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.
Joke Quick 3.91 ct Rose Cut Diamond Brilliant Cut Diamond Pavé Statement Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
Discover the beauty and precision of Belgian craftsmanship in this White Rose-Cut and Brilliant-Cut Diamond ring by jewellery designer Joke Quick. At the heart of this ring, created...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold
Antique Gold Ring with GIA Certified Russian Emerald & Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely Victorian Period 18K yellow gold ring is set with one center emerald cut Russian emerald surrounded by a total of twenty two old mine cut diamonds. It is as sophisticated...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Portuguese 5ct Unheated Burmese Raspberry Spinel & Old-Mine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary, investment-grade heirloom centred on an approximately 5.00-carat natural, unheated Burmese spinel of exceptional museum quality, originating from Mogok, Burma (Myanmar), with no indications of heat treatment. The centre stone displays a highly coveted, deeply saturated raspberry-pink hue with outstanding transparency and an ultra-rare 100% eye-clean clarity profile, radiating remarkable brilliance and life. Sourced from the historic old mines of Mogok — the legendary "Valley of Rubies" — this completely untreated specimen is an absolute rarity at this significant carat weight; fine unheated Mogok spinels...
Diamond, Spinel
$896Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American 14K Rolled Gold Rectangular Shell Cameo Ring with Seed Pearls
Located in Honolulu, HI
An elegant piece of American antique jewelry, this ring features a finely carved rectangular shell cameo set in a high-quality 14K rolled gold mount. The substantial 14K gold layerin...
Pearl, 14k Gold
$2,336Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow Sapphire And Diamond Ring in 18 kt Yellow Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
RING DISCRIPTION Ring in 18 kt gold studded with Yellow sapphire & Diamond. Accessorize your look with this elegant Yellow sapphire Ring. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 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
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
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
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
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
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Five Stone Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Victorian opal and diamond five stone ring. Set with five round cabochon natural white opal in open back claw settings, embellished with an additional eight round rose cut diamonds i...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$1,778Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
An antique solitaire ring in 18k gold, circa 1900s, set with a natural diamond of approximately 0.20 carats (H color, SI1 clarity). Total weight: 4.1 grams Ring size: resizable to a...
Diamond, 18k 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
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
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
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
$1,451Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Turquoise Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
An antique ring in silver-topped 12k gold, circa 1900s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.63 carats (H-I color, VVS-VS-SI1 clarity). Total weight: 3.8 grams Ring si...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Silver
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
10.90 Ct's Cabochon Emerald Cocktail Ring Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Istanbul, Fatih
This one is a special one, it is from a very special collection of very special lady. 10.90 Ct's Cabochon Emerald Cocktail Ring Heart Shaped Diamond Ring...
Emerald, 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
Diamond Gold Ram's Head Ring
Located in New York, NY
14k yellow gold vintage ram's head ring, set with approx. 0.05ctw in diamonds and ruby eyes. Ring size 7.25, top is 23mm x 26mm. Marked 14k. Weight of the piece - 19.4 grams.
Diamond, Gold
Nino Verita 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold ring was designed by Nino Verita of Italy. The setting alternates bagutte cut stones of diamonds, rubies, and blue sapphires set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
G.Verdi 18 Karat Rose Gold, 2.40Ct Diamond & 5.78Ct Pink Sapphire Serpent Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made exclusively for Cellini Jewelers NYC, by g.Verdi of Italy. This 18KT rose gold snake ring is entirely pave set with rose cut pink sapphires...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Trillion Purple Amethyst Diamond Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.1 Grams Diamond Count: 1 Diamond Clarity: I1 Diamond Color: I Gemstone: 2 trillion cut amethyst Amethyst C...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opals Diamonds Garnet 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Opal, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.91 carats, Yellow Sapphire 2.08 carats and Diamond 1.20 carats Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 10.86 grams ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
“Antique 14k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Circa 1910 Russia ”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold solitair ring in open work setting centered with 1 old mine cut diamond estimate weight of 0.60 carats H colour white ring dates back to tsarist russian...
$3,187Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5.5 This stunning marquis shaped vintage diamond ring is the essence of old world elegance. The delicate rose gold shank paired with the incredible Old Mine Cut stones ma...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Men's Oval Green Water Jade and 6 Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Men's Oval Green Water Jadeite Jade and 6 Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold. This stunning jade has a one-of-a-kind color with beautiful translucency. The...
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold old mine cut diamond ring in floral head designe with estimate diamond weight of 1.4 carats H colour vs clearity centered with large old mine cut...
White Diamond Blue Moonstone Gold Starstruck Ring, Joke Quick
By Joke Quick
Located in Dallas, TX
Starstruck Ring handmade by jewelry designer Joke Quick featuring 0.59 total carats of round brilliant-cut white diamonds and accented with six blue moonstone cabochons, all mounted in a curved oxidized sterling silver disc and set on a matte-finished 18k white gold-palladium mounting with high-polished edges. Stamped and Hallmarked. Size 6.25 (can be sized). About the Maker - Joke Quick developed a fascination for fine jewelry while admiring her grandfather’s noble jewel...
Diamond, White Diamond, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
$4,183Sale Price|20% Off
Sapphire and Baguette Cut Diamonds 18Kt Gold Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Contemporary 18-karat yellow gold ring bezel set in with an oval cut intense blue sapphire in its center and ten baguette-cut diamonds on the sides. It is a well-made timeless ring w...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold & Palladium AGL Australian Black Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold & Palladium Ring Size: 6 Shank Maximum Width: 3.50 mm Weight: 12.83 grams One ladies 18K yellow gold and palladium vintage diamond...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Palladium
Oval Unheated Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A central oval and faceted unheated Burmese Ruby (measuring appx. 7.29 x 5.56 x 3.61 MM) accented by two round full-cut diamonds weighing appx. 1 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Amazing 18 Karat white gold cocktail ring. Handmade by our craftsmen and assembled with Australian opal and diamonds. Diamonds weight 0.80 karat Opal weight 6.96 karat Ring total we...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18kt Gold Cognac Citrine & Diamond Ring, Linköping 1920
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
There is something remarkably modern about this ring despite being over a century old. A richly colored cognac citrine sits low to the finger, framed by twenty-eight eight cut diam...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Coral Cameo Reimagined: Artisan-Crafted Ribbon Ring in 16k Gold Vermei
Located in Honolulu, HI
A sophisticated fusion of history and modern craftsmanship, this exquisite cocktail ring reimagines a genuine antique Victorian coral cameo through the lens of contemporary artisan d...
Coral, Sterling Silver
Late Victorian Certified 13.5 Carat Precious Opal Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A captivating Late Victorian precious opal cluster ring, circa 1900, centred by an exceptional certified natural precious opal weighing approximately 13.50 carats, believed to be of ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Platinum Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and striking Victorian platinum ring set with a luminous natural opal and framed by old-cut diamonds The ring features a round cabochon opal of exceptional presence, displ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Ring with coral 14k yellow gold 6.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with oval cut Coral – 6.2 grams - ring size US 10 – EU 19.75 (62) detailed description: The top of the ring is in an oval shape of 2.3 cm by 1.6 cm wide an...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Portuguese Diamond Floral Ring Silver Gold Hallmarks Makers
Located in Lisbon, PT
19th Century Portuguese Diamond Floral Ring in Silver and Gold, Lisbon Hallmarks and Maker’s Mark. A poetic jewel from 19th-century Portugal, this navette-shaped floral ring is maste...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique gold ring with rubies and pearls, Birmingham, 1897.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique gold ring with rubies and pearls, Birmingham, 1897. Antique ring made of 15-karat yellow gold (0.625 fineness) with rubies and river pearls. The unique ring comes from Great...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Antique Late Victorian Onyx & Diamond Ring - Platinum & 18K Gold
Located in Sandnes, Rogaland
A truly one-of-a-kind late Victorian-era ring, masterfully crafted in a combination of platinum and 18kt yellow gold. This exceptional piece features a deep black onyx centerpiece, e...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Diamond Half Hoop Ring Circa 1890
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This late-Victorian scrolled half-hoop ring is crafted in yellow gold and set with early European cut diamonds. Diamonds: Five superb early European Cut, (one 6.0mm, two 5.2mm, two ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 9.58 Carat Fire Opal, Black Onyx & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold & silver Fire Opal, Black Onyx & Diamond Cocktail Ring. This incredible cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold & silver . The center holds a natural vibrant opal...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Onyx, 18k Gold, Silver
Late Victorian GIA Colombian Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Certificate: GIA Center Stone: Emerald Cut: Emerald Weight: Approximately 2.80 Carats Origin: Colombian Treatment: F2 Accent Stone: 32 Diamonds Cut: Rose Weight: Approximately 3.80 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Era 18KT Yellow Gold/ Platinum Sapphire And Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Estate piece from the Victorian Era is set in 18KT yellow gold and platinum featuring a Blue Sapphire and diamonds. A cocktail ring consisting of one pear shaped cabochon genuin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond And Pearl Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.25 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 5 (We offer free resizing) We can make any siz...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Turquoise Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4 grams. Totally is diamond 1 ct. Ring size is US 5 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size. Box is not included. Acid tested to be 14k ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.55 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is ruby 0.80 ct. Ring size is US 8 (We offer fre...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold