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.
Antique 19th century Two Hard Stone Agate Cameos One Shell Cameos Unmounted
Located in Munich, Bavaria
A round Carnelian cameo depicts a laureate after an antique model. The three colour cameo shows a profile bust of a bearded man. This cameo has a diameter of 2 cm. The small oval two...
Carnelian
Pug French Bulldog Puppy Dog Cart Candy Container Germany Antique 1910 Christmas
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A VERY RARE EARLY GERMAN CANDY CONTAINER OF A PUG OR FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPY DOG PULLING A WONDERFUL WOODEN CART. WITH GLASS EYES - SO ADOR...
Antique Victorian 1867 Sterling Silver Hinged Floral Engraved Purse
Located in New York, NY
An authentic Victorian-era sterling silver hinged purse buckle dating to 1867, beautifully engraved with ornate floral and scroll motifs on both sides. The rectangular frame features...
Victorian Silver-Gilt Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Located in Darien, CT
This Victorian Silver Gilt butterfly brooch is crafted with beautiful gem-set wings and body. Colorful and delightful, it's set with sapphires, rubies, rose-cut diamonds, and seed pe...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Handcrafted Elephant in Silver - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Impressive handcrafted elephant sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing an exceptional 3,200 grams. This remarkable piece combines sculptural pres...
Silver
A Large Silver Gold And Hardstone Fob Seal English Circa 1870
Located in Firenze, IT
The urn-shaped handle and cast and chased with two sporting dogs , the carnelian matrix without engraved. English, circa 1870 Height 3cm Weight: 14.40gr.
Carnelian, Silver, Gold
Poodle Dog Candy Container Germany Antique 1910 Christmas Easter Rare
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A VERY RARE EARLY GERMAN CANDY CONTAINER OF A LARGE SIZE WHITE POODLE DOG. THE POODE IS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS AND A VERY RARE EARLY CANDY...
Silver Handcrafted Elephant - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Magnificent handcrafted elephant sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 1,950 grams. This striking piece reflects the excellence of Italian artis...
Silver
Antique XIXc Indian Natural Carving of St George Slaying a Dragon. Dieppe Style.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! This Fine & Rare Early Natural Carving of incredibly detailed figure of St George ...
Antique Dolphin Sculpture Paperclip Paperweight Cast Iron Aquatic Mammal
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare and outstanding sculpture of an expressive dolphin designed as a paperclip and a paperweight made out of cast iron. Its eyes are made out of glass and it can open its mouth and ...
Baby Elephant Sculpture - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Charming handcrafted baby elephant sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 640 grams. This delightful piece captures the gentle and playful nature...
Silver
$3,360Sale Price|40% Off
1989 Theo Fabergé Picture Frames Olga, Maria and Tatiana #131 of 250 Worldwide
Located in Miami, FL
1989 Theo Fabergé Picture Frames Olga, Maria and Tatiana #131 of 250 Worldwide The collection of these picture frames is named after the 5 children of Tsar Nicholas II, the guilloch...
Stainless Steel
Silver Handcrafted Gazelle - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant handcrafted gazelle sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 800 grams. This refined animalier piece beautifully captures the grace, agility, and noble presence of the gazelle through finely sculpted proportions and exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. The sculpture is distinguished by its long, intricately detailed horns, slender silhouette, and expressive features, all carefully modeled to convey movement and natural elegance. The softly textured silver surface and rich patina enhance the realism of the piece while emphasizing the depth and quality of the hand-finished workmanship. A sophisticated decorative object and collectible work of art, this sterling silver gazelle...
Silver
Silver Handcrafted Grayling Fish - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Exceptional handcrafted Grayling fish sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 776 grams. This finely detailed piece captures the elegant form and ...
Silver
Cat Kitten Bronze Letter Holder Austrian Vienna Bronze Long Live Katzenjammer
Located in New York, NY
This is a superb antique Austrian Vienna Bronze (Bronze de Vienne, Wiener Bronze, Cold Painted Bronze) Letter Holder. The bronze plaque on the front depicts a trio of kittens eating and drinking...
Bronze
Antique Silver Needlecase Man Frockcoat Gaiters Playing Cards Ace of Diamonds
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Charming silver Biedermeier needle case in the shape of a man wearing a hat, frockcoat and gaiters. He is hiding his right hand, holding a playing card showing a diamond ace, behind...
Silver
Antique Reverse Crystal Stickpin Tiepin Boxer Dog 14kt Red Gold Red Dog Collar
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This reverse crystal of a boxer dog wearing a red dog collar has been hand carved and hand painted in the last quarter of the 19th century. The crystal is mounted in a red gold setti...
Crystal, 14k Gold
Monkey Band Austrian Vienna Bronze 9 Piece Antique circa 1900 Drum Violin Horn
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A RARE MONKEY BAND WITH NINE PLAYERS AND CONDUCTORS. THE MONKEY MUSICIANS ARE ANTIQUE AUSTRIAN VIENNA BRONZES. THE BAND INCLUDES THE CONDUCTOR WITH MUSIC STAND, DRUM, VIOLIN, TRUMPET, CELLO OR BASE, CYMBALS, FRENCH HORN OR TUBA AND FLUTE. These wonderful antique Austrian Vienna Bronzes (Bronze de Vienne...
Bronze
Pineapple Handicraft in Silver - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Pineapple handicraft in silver
Silver
Silver Wild Bison Sculpture - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Impressive handcrafted wild bison sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 1,040 grams. This powerful animalier piec...
Silver
Handcrafted Silver Pointer Dog - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant handcrafted Pointer dog sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 558 grams. This refined animalier piece beautifully captures the athletic ...
Silver
Silver Sculpture of Poodle Dog - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Handcrafted sterling silver Poodle sculpture, expertly made in Italy and finely detailed to capture the elegance and distinctive character of the breed. This charming figure is craft...
Silver
Silver Sculpture of a Cocker Spaniel Dog - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Handcrafted sterling silver Cocker Spaniel sculpture, finely detailed and entirely made in Italy. This elegant decorative piece captures the distinctive charm and gentle expression o...
Silver
Silver Male Doberman Dog Sculpture - Silver
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant handcrafted Doberman sculpture in solid 925 sterling silver, entirely made in Italy and weighing 611 grams. This refined piece captures the proud stance, sleek silhouette, an...
Silver
$1,250
H 1.19 in W 0.99 in L 2.52 in
Old Signed Carved Nephrite Jade German / Russian Hippopotamus Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine carved Nephrite Jade hippopotamus figurine. Likely the work of the German lapidary carvers in Idar Oberstein (or possibly Russian in origin). The feet of the hippo have numbered inscription or signature. Simply a great carving! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition. There are a few round concussion marks here and there, loss to one ear, a small fracture in one nostril (likely from the carving), some edge wear, and some very fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age Maker: Possibly from Idar Oberstein (or one of the Russian houses...
Jade
$650 / set
Sterling Silver Jungle Animals
Located in Darnestown, MD
Five sterling silver jungle animals to include: an elephant; a lion; a rhinoceros; a jungle cat and a wading bird with a fish in its mouth. The pieces ...
Sterling Silver
Modern Style Enamel Sterling Silver "Piggy" Small Cufflinks
Located in Rome, IT
Modern Style Enamel Sterling Silver "Piggy" Cufflinks Here there is a funny and stylish pair of piggy cufflinks handcrafted in sterling silver and enriched with enamel. Perfect to gi...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$3,826
H 1.23 in W 1.46 in
18ct Gold & Silver French Victorian Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Butterfly Brooch 18ct Rose Gold French Stamped Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian-era butterfly brooch is a true work of art. Crafted from 18ct rose gold, it features a n...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Wonderful Victorian Antique Hardstone Gold Filled Watch Fob
Located in Wheaton, IL
The piece on display is an absolute marvel of craftsmanship that is bound to leave you in awe. It is a testament to the skilled artisans who created it, showcasing elaborate and deta...
Gold-filled
$5,500
H 1.1 in W 1.6 in
Antique Butterfly Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Pearl Pendant Brooch Necklace Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular antique Victorian - Belle Epoque Butterfly Pendant or Brooch set throughout with Rose Cut Diamonds, Pearls and Rubies in a gorgeous open work design in Silver atop 14 Karat Yellow Gold. This is one of the most beautiful Butterfly Insect jewels we have seen. The Butterfly has a detachable brooch pin on the reverse which can be easily unscrewed to convert the jewel to a pendant necklace. The Butterfly is set throughout its wings with Rose Cut Diamonds. Each diamond is set within its own open work section. The sections are then combined into a fully three dimensional butterfly with exquisite craftsmanship and artistry. In the center of the body are four stunning silvery white pearls which may be natural. The eyes of the insect are two round Ruby cabochons. The diamonds and pearls are set in silver as was the custom of the period in order to show off the diamonds to greater brilliance. The butterfly wings are masterworks of jewelry making and diamond setting. The extraordinary jewels are all set "a jour" - open backed - so that the light is allowed to filter through the gems and make them sparkle with the wonderful quality we love in the antique jewels. This whimsical butterfly dances delightfully around the neck or across the body and creates a conversation piece to be passed on for generations. And insect inspired jewels are all the rage today. And here we have the magnificent butterfly with the exquisite gems and delicate design - how rare! The Victorians were absolutely enamored with nature and insects and created jewels as well as sculptures of the fascinating creatures. These antique butterfly gems...
Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Miniature Sterling Silver Elephant Pin Cushion
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: Sterling Silver Weight: 32.7 grams Dimensions: 50.2mm x 33.9mm x 18mm Cute antique pin cushion crafted in sterling silver. This piece i...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Pearl, Diamond and Ruby Brooch
Located in London, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond and ruby brooch, to the centre a pearl surrounded by eight old-cut diamonds, to a cluster surround of eight old-cut diamonds alternately-set with eight round faceted rubies, all within a border of sixteen pearls and eight old-cut diamonds, the diamonds estimated to weigh 1.75 carats in total, the rubies estimated to weigh 1 carat in total, all mounted in rose gold, circa 1880, measuring 28mm in diameter, gross weight 10.9 grams. Late-Victorian ruby brooch...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Rose Gold
Sapphire, Diamonds, Spinel, Rose Gold and Silver Butterfly Brooch.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò butterfly brooch/pendant in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a sapphire and a diamond on the body, a diamond on the head. The wings are studded with hydrotherma...
Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Sterling Silver Mesh Purse with Hand Engraved Frame, circa 1900s
Located in Princeton, NJ
Sterling silver mesh purse with hand engraved frame. Circa 1900's
Sterling Silver
Gorham Sterling Silver Christmas Reindeers 1973 & Angel 1974 Ornaments #18829
By Gorham
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Gorham Sterling Silver Christmas Reindeers 1973 & Angel 1974 Ornaments This set of three Christmas ornaments by amazing designer Gorham features two Christmas reindeer ornaments and...
Sterling Silver
$1,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 17 in Dm 5.25 in
Pair of 19th Century Meissen Gilt Porcelain Covered Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A pair of 19th Century tall columnar-style covered vases in fine Meissen gilt porcelain, featuring turquoise bluish-green base colors over a creamy-white ...
Sold
H 7.8 in L 6.5 in
A Pair of Victorian Silver Stags Deer, Edward & John Barnard, London, Circa 1860
By Edward Barnard & Sons
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of Victorian Silver Stags Deer, Edward & John Barnard, London, Circa 1860 This exquisite pair of Victorian Silver Stags, skillfully crafted by the renowned silversmiths Edwar...
Silver
14K White Gold Antique Lorgnette Eye Glasses with Handle and 14K Gold Lariat
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
19th Century Antique Victorian folding lorgnette eye glasses. The lenses are encased in 14k white gold and is hand engraved. It has a handle and comes with a removable 14k white go...
14k Gold, White Gold
An 18 Carat Gold Tiger Eye Moon Stickpin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold stick pin with a round tiger eye engraved with a the face of a sleeping moon. He wears a silver night cap set with small rose cut dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Figural Sterling Silver Dog Whistle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique silver dog whistle. Made in sterling silver in the form of the bust of a hound mounted atop a functional whistle. The dog holds a bail i...
Sterling Silver
Victorian 1860 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Jet Cross Pendant
Located in Lexington, KY
This commanding Victorian pendant in 14k yellow gold and jet is from the 1860s and comes with all the charm and elegance of antebellum eras. The pendant has a bold, geometric design ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sterling Silver and Vermeil Handmade Saltcellar Depicting a Deer
Located in Roma, IT
This splendid silver saltcellar with vermeil shells and two small spoons is our model from the first half of the 20th century. Since from the end of the eighteenth century saltcellar...
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
C1880 Austrian Bronze Realistic Tarantula Spider
Located in Baltimore, MD
A rare example of the remarkable talent behind the wonderful Austrian Bronze hand painted bronze miniature figurines which were made around the turn of the 20th century in foundries ...
Bronze
Austrian Bronze Spider
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a rare example of the remarkable talent behind the wonderful Austrian Bronze handmade, hand painted bronze miniature figurines which were made a...
Bronze
Austrian Bronze Butterfly, Moth
Located in Baltimore, MD
A good example of the remarkable talent behind the wonderful Austrian Bronze handmade, hand painted bronze miniature figurines. Austrian bronzes are ind...
Bronze
Austrian Bronze Pair of Owls Sharing Umbrella
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is a good example of the remarkable talent behind the wonderful Austrian Bronze handmade, hand painted bronze miniature figurines, which were made in foundries in Austria and Vienna in the later half of the nineteenth century. The bronzes were individually cast from sand molds used only once, then sculpted and cold painted by hand with several coats of a secretive enamel paint, known as "dust paints". These beguiling figures are sculptures in miniature. This adorable pair of owls...
Bronze
Sold
H 6.11 in W 6.7 in D 2.96 in
Antique Grand Tour Arch of Constantine's Triumph Miniature Architecture Model
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The Arch of Constantine is a miniature version of the famous arch in honour of Constantine' triumph in Rome and a fine example of a quality grand t...
Gold and Enamel Tiger Stickpin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold stickpin in the shape of a tiger with engraved hair and black enamel stripes, 19th century. weight: 6.50 gram dimensions tiger: 2.4 x 1.5 cm length including pin: 5...
18k Gold