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 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
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold 0.78tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising four round cut rubies, and eight old European cut diamonds, set in 14 karat yellow gold, to an 14 karat yellow gold band. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful solitaire ring has an old cushion cut diamond, weighing 0.40 carats. The single stone boasts a colour grade of G and clarity of VS which are wonderfully highlighted in...
Diamond, 18k 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
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1 Carat Opal Diamond Three Stone Band
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Three Cabochon Opals Carat Weight: Approximately 1 Carat In Total Accent Stones: Four Old European Cut Diamonds Cara...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Drop Earring Brooch Ring Jewelry Set Gold Turquoises Pearls Diamond, Vienna 1890
Located in Vienna, AT
LATE VICTORIAN (= VIENNESE LATEST HISTORICISM) GOLDEN JEWELRY SET: PAIR OF EARRINGS as well as RING and BROOCH MADE OF GOLD 14ct decorated with TURQUOISES, PEARLS and DIAMOND. ELEGANT BROOCH: made of GOLD (14 ct / 585), having hexagonal form (= six-sided form type), additionally decorated with six small TURQUOISES and a larger TURQUOISE attached in middle area, this one surrounded by a ring of six small PEARLS = causing a very decorative effect ! WEIGHT: 7.0 GRAMS (= 0.24 OZ / 0.22 TROY OUNCE) FINEST GOLDEN COLOUR ! OLD IMPERIAL AUSTRIAN...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 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
Antique Diamond Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique dinner ring features two Old Mine cut diamonds surrounded by a mix of ten Old Mine cut and single cut diamonds set in an elaborate ope...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
$1,667Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 carat. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 8.3 (We offer free resizing) We can make ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Old European-Cut Diamond and Red Garnet Trilogy Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An Old European-cut diamond measuring approximately 0.15 carats, H color VS clarity, sits at the center of this three-ring band fashioned from 10K rose gold and accented by two round...
Diamond, Garnet, 10k Gold, Rose 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 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
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
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
Victorian Moostone Cameo Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum this unique ring features an oval moonstone cameo 22.40 x 11.50 x 6.20mm and 4 old European cut natural diamonds. Ring size 6 3/4. Weight 11.7 gr./7.5 dwt. D...
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
Antique 18K Buckle Ring hallmarked for 1910
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our 18K late Victorian buckle ring is hallmarked Chester (for the Chester guild in England) for the year 1910. This means we can identify the ring is being made in exactly that year....
18k Gold
Victorian GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This late Victorian engagement ring showcases a GIA-certified 1.01 carat Old European-cut diamond, L color and SI1 clarity. The diamond is set within a buttercup mounting, a quintess...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Green Emerald and Seed Pearl Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A vibrant round natural green emerald centers this late Victorian dinner ring. The elongated navette-shaped plaque is intricately adorned with twelve petite round green emeralds and ...
Emerald, Pearl, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Australian Opal Victorian Style 18K Diamond Ring
Located in Shanghai, CN
This exquisite cocktail ring pays homage to the timeless elegance of the Victorian era, centered on a stunning 7.2ct natural Australian black opal. Boasting mesmerizing blue-green ...
Diamond, Opal
C1910 Irish Claddagh ring with Hands Grasping Heart motif, size 7
Located in Baltimore, MD
The Irish Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring originating from the fishing village of Galway and part of a motif of rings called Fede rings,...
9k 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 7.63 Carat Red Tanzanian Cabochon Garnet Dome Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique dome ring, most likely circa late Victorian era, features a wine red cabochon garnet from Tanzania measuring approximately 14 X 10mm and totaling approximately 7.63 cara...
Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
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
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...
$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
12k Gold Antique Rectangular Cameo Ring, Right Facing Bust
Located in Fairfield, CT
12k rose gold ring. This lovely antique rectangular cameo ring has an orange background with a creamy white foreground of a handsome profile bust, fa...
Gold
Antique Victorian 6.03 Carat Fire Opal, Emerald, Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold & silver Fire Opal Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring. This incredible cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold & silver . The center ho...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
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
0.63 Carat Total Old European Cut Diamond Antique Style Wedding Band in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
An antique style wedding band, showcasing three old European cut diamonds weighing 0.63 carat total with G color and VS clarity, set on a classic four prong setting. Accented by an i...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Late- Victorian Style Ruby and Diamond Ladies Ring Set in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A captivating and colorful quintet of richly saturated, oval shaped vibrant raspberry-red rubies, together weighing 1.27 carat weight total, are interspersed by bright white and spar...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
1.78c.w total Victorian Style Emerald and Diamond Ladies Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Exuding 5 beautiful oval-cut natural emeralds gemstones bordered by brilliant round diamonds in this distinctive women's anniversary ring inspired on the late victorian style. Fashio...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold