Victorian

1837 - 1901

The Victorian Period took place during the reign of Queen Victoria in 1837 and ended with her death in 1901. Jewelry was characterized by a romantic motif incorporating flowers, hearts, and birds utilizing Old European and Rose Cut Diamonds, Amethysts, Garnets, Coral, Turquoise, Seed Pearls, and Cameos. The Victorian Period is broken down into three sub periods: The Early Victorian Romantic Period (1837-1860), The Mid Victorian or Grand Period (1861-1885), and The Late Victorian or Aesthetic Period (1885-1901). Each sub-period had different motifs, gems, metals, and fabrication techniques that rose and fell in popularity. However, some elements endured and saw transformations, some of which can help date a piece. For example, hair jewelry was worn in the Romantic Period, but its popularity reached its zenith during the Grand Period. Thus, the repoussé metal work of a dainty locket containing a lock of hair would pinpoint the piece as Romantic Period jewelry. On the other hand, a large, imposing brooch showcasing a dark gemstone, framed with braided hair, would most likely fall into the Grand Period. More information on the Romantic Period can be found in this post from the IGS: here

The Romantic Period ended with the death of Queen Victoria’s beloved Prince Albert in 1860 and thus the start of the Grand Period. More information can be found on The Grand Period in this post from the IGS: here

The Aesthetic Period ushered in lighter, whimsical pieces of jewelry which were much easier to wear. More information can be found in this post from IGS: here