Early Victorian Jewelry - The Romantic Period

The 2009 film Young Victoria has sparked a renewed interest in Early Victorian jewelry, like this recently purchased brooch, circa 1850. Victorian jewelry is most associated with the dark, somber Mourning Jewelry that Victoria adopted after the death of her husband Albert in 1861. However, Victoria’s 64-year reign encompassed several aesthetic phases in both fashion and jewelry.

The Early Victorian Era, 1837- 1860, has been dubbed the “Romantic Period”, and encompasses Victoria’s coronation at the young age of 18, her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. This period was a time of marital bliss for the royals, and the jewelry of the day consisted of intricate pieces full of romantic symbolism. Brooches were extremely popular, since the high necklines and bonnets characteristic of the 1830’s and 1840’s made necklaces and even earrings impractical. Women responded by wearing brooches everywhere - on their necks, waists, shoulders and in their hair. They were even fastened with ribbons to be worn as bracelets or pendants.


This brooch is enamel with an old mine cut diamond center stone and cabochon turquoise accent stones. The intricate style of this piece is characteristic of the Early Victorian period, with each tiny piece of “buff top” turquoise cut to fit the setting exactly. As was typical of the time, it can also be transformed into a pendant by removing the pin attached to the back and unfolding the bail. This brooch is a standout because it is in immaculate condition, with all of the original enamel work intact. Print this post