How can you identify Victorian jewellery?

Look for hand-made construction, high-carat gold, box clasps and hook fittings, rose-cut and old mine-cut diamonds, and period motifs such as snakes, hearts, stars and forget-me-nots. A British hallmark with a date letter between 1837 and 1901 is the clearest proof, but many pieces are unmarked.

What is a Victorian necklace?

A necklace made during Queen Victoria's reign, from 1837 to 1901. The term covers gold chains and fringe necklaces, gem-set necklaces, cameo and locket pendants, and mourning jewellery made after 1861.

What is Victorian jewellery made of?

Mostly gold, from 9KT to 22KT, with silver used for setting diamonds. Popular materials include diamonds, natural pearls, garnet, amethyst, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, jet, enamel, shell and hardstone cameos, and human hair in mourning pieces.

What does Victorian mourning jewellery contain?

Mourning necklaces and pendants often hold a lock of the deceased's hair behind glass, sometimes woven into a pattern, with an engraved name and date on the back. They are typically made of jet, black enamel, onyx or gold.

Victorian Lockets & Necklaces1837–1901

Victorian lockets, necklaces and pendants from 1837 to 1901: gold and silver lockets with glazed compartments for a portrait or a lock of hair, heart lockets engraved with monograms, gold collars and long guard chains, and gem-set and enamel pendants. The Victorian locket, searched more than any other necklace of the period, was the most personal jewel a Victorian could wear. See our antique gold lockets or all Victorian jewellery.

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