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.
Gemistry Victorian 14.19 Carat T.W Diamond and Emerald Lariat Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The stunning Lariat necklace by Gemistry is manifested in 18K/925 Black Rhodium Sterling Silver. The posh Victorian necklace is finely embedded with gleaming diamonds, weighing 10.57...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
15ct Yellow Gold Victorian 18 Inch Solid Rope Chain with Barrel and Torped Clasp
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Rope Link Chain 15ct Gold Tagged Circa 1880 This stunning Victorian solid rope link chain is crafted from 15ct yellow gold and features a beautiful barrel and torpedo cla...
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Pressed Glass European Gold Filigree Capped Heavy Beaded Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique rare hand-pressed-glass necklace features semi-translucent grape-green large beads that are capped with gilt-brass filigree. Based on the combination of bead seams, spring-ring clasp, and metal findings on the unmarked faux Chinese-jade necklace, it dates to the late Victorian period most likely from Western Europe. Around WWI, hand presses, which stamped molten glass into a mold to create a bead with a hole and a seam, were often used to produce costume jewelry as a cottage industry in Germany and the Czech region. This was while there was a lack of factory machine presses and finishing tumblers that used sand to polish out the seam lines. Another reason that the cloudy green beads can be identified as atypically hand-pressed is that they are more opaque and therefore harder and less prone to breaking during formation than fully-translucent glass, which was better suited for automated-machine pressing. Also the green beads are an unusual swirled color including white, which suggests that their production was more limited than machine-pressing would enable. Without the bead-seams, this necklace could be mistaken for one by Coco Chanel. Her 1920s couture...
Gold, Brass, Gilt Metal
Victorian Long Chain and Slide
Located in London, GB
A Victorian long chain and slide, the chain of an interlocked double-link style measuring approximately 148 x 0.5cm, with an abstract slide attachment with enamel floral motif and buckle set with seed pearls, measuring approximately 2.9 x 2.2cm, circa 1860, gross weight 75.8 grams. A Victorian long chain and slide in very good condition. Unmarked tested as 18ct chain...
Pearl, 15k Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 128.03 Cttw Pink Sapphire/Black Spinel/Diamond 42 Inch Necklace 18K/SS
Located in New York, NY
Lilac skies shine all day and night around with this fabulous Victorian station necklace crafted with oval-shaped beaded motifs of pink sapp...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Black Spinel, Spinel, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Turquoise and Gold Serpent Chain Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian turquoise and gold serpent chain necklace, a yellow gold muff chain set with nine turquoise beads within a yellow gold square, leading to an ...
Garnet, Turquoise, Gold
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Sterling Silver Carnelian Stag Heraldic Desk Fob Seal Circa 1890
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite late 19th-century Victorian English silver desk fob seal, presenting an exceptional piece of British heraldic history. The base features a beautifully polished, vibrant ...
Carnelian, Sterling Silver
19th Century, English, 9 Karat Yellow Gold Muff Chain with Slider Pendant
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A beautifully made 9 karat yellow gold muff chain with handmade slider pendant. The 'double inserted curb chain' terminates with a yellow gold swivel type clasp which is working and secure. The handmade slider pendant comprises of 9 karat yellow and rose gold and contains an oval cut amethyst and two natural cultured pearls set amongst some fine black enamelling. The slider pendant allows a few different configurations for the necklace to be worn, and can be removed entirely if desired to enable a single very long...
Amethyst, Natural Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold 25 Gm, Rope Chain Necklace, 22 Inch Long
Located in New York, NY
If you're looking for a classic piece of jewelry that will never go out of style, consider this Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Chain Necklace. This necklace is made from high-qual...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$120 / item
H 0.02 in W 0.02 in L 0.71 in
Unisex Solid 10K Yellow Gold Slim and Dainty Rope Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a feminine classic: a simple and dainty 10K yellow gold rope chain that is 18 inches in length. This thin, 1/2-millimeter wide chain fastens securely with a standard sprin...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
60" Black Czechoslovakian Jet Faceted Crystal Bead Long Rope Necklace, Mid 1900s
Located in Milford, DE
A chic vintage necklace! A single strand of jet-black Czech crystals fastened with a goldtone springring clasp. A simple and stylish long (60 in / 148 cm) rope necklace which can be ...
Crystal
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.4 Gm Ball Station chain Necklace, Italian 15.5"
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.4 Gm Ball Station chain Necklace, Italian 15.5" 1.6 MM wide 15.5 Inches long Necklace Beautiful box chain necklace with ball stations, There are 19 b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$120 / item
H 0.01 in W 0.01 in L 18 in
Unisex Solid 10K Yellow Gold 0.5 MM Slim and Dainty Rope Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with our Solid 10K Yellow Gold 0.5mm Slim and Dainty Unisex 18" Rope Chain Necklace. This exquisite piece embodies timeless elegance and versatility, ...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold 20.5 Gm, Rope Chain Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Rope Chain Necklace is a beautiful piece of jewelry. The necklace is 26 inches long and 3.6 mm wide, making it a great statement piece. It has a wei...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15ct Gold Albert Chain, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian era, this traditional albert chain necklace has been crafted from rare 15 carat yellow gold. Featuring a T bar on the drop and a plate on the stating Ste...
Gold, 15k Gold
Christofle Lariat Necklace Sterling Silver
By Christofle
Located in beverly hills, CA
As a trusted brand in silverware and jewelry, Christofle presents this beautiful Lariat necklace, made in sterling silver. Its versatility allows for effortless styling. An exceptional accessory in beautiful condition. From Christofle "Idole de Christofle is a line of sterling silver jewelry and accessories from acclaimed designer Andrée Putman, who has worked on everything from film sets and airplanes to New York’s Morgans hotel and Louis Vuitton steamer trunks...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 17.8 Gm, Rope Chain, 6.30 mm Necklace, 17 " Long
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 17.8 Gm, Rope Chain, 6.30 mm Necklace, 17 " Long 6.3 MM wide 17 " Inches long Necklace Weight of the Necklace is 17.8 Grams stamped for authenticity S...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Classic 14k Yellow Gold 30" Long Rope Link Chain Necklace w/ Barrel Push Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 16.05 Grams Chain Type: Rope Link Chain Chain Length: 30" (measured on ruler) Chain Thickness: 2.2mm (approx.) Clasp: Barrel Push Clasp w/ ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Solid 14k Yellow Gold 26" Rope Link Chain Necklace Large Lobster Clasp
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 53.65 Grams Chain Type: Rope Link Chain Chain Length: 26" (measured on ruler) Chain Thickness: 5.2mm (approx.) Clasp: Lobster Claw Clasp Co...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond, 18k Rose Gold Collarette Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage 0.20 carat sapphire and 0.02 carat diamond, 18k rose gold and 18k white gold set collarette necklace; part of our diverse necklace collection. This exceptional, fine and impressive vintage collarette necklace has been crafted in 18k rose gold with an 18k white gold setting. The feature cluster setting of this impressive 1950s gold necklace is embellished with a white gold individually collet set 0.02ct transitional modern brilliant round cut diamond, encompassed with six claw set round faceted cut sapphires, totaling 0.20ct. This impressive setting suspends from an impressive coiling gold design enveloping the substantial chain. This vintage gold collarette...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Victorian Etruscan Revival 18K Gold Antique Palm & Lotus Fringe Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wheat box chain suspending lotus flower and palm leaf shaped fringe drops throughout Featuring Etruscan style granulation and filigree decoration throughout Accented by...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN 1900 Antique 29 Inches Twisted Lings Long Chain In 19Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An antique Victorian long chain. This is a beautiful long chain created in England during the Victorian period, back in the 1890-1900. The unusual twenty-nine inches chain has been ...
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 14k yellow gold long necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian long necklace, crafted in 14k yellow gold, offers timeless elegance and versatility with its generous 50-inch length. Metal: 14k yellow gold Era: Victorian Circa: 190...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold 56 1/2 IN Long Antique Fob Rope Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a 2.5 mm yellow gold rope chain Terminating with an antique fob clasp Rose gold with grooved segments Chain tests as 14 karat gold Clasp is stamped for 9 karat gold Wi...
Gold, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Twisted Rope Antique Fob Chain Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a 1.5 mm twisted rope chain Terminating with a hinged fob lobster clasp Stamped for 14 karat gold With maker's mark Circa: 1870s Width at widest: 1/4 inch Length: 49 1/...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Victorian Slide Link Pendant Necklace
Located in Montgomery, AL
Introducing our exquisite Victorian Slide Link Pendant Necklace, a timeless piece that effortlessly captures the essence of elegance and celestial beau...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 8.20 Carat Amethyst Pendant, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
An eye catching 8.20 carat Amethyst sits central to this necklace from the 1880s. The 18 carat yellow gold chain loops around the claw set central gem in a knot like pattern and fini...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Taille d'Epargne Gold Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Taille d'Epargne Gold Pendant. The pendant features an Old Mine Cut diamond, approximately 0.85 plus carat, G color, VS clarity. Accented by 32 Old Mine Cut diamond, approximately 4.35 plus carat. Vintage 14 Karat gold rope chain...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14k Gold Large Genuine Natural Agate Hard Stone Cameo Pendant '#J4136'
Located in Big Bend, WI
14k Gold Large Genuine Natural Agate Hard Stone Cameo Pendant (#J4136) 14k white gold pendant featuring a large oval brown and white agate cameo. Th...
Agate, 14k Gold
Victorian Long Yellow Gold Chain
Located in London, GB
A Victorian long yellow gold chain, the chain comprising alternately-set plain and textured cylindrical yellow gold loops, with smaller cylindri...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Garnet Diamond Antique Snake Pendant Necklace
Located in Banbury, GB
An exquisite Victorian necklace designed as a snake holding a heart-shaped pendant. The body of the snake crafted from 15 karat gold links which articulate in a wonderfully snake-like way. The links themselves are rounded, which makes the necklace very comfortable to wear. These graduate in size down to the clasp at the tail. The clasp then clips into the side of the head, which is intricately carved with an intertwining foliate design. The mouth is open, showing teeth, and holding the loop from which hangs the heart-shaped red garnet pendant...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 15k Gold
18 Carat Gold French Long Chain
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A long chain with little leaf links, French, 19the century. weight: 16.27 grams dimensions: 100 x 0.4 cm
Gold, 18k Gold