Victorian Jewelry Value & Price Guide

Victorian jewelry encompasses a vast range of styles produced during the sixty-four-year reign of Queen Victoria, reflecting the romanticism and social shifts of the era. From sentimental mourning pieces to ornate diamond-encrusted gold, these collectibles are prized for their intricate craftsmanship and symbolic motifs.

Price Range: $185 - $220 based on recent sales

History of Victorian Jewelry

The history of Victorian jewelry is traditionally divided into three distinct periods: the Romantic, Grand, and Aesthetic periods. The early Romantic period was influenced by the Queen's deep love for Prince Albert, featuring floral motifs, serpents, and colorful gemstones like turquoise and garnet. Following Albert's death in 1861, the Grand period emerged, characterized by somber 'mourning jewelry' made of black jet, onyx, and dark enamels, often incorporating hair from deceased loved ones as a sentimental tribute. The final Aesthetic period saw a return to lighter, more whimsical designs. As the Industrial Revolution progressed, jewelry became more accessible to the middle class, leading to a rise in mass-produced silver lockets and stick pins alongside the high-end diamond and gold pieces favored by the aristocracy.

Value Factors for Victorian Jewelry

The typical price range for Victorian Jewelry is $185 - $220 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of rare natural gemstones, such as old-mine cut diamonds or high-quality natural pearls, which command premium prices.
• The specific motif or symbolism, with popular Victorian icons like swallows, hearts, and anchors often fetching higher collector interest.
• The material composition, specifically the karat of gold or the use of specialty materials like hand-carved shell and Whitby jet.
• Provenance and condition, particularly for delicate items like silhouette brooches or intricate watch chains that have survived without repair.

Tips for Buying Victorian Jewelry

• Verify the authenticity of 'Whitby Jet' by checking for a characteristic matte sheen and lightweight feel, as many Victorian-style imitations use glass or plastic.
• Inspect the hinges and clasps of shell cameo brooches and lockets for original hardware, as modern replacements can significantly decrease the item's antique value.
• Look for hallmarks on silver and gold chains, though be aware that many genuine Victorian pieces were not hallmarked; in these cases, acid testing by a professional is recommended.
• Distinguish between 'Victorian Style' reproduction pieces from the mid-20th century and true antiques by examining the precision of the metalwork and the type of stone cuts used.

Items in This Collection

• Antique Victorian Gold Locket
• Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch
• Victorian Stick Pin
• Victorian Style Brooch
• Victorian Turquoise Ring
• Victorian Watch Chain
• Victorian Watch Fob
• Victorian Silhouette Brooch
• Victorian Silver Locket and Chain
• Victorian Sterling Silver Brooch
• Antique Victorian Garnet Ring
• Whitby Jet Mourning Brooch
• Antique Victorian Mourning Locket
• Victorian Swallow Brooch
• Victorian Three Stone Diamond Ring
• Victorian Style Earrings
• Victorian Stick Pins