat diamond and black enamel, 18 karat yellow gold bar brooch; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1.78c.w total Victorian Style Emerald and Diamond Ladies Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Exuding 5 beautiful oval-cut natural emeralds gemstones bordered by brilliant round diamonds in this distinctive women's anniversary ring inspired on the late victorian style. Fashio...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold