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, GIA 4.04 Carat Old Mine Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous antique ring boasts a 4.04 carat old mine cut diamond flanked by six single diamonds along the shank. Mounted in white gold claw prongs with a delicate gallery and yell...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring 0.30ct approx
Located in London, GB
A charming late Victorian three-stone diamond ring set with a trio of old-cut diamonds in an elegant graduated arrangement. The centre diamond is flanked by two slightly smaller ston...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$6,488Sale Price|20% Off
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique 2.00 Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Antique Dutch 2.00ct Rose-Cut Diamond Ring This original 19th-century Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the classic silver over gold style of the p...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Blue Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
You can't help but fall in love with this magnificent Late Victorian blue sapphire and diamond five-stone ring. The fantastic piece features three old cut diamonds, with an approxim...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum & Gold Emerald Diamond Rosetta Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum & Gold Weight 5.8g Emerald Cabochon Approx. 3ct Diamond Approx. 2ct Rosetta Ring Size 6.5
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
Antique Five Stone Old Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
We date this beautiful antique five stone old cut diamond ring to around the turn of the twentieth century, and it is absolute perfection. Five old mine cut diamonds, which would ha...
Diamond, Platinum
1.07 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Engagement ring featuring a lively Victorian old mine cut diamond weighing 1.07 carat set in a 6 claw, open back setting. The diamond is beautifully accompanied by 3 grain set eight ...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian emerald and diamond three-stone ring, the cushion-shape faceted emerald, weighing 1.88 carats, set between two round old European-cut diamonds weighing 2.30 carats in total, all claw-set with old-cut diamonds in-between, to a gold mount with scroll engraved sides and shoulders, marked 18ct, circa 1890, head measuring 0.9x2.2cm, gross weight 5.2 grams. Finger size O This ring is in very good condition, signs of wear consistent with the age of the piece. A beautiful Victorian ring from the extensive antique ring collection...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Late Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian five stone diamond ring, the five old European-cut diamonds graduating from the centre and estimated to weigh 1.95 c...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 29.31ct Natural Pear Shaped Aquamarine Diamonds Ring 14kt 12399*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Pear Shaped Aquamarine Halo Classic GIA Certified 29.31ct. Natural Aquamarine ring. Pear Shaped Brilliant, clean clarity & Transparent. Light Green-Blue Color Excellent clean cla...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 18K Gold Opal Five Stone Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Gold Opal Five Stone Ring This Antique English Five-Stone Opal Ring, crafted in 18k gold, dates back to the late 19th to early 20th century. It features a stunning row...
Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage Style 18 Karat Rose Gold 1.65 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Collet set Old European Cut diamond weighing 1.65 carats set in a blackened gold bezel and 18k rose gold shank. A mix of contemporary and antique, this is a charming ring. The diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1900's Dutch Antique Pearl Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Antique Dutch Rose-Cut Diamond Pearl Ring This original 19th-century Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the classic silver over gold style of the pe...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k 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
Victorian Carved 1.25 Ct Five Stone Boat Ring 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This Gorgeous late Victorian five stone ring is 1900 ca. Enchanting boat shape skilfully carved and pierced with scroll work made of solid 18 KT gold – marked Facing up with a gradu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1900's Dutch Antique Pearl Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Antique Dutch Rose-Cut Diamond Pearl Ring This original 19th-century Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the classic silver over gold style of the pe...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
Victorian Cabochon Emerald Ring with Striking White Diamond Surround
Located in London, GB
The oval cabochon emerald at the heart of this spectacular ring was hand-picked by a member of the Haruni family. Its intense green colour is accentua...
White Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
1910's Marquise French Antique Rosecut Diamond Garnet Navette Ring Heirloom
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
The navette shape has French origins going back to the 18th century court, where elongated forms were fashionable among the aristocracy. The name means little boat. By the Victorian ...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Gorgeous Antique Platinum Pearl and Diamond Ring, 2.00ct
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hi there gorgeous!! I just LOVE this Beautiful Antique Pearl and Diamond Ring. So much sparkle and such a unique design! Crafted in all Platinum, this amazing ring features a stunnin...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1900's Marquise Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1900's Marquise Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Navette Ring This original Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the classic silver over gold style of the...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
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
1910's Marquise Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1900's Marquise Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Navette Ring This original Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the classic silver over gold style of the...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring Heirloom Jewelry
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring Heirloom Jewelry This original 19th-century Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the clas...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Late Victorian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian emerald and diamond three stone ring, the oval-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.30 carats set between two emerald-cut emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.32ct Pink Ruby & 0.36ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 15k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Victorian 0.32 carat pink ruby and 0.36 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine ...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Victorian 18K Gold Opal Five Stone Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Gold Opal Five Stone Ring This Antique English Five-Stone Opal Ring, crafted in 18k gold, dates back to the late 19th to early 20th century. It features a stunning row...
Opal, 18k Gold
Late Victorian 2.40ct Emerald and Diamond cluster Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the later Victorian era and centres around a stunning, vivid green emerald. The 2.40 carat emerald is a cabochon cut stone, set within 18 carat y...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring Heirloom Jewelry
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1900's Victorian Dutch Antique Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring Heirloom Jewelry This original 19th-century Dutch ring features a beautiful hand-cut rose-cut diamonds, set in the clas...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Late Victorian 1.95ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
A truly rare find, this Late Victorian carved shank ring has been crafted entirely in platinum. A collection of five old cut diamonds are on display descending in size from the centr...
Diamond, Platinum
White Diamond Ring in Vintage Cluster Setting Set with Old Cut Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This enchanting vintage-style ring demands a closer look. Its marquise shape mount elongates the ringer of its wearer, while its cluster of white round brilliant diamonds, set in a n...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1870.
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald with insignificant oil in an open back cut-down setting with...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
1.17 Carats Emerald Cabochon Ring with Vintage-Style Diamond Cluster
Located in London, GB
Handmade in our atelier, this vintage-style ring is truly special. The unique pale green emerald cabochon at its centre is a timeless oval shape and weighs in at 1.17 carats. Around its edges is a sparkling cluster...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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...
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