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.
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
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
Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gold Filled Dangle Earrings from the late 19th Century. A pair of chased ovals with wreath motifs each have an urn shaped drop hanging fro...
Gold-filled
1880's Victorian Antique Mediterranean Coral Drop Earrings in 12K Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Italian 19th Century Victorian Coral Earrings in 12K Gold These elegant Italian Victorian earrings date to the 19th century and feature beautifully preserved Mediterranean coral dro...
Coral, 14k Gold
C1880 15K Natural Jade Drop Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love these Victorian natural jade drop earrings. At 1.5 inches long they are the perfect length and the contrast between the gold flower top and the jade is striking. The construc...
18k Gold
Victorian Antique Pearl And Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in Banbury, GB
An adorable pair of cluster earrings feature lustrous natural pearls wrapped with a scalloped diamond border in 18 karat yellow gold. Sweet as can be. Circa 1900. Perfect Condition Diamond: 2.1ct Weight: 4.7g Length: 18mm Width: 12mm Size of pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Gold & Silver Diamond Garnet Drop Earrings
Located in Roma, RM
Displaying the refined craftsmanship of the late Victorian era, these elegant drop earrings combine richly colored cabochon almandine garnets with a luminous surround of sparkling ro...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Silver
Pair of Late Victorian Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of late Victorian diamond drop earrings, the old-cut diamonds, weighing 3.14 and 3.23 carats, respectively H colour VS1 and H colour SI1, accompanied by De Beers Report , each eight claw-set to a platinum scroll collet, suspended from a knife-edge bar with brilliant-cut diamond surmount, estimated to weigh 0.15 carats each, millegrain rubover-set in platinum to a yellow gold mount with hook fitting, circa 1900, later hallmarked 18ct gold London. measuring approximately 2.8 x 0.9cm, gross weight 4.4 grams. This pair of Victorian earrings is in very good condition for its age. An exquisite pair of late Victorian earrings. These earrings each feature a lively diamond connected to a hook fitting. From the fitting is a platinum bar, suspending a scintillating old-cut diamond weighing over three carats. The two impressive diamonds catch the light beautifully: the old-cut diamonds have a wonderful antique allure...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 19th Century Old Brilliant Diamond Blue Enamel Drop Earrings Portuguese
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique Old European Brilliant-Cut Diamond and Navy-Blue Enamel Fringe Drop Earrings – Portuguese, Late 19th Century, fitted in original presentati...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
1900 Victorian 18k Gold over Silver Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in Lexington, KY
These absolutely knockout earrings are from the Victorian Era and feature a staggering 14 carats of old mine-cut diamonds in silver over gold starburst-shaped earrings. The top of th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Antique Columbian Emerald, Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of antique emerald and diamond cluster earrings, with emerald-cut Columbian emeralds, in fine claw settings, surrounded by ten old mine-cut diamonds, in silver crown claw sett...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
Antique Old Cut Diamond Cluster Earrings
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous pair of drop earrings taken from the turn of the 20th century. These antique earrings have been predominantly crafted from a warm 18ct yellow gold to showcase...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond Drop Earrings & Brooch Set in Silver on 18K Gold
Located in London, GB
This magnificent late Victorian suite, dating to the 1890s, brings together a pair of diamond drop earrings and a matching brooch, all masterfully crafted in silver on 18 carat yello...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Circa 1900s Ottoman 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.90 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Box is not included. Please contact for a...
Diamond, Gold
9 Carat Natural Pink & Colorless Diamond 18k White Gold Chandelier Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Experience true luxury with these breathtaking chandelier earrings featuring an exceptional blend of natural fancy pink and white diamonds. Handcrafted in 18K white gold, this pair s...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Victorian Style 9.00 Ct Leaf Carved Green Garnet Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
These charming late Victorian period are 1940 ca Marvelously hand crafted during the time of solid 12 Kt gold Simple yet effective design made by two stunning Green Garnets of the ri...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Silver
Victorian Gutta Percha Padlock Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Charming Victorian Gutta Percha Padlock Earrings from the 1880's USA. 1.25" x .75". (without ear wires)
$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
Multi Sapphire 14 Karat Gold Star Drop Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 14K gold, these beautiful star earrings are hand set in 1.49 carat multi sapphires in vibrant pink, green and yellow sapphires. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view ...
Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, G...
Luxle 14k Yellow Gold 1/4 Carat T.W. Diamond Teardrop Hoop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Make a stunning impression with these Luxle teardrop hoop earrings made with 14k gold and genuine diamonds. These lobe-hugging earrings have a beautiful teardrop drop that moves with...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Citrine Amethyst Fly Insect Earrings Victorian Antique Gold Pearl
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful pair of rare antique Fly Insect Earrings in Gold with gorgeous Citrine and Amethyst gems with Pearl accents. The Victorian - Edwardian jewels are beautifully made with an oval faceted Amethyst and oval faceted Citrine making up the bodies of the flies. The flies are further adorned with lovely seed pearls. The earrings are 9 Karat Gold. This whimsical pair dance delightfully from the ears. The Victorians adored their insect jewels...
Amethyst, Citrine, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
21.7 Carat Multi Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Raindrop Earrings
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
These rainbow multi sapphire earrings are handmade in 14 Karat gold. It is beautifully detailed with 21.7 carat multi sapphires and .25 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, ...
South Sea Pearl Diamond Cluster Earrings 2.14 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold earrings featuring two South Sea Pearl measuring 14-15 mm with a diamond cluster top of marquise, pear, princess and round brilliants weighing 2.14 carats. Color: H ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960s Diamond and Cultured Pearl Platinum Drop Earrings
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive pair of 0.70 carat diamond and cultured pearl, platinum and 18 karat white gold drop earrings; part of our diverse pearl estate jewelry collections. These fine and imp...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Victorian Gold Rose Cut Diamond Drop Earrings, Circa 1880, Europe
Located in Napoli, IT
Classic pair of Victorian Diamond drop earrings set in 12 KT gold Gorgeous size with pretty swing given by the drop made design in vogue at the time They sparkle and attract the atte...
Diamond, Gold
Ruby Heart Diamond Dangling Earrings in 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Earrings Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Earring Length: 0.80" Total Weight: 1.9 Grams Diamonds: 42 Setting: Prong Ruby Carat Weight: 0.50 Diamond Color: G-H Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,745
H 0.28 in W 1.04 in L 2.74 in
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Ruby Drop Earrings, Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive pair of antique 0.35 carat sapphire and 0.27 carat ruby, 14 karat yellow gold drop earrings; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. These stunning antique Victorian sapphire and ruby earrings are crafted in 14k yellow gold. These tapering shaped earrings display a hand motif holding a wreath*. The impressive wreath design is embellished with eight individually set round faceted cut sapphires, totalling 0.35Ct. Each hand design is ornamented with a ring and bracelet, incorporating four mine cut diamonds. The earrings are further embellished with an individually six-claw set ruby to the interior of the wreath and apex of the design, totalling 0.27Ct. The overall design is completed with five articulated yellow gold drop, suspended from the lower border of the main setting. These impressive antique sapphire earrings...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.38 ct White and Green Diamonds, 12.02 g Big australian Pearls Gold Earrings
Located in Napoli, Campania
Classic dangle earrings in 14K white gold composed of australian pearls surrounded by 0.38 ct of white diamonds, linked by fancy green diamonds and little pearls to a bottom thanks t...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.75 Carat Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Experience the timeless allure of our exquisite cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Platinum dangle earrings. Two bezel set oval sappires with a total weight of 4.75cts. These ear...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Gold Earrings
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique large rose cut diamond earrings with an estimate weight of 3 carats in floral design centeral stone diameter 6.60mm each in full rose cut facets flanked with smaller rose cut diamonds unfoiled back excellent spark earrings head diameter 16.80mm in 10k gold setting and 3.3cm length dates back to the victorian era 1850.c comes...
Victorian 15k Gold Diamond, Ruby & Pearl Swallow Earrings, Circa 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
A stunning pair of late Victorian period earrings, modelled as lovely swallow birds. Each swallow is set with old cut diamond bodies and striking ruby eyes, finished with silver deta...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique 15k Gold French Emerald Coiled Snake Earrings, Circa 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
A striking pair of antique earrings, modelled as super cool coiled snakes. The bodies coil around themselves, leading to the emerald set "brains" (0.37ct each) that are finished with...
Emerald, 15k Gold
French Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Drop Earrings 18k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Gorgeous antique french old mine cut earrings with a small drop and lever backs. The photos don't do the diamonds justice. They are bright and lively in a way that only hand cut anti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Earrings, Circa 1890
Located in London, GB
A pair of antique diamond earrings, mounted in silver-upon-gold, set with old-cut diamonds, in sweeping and curling motifs, claw and micro-claw set, with hook fittings. Circa 1890.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Old Mine–Cut Diamond Teardrop Cluster Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Elevate your collection with these exceptional antique teardrop cluster earrings, masterfully crafted in warm 18K yellow gold. Each earring centers on a sparkling old mine–cut pear d...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Magnificent Antique Diamond Drop Earrings, 5.50ctw Old Cuts in Silver & Gold
Located in Sandnes, NO
This extraordinary pair of antique earrings, dating to around 1900, is a rare survival of regal beauty. Crafted in a luxurious combination of 18k gold and silver, they shimmer with a...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Gold Filled Vine Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Gold Filled Vine Earrings from the late 19th Century. Original ear wires on looped vine design which climbs upward. 1880's USA. 1.5" (...
Gold-filled
A pair of late Victorian diamond cluster drop earrings
Located in London, GB
A pair of late Victorian diamond cluster drop earrings, each earring featuring an old-cut diamond to the centre of the cluster, surrounded by ten smaller diamonds, each suspended fr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
A Pair Of Late-Victorian Burmese Ruby And Diamond Earings
Located in London, GB
A pair of late-Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond cluster drop earrings, the cushion-cut rubies accompanied by GCS Report stating to be of Burmese origin, weighing 1.44 carats, each set within a boarder of old-cut diamonds, suspended from two graduated old-cut diamonds, with total weight approximately 1.6 carats, all set in yellow gold mounts, with post and scroll fitting, gross weight 5.2 grams, circa 1900. This antique pair of earrings is in very good condition for its age. Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold. A pair of feminine ruby and diamond cluster earrings offered by Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III. The rubies featured in these earrings are of a deep pigeon’s blood red, and are set within a border of romantic scintillating old-cut diamonds. These earrings were made in 1900 in the late Victorian period, and showcase a lighter style compared with the heavier pieces of Grand Period jewellery...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Chanel Pearl Drop Earrings Circa 1996
By Chanel
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Chanel Clip on gilded metal earrings comprised of a cc logo paved with rhinestones, from which dangles a pearly drop . 1996 Fall-Winter Collection.
Victorian Banded Agate Double Drop Earrings
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our 9K Victorian banded agate black and white earrings, though 150 years old, look like they could have been designed today. Polished and pristi...
Agate, 10k Gold
Pair of Late Victorian Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Pair of Late Victorian Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings. Featuring two oval brilliant cut emeralds with a total weight of ap...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold