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 Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
An antique carnelian intaglio signet ring made in 9k yellow gold. A true piece of history, this exquisite ring features a beautifully carved carnelian intaglio stone set in a classi...
Carnelian, Yellow 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
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
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
Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in 18K Gold and Platinum, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s, this antique piece is full of history, with a lasting elegance that will be cherished for generations to come. A beautiful example of Late Victorian craftsmansh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Double Heart Diamond Ring.
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Vintage Double Heart Diamond Engagement Ring is just so sweet!! Crafted in 18K Yellow Gold in 1897, the ring features a pair of hear...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Australian Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A luminous Australian opal measuring approximately 3.00 carats, with iridescent hues of blue, green, yellow, orange and pink, centers this exquisite antique ring surrounded by a halo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
HM 1901 18K Victorian Plaited "Keeper" or "Illusion" Band Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
A "Keeper" ring is a snug fitting ring worn to prevent the loss of a more valuable ring by keeping the larger ring from sliding off. Such rings were also known as magic or illusion...
18k Gold
Victorian 18K Gold 6.00 Ct Pink Tourmaline Diamond Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Heritage This appealing Victorian ring is 1890/1900 ca hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt gold and silver potions Elegant, timeless, trilogy design to suit modern lifest...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Late Victorian Opal & Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1899
Located in London, GB
Introducing a wonderful late Victorian five-stone ring, dating to 1899, meticulously crafted in warm 18 carat yellow gold and featuring a beautifully handcrafted fluted gallery, a ch...
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18KT Gold Cameo Ring, Circa 1885, UK, 7.1g
Located in Braintree, GB
An elegant antique Victorian cameo ring in 18KT gold, set with a finely carved white profile bust against a darker ground. The smooth oval bezel a...
Stone, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Gold Diamond and Sapphire Three-Stone Ring, circa 1900
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful antique three-stone ring crafted circa 1900. The central sapphire measures approximately 70 points and is flanked by two stunning white diamonds weighing approximately 35...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Three-Stone Band Ring, 1885
Located in London, GB
Dating to 1885, this charming Late Victorian three stone diamond ring is masterfully crafted in rich 18 carat yellow gold and centres upon three graduated old mine cut diamonds, weig...
Diamond, Yellow 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
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 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
Antique 4.61 Carat Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 1920's three stone diamond engagement ring is timeless. The ring features a gorgeous cushion shaped Old Mine Cut diamond in the centre which weighs 2.50ct and is mount...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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 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 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
Late Victorian Floral 9 Carat Rose Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautifully decorative 9ct rose gold band features stunning floral style engraving. Made in Chester, England. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 Band Width: 7mm Weight: 3.4g
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
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
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
Early 20th Century Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in London, GB
An Early 20th Century 18ct gold and platinum pearl and old-cut diamond ring. Estimated total diamond weight 0.40ct Ring size M 1/2 Weight: 3.4g
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
$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
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
Werner Brothers Seed Pearl Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A natural white seed pearl measuring approximately 2.9mm is held in a six prong buttercup setting (to resemble a flower) in this late Victorian-early Edwardian gem attributed to the ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White 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
$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
$834Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 9k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 1.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.22 carat. Clearity is diamond G-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.12 carat. Ring size is US 6...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold
Victorian Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique Victorian two-tone ring features an openwork navette-shaped frame embellished with a mix of approximately 1.00 carat of rose cut and Old-Mine cut diamonds set in platinu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$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
Antique 19th Century Carnelian Bearded Man Intaglio Ring Yellow Gold Portuguese
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique 19th Century Carnelian Intaglio Ring in 19.2K yellow gold, Portugal, Hallmark and Maker’s Mark. This extraordinary piece features a beautifully detailed carnelian intaglio, s...
Carnelian, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique English 18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Five-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique five stone opal ring with English hallmarks accented by rose cut diamonds set in 18k gold. The ring features nice matching white opals wit...
Diamond, Opal, 18k 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
2.15 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.15 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring This unique ring is a Vintage-Inspired ring. It's beauty derives from the stunning Blue Sapphire that weig...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Amethyst Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Late Victorian-era ring features an oval-shaped amethyst center stone measuring approximately 9.7 x 10.11 mm held in a coronet-style setting with sculpted prongs. It is flanked ...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian-Style Five-Stone Diamond Band
Located in Denver, CO
This vintage band, inspired by late Victorian/Edwardian design, features three single-cut diamonds set within a rectangular frame and flanked by two additional single-cut diamonds fr...
Diamond, 14k 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
Late Victorian 18K Gold Emerald Split Pearl and Diamond Wide Half Hoop Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Late Victorian 18K yellow gold wide tapered half-hoop ring, set with a row of diamonds, a row of emeralds, and a row of split pearls. Circa 1885. Ring contains seven Old Mine-cut di...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
$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
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
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
Cocktail Ring -Victorian 18K Gold & Silver 3.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond & Burma Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
This is a spectacular, museum-quality antique Victorian dome ring masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold with an authentic oxidized silver-topped setting. Weighing a substantial 13.6...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,054Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Gold Band, Anna Blair Sept. 28 ‘77, Size 6.5, Circa 1870s
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Step into the world of sentimental jewelry with this classic Victorian gold band featuring a rich patina. This antique piece boasts a beautiful inscription that rea...
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
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
Antique Victorian Natural Red Ruby and 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This delicate antique Victorian band is designed around a natural round red ruby in a buttercup setting with hand engraved details. Set in 14K yellow gold.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
Fine Antique Large Yellod Gold Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 14k Yellow Gold Navette Ring, measuring 1 1/4 inches in length and 3/8 inch wide, set with Nice Clean White Old Mine cut Diamonds totaling approximately 1.75 Carats and Ve...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
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
$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
Victorian Essex Crystal Yellow Gold Dog Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Essex crystal reverse intaglio and 9 karat yellow gold 'dog' cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique Victorian jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique Essex crystal ring...
Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,360Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Turquoise Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.8 grams. Total is diamond 0.63 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 (We offer free resizing) We can mak...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Silver
Antique Gold and Platinum Ring with Amethyst and Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Charming antique ring from the late 1800s to early 1900s, crafted in gold and platinum, representing fine period craftsmanship. At its center is a natural amethyst of deep color, han...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Platinum
$9,749Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Late Victorian 15kt Gold Five-Stone Sapphire Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Braintree, GB
A stunning piece from the Victorian era, this exquisite ring boasts a captivating array of Basaltic blue Sapphires totalling 3.70carats, set in 15kt yellow gold. The intricate multi-...
Sapphire, 15k Gold
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