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.
Antique Victorian Opal Old Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1890s, 18ct Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Details * Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring * Circa 1890s *...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Opal, Diamond & Demantoid Garnet Cluster Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This stunning late Victorian cluster ring is set with the most gorgeous combination of stones- opal, diamond and demantoid garnet. A fiery cluster of opal cabochons are set around a ...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 15k Gold
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Diamond and Certified No-Heat Burma Pink Sapphire Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Natural, unheated Burmese pink sapphires and a halo of single-cut diamonds surround a central oval pink sapphire in this late Victorian ring. Cra...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 3.60 Ct Certified Burma Natural Sapphire 2.30 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Tradition Spectacular Victorian period Diamond and Sapphire cluster ring which is in the tradition of the antique jewellery, 1890/1900 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pear Sapphire & Diamond Halo 18 Carat Yellow Gold Coronet Cluster Ring, c.1890s
Located in London, GB
You cannot help but fall in love with this beautifully detailed Late Victorian coronet cluster ring, dating to the 1890s and crafted in rich buttery 18 carat gold. At its heart sits...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,159Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 0.75 carat. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.60 carat. The diamond is has is G-H color and vs-s1 clarity....
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,501Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Victorian 14k Gold Circa 1900s Natural Old Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Totally is diamond 1.35 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1-S2 clarity. Ring size is US 6 We can make any size. The shank is r...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Late Victorian Cabochon Garnet and Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This late Victorian ring features a wine-red oval cabochon garnet center stone set in a decorative mount with ornate prongs. The central stone is surrounded by a halo of six gray s...
Garnet, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Dutch Sapphire and Rose Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Dutch Sapphire and Rose Diamond Cluster Ring from the 19th Century. Cluster design with natural navy sapphires with chunky rose diamond concentric pattern. Elaborate hand etch...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cabochon Turquoise & Old Cut Diamond 18K Gold and Platinum Coronet Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A truly charming and authentic late Victorian cluster ring, full of the romantic character that defines the finest pieces of the 1890s. At its centre sits a beautifully smooth turqu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique, Turquoise and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous antique ring boasts an oval cabochon turquoise measuring approximately 8.80 x 7.10 x 4.96 mm, surrounded by 14 single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat tot...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,470Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond And Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.68 carat. Totally is ruby 0.22 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 7....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Late Victorian Cert. 2.51 Ct Natural No Ceylon Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Statement Imposing classy style from the late Victorian period designed in a large oval crown with two tiers of Diamonds surrounding a fantastic natural Sapphire, a statement ri...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Trilogy Ring, 2.30 Ct Old Mine Diamonds, Circa 1890
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Find This quite extraordinary antique Victorian period ring is the embodiment of beauty during that period time, 1890/1900 ca Glorious Victorian hand craftsmanship of solid 14 k...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian ruby and diamond cluster ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Victorian ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A natural pearl and diamond cluster ring, the central bouton natural pearl surrounded by nine old brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 0.9 carats, set in 18K gold mo...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Important Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Brooch/Ring
Located in London, GB
An Important Victorian yellow sapphire and diamond brooch/ring, the natural sapphire weighing 31.58 carats, accompanied by GCS Re...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
19th Century Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Cluster diamond and yellow gold ring set with old circular cut diamonds (approximately 1,20 ct in total) in silver on gold. Scroll engraved bifurcated gold shank. Size 51, resizeable.
Diamond, Gold
Late Victorian 3-Stone Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This pretty antique cluster ring is set with three juicy rubies, surrounded by a cluster of old cut diamonds that rest in fine gold settings with a finely pierced gallery. The three ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail Rare Victorian Ring, Antique Ring, Ceylon Sapphire Ring, Diamond Ring, 14K Gold R...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl & Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Blue Enamel 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
This fabulous oval shaped ring dating from the late 1800s, features a central bright-white .20ct. antique old European cut diamond sparkling amidst an interlacing design of bright gl...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Victorian Allsopp Bros 10K Yellow Gold & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique Victorian ring dating back to the late nineteenth century features a rose-cut diamond center stone surrounded by a halo of six additional rose-cut diamonds fashioned in ...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$965Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Sapphire And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.4 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.20 ct. Totally is ruby 0.24 ct. Totally is sapphire 0.24 ct. Acid tested to be 8k real gold. Ring siz...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Victorian Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
Victorian diamond coronet cluster ring. Centrally set with a round old cut diamond, J colour, SI1 clarity with an approximate weight of 3.02 carat...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Turquoise and Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This charming late Victorian ring showcases two round turquoise cabochons accented by two seed pearls in a vertical cluster arrangement with sculpted shoulders embellished with hand-...
Pearl, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,667Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Three Stone Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 3.8 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.45 carat. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7.5 We can make any size. Acid te...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,272Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.21 carat. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.17 carat. Ring size is US 7 We c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,887Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Sapphire Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.9 grams. Totally brilliant cut diamond is 0.50 carat. The diamond is has Ice color and s2-s3-Pique 1 clarity. Totally is diamond 0.75 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Late Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Persian Turquoise & Rose-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This late Victorian ring features a trio of Persian turquoise cabochons arranged in a vertical row, accented by four rose-cut diamonds. The gemstones are set within a delicate floral...
Diamond, Turquoise, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14 Karat Rose Gold and 1.0 Carat Double Sapphire and Seed Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 14 Karat Rose Gold and 1.0 Carat Double Sapphire and Seed Pearl Moi et Toi Ring Size 6.5 - sizable c.1900
Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,018Sale Price|25% Off
Victorian Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.27 ct. Ring size is US 6.8 (We...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Five-Stone Old European-cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Created around 1900, this English diamond ring is set with five diamonds mounted in 18K gold. The delicate 18K gold band is set across the top wit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby and diamond ring, to the centre a cushion-cut ruby estimated to weigh 0.65 carats, surrounded by four old European-cut...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating cluster ring taken from the later stages of the Victorian period. At the centre we find a gorgeous blue sapphire, exuding depth and allure. Accompanying th...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring or Bracelet
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby and diamond cluster ring/bracelet, the oval faceted ruby weighing 0.92 carats, accompanied by GCS Report stati...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Amethyst & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Carved Open Work Navette Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This wonderful cluster ring is a true testament to antique charm and intricate craftsmanship. The rings' focal point is an arrangement of 3 horizontally set rich purple amethysts, w...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This classic Victorian cluster ring is designed around an Old Mine-cut diamond center stone weighing approximately 0.30 carats, H color VS clarity, encircled by a halo of eleven smal...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Late Victorian Emerald And Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A Late Victorian emerald and diamond cluster ring, the octagonal-cut emerald weighing 0.86 carats, accompanied by GCS Report...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Three Row Cherry Garnet Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A victorian garnet ring with brilliant, sparkling cherry color and a pink under glow. Made in c.1890, the ring is American made in 14 Kt gold. The way the jeweler set the stones make...
Garnet, 14k Gold
Victorian c1896 Almandine Garnet, Seed Pearl 15K Rose Gold Cannetille Style Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This delightful late Victorian – c1896 - 15ct Rose Gold Ring, is set with a row of richly coloured oval Natural Almandine garnets, interspersed with delicate seed pearls. The sto...
Garnet, Pearl, Rose Gold, 15k 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
$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
$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
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
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