Victorian jewellery, 1837 to 1901
The Victorian era spans over sixty years and several distinct phases of Victorian jewellery design. Early Victorian jewellery, from the Romantic period, favours naturalistic motifs - snakes, flowers, ivy leaves - worked in yellow gold. Mid-Victorian jewellery from the Grand Period, following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, saw a rise in Victorian mourning jewellery made from jet, black onyx and enamel, alongside seed pearl and turquoise Victorian jewellery symbolising sentiment. Late Victorian jewellery from the Aesthetic Period brought star and crescent motifs and diamond-set silver-topped gold settings, foreshadowing the Edwardian jewellery style to come.
Cut and setting are good ways to place a piece of Victorian jewellery within the era. Old mine cut diamonds, closed-back foiled settings and cut-down collet mounts are typical of earlier Victorian jewellery, while cushion and old European cuts with more open, claw-set mounts point to later Victorian jewellery from the 1880s and 90s.
Styles in our Victorian jewellery collection
Our Victorian jewellery collection includes Victorian mourning jewellery, Victorian sentimental pieces set with pearls, turquoise or garnets, and Victorian diamond rings and brooches from across the period. Victorian jewellery rings, Victorian pendants, Victorian brooches and Victorian bracelets all feature across our range, each checked and dated by construction and hallmark rather than appearance alone.
Within our Victorian jewellery collection you will find pieces spanning the Romantic, Grand and Aesthetic periods, from delicate early Victorian jewellery in yellow gold to bolder late Victorian jewellery with diamond clusters and silver-topped settings. We are always happy to explain the history and symbolism behind a specific piece of Victorian jewellery, particularly Victorian mourning jewellery, which often carries meaning that is easy to miss.
Buying Victorian jewellery: what to look for
Authenticity matters when buying Victorian jewellery, and we place every piece within the era as accurately as the hallmarks, construction and design allow. A lock of hair, an inscription, or a particular gemstone in a piece of Victorian jewellery can tell you a great deal about its original owner, and we are glad to talk through what a specific Victorian jewellery motif or material signified.
Condition should always be checked closely on Victorian jewellery, particularly on Victorian mourning jewellery, where enamel and hairwork can be delicate. We examine every piece of Victorian jewellery individually and describe condition honestly, noting any restoration to the enamel, setting or mount.
Visit us or browse online
Our Victorian jewellery collection changes regularly as new pieces come in. If you are searching for a specific style, motif or period within Victorian jewellery, contact us directly or visit our shop at 29 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, open Monday to Saturday, 10:15 to 17:00.
