If you ask any antique jewelry expert, and likely most historians, they will tell you how powerful symbolism was in the Victorian Era. Jewelry from this time was rarely just decorative; it was often a deeply personal medium for expressing oneself.
During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901), these pieces allowed people to convey their love and loyalty, grief and hope, and many messages that still remain a mystery—all without saying a word. At a time when sentiment was woven into daily life, even a small pendant, ring, or brooch could carry immense meaning.
Today, these antique jewelry pieces continue to captivate collectors for their craftsmanship as well as their rich jewelry history. Victorian jewelry remains one of the most beloved categories of antique jewelry, admired for both its artistry and symbolism.
In this series, we’re going to explore some of the most popular Victorian jewelry motifs, what they symbolized, and why they were so meaningful during this era.
Hearts: The Universal Symbol of Love
While the heart has long represented love and affection, the Victorians found countless and very creative ways to embrace the symbol. Lockets forged in the shape of a heart would often hold within them a miniature portrait, or perhaps a lock of hair, transforming them into cherished keepsakes between spouses, family members, and close friends.
Some of these designs featured an arrow to symbolize Cupid’s love, while others were decorated with flowers, pearls, and various gemstones to give them a more personal touch.
Pieces such as these were frequently exchanged as tokens of courtship or given to family members as treasured heirloom jewelry.
Victorian heart jewelry remains a highly sought-after category for collectors because its message is as timeless and true now as it was well over a century ago.
Snakes: Symbols of Eternal Love and New Beginnings
One of the defining motifs of the Victorian Era was the serpent. The symbol became especially popular after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria in 1839 with a snake antique engagement ring featuring an emerald set within its head.
The royal couple were held as a grand example of true love and romance in marriage and were undoubtedly the trendsetters of their time. Following the untimely death of Prince Albert in 1861, the snake symbol was increasingly incorporated into mourning jewelry, as the Queen spent her remaining years mourning the loss of her beloved husband.
The circular shape of the serpent was representative of eternity, an unbreakable bond, and a love without end—even in death. As snakes are known for shedding their skin, this motif was also embraced as a symbol of transformation and new life.
Snake antique rings, bracelets, and brooches became highly fashionable throughout this era because they represented themes that so many people resonated with, and still do today.
Lockets: Love Carried Close
Although not a motif themselves, lockets deserve special mention because they beautifully capture the sentimentality of Victorian jewelry.
Many held tiny portraits, handwritten notes, dried flowers, or woven locks of hair from loved ones. During the later years of Queen Victoria’s reign, mourning lockets became especially common after Prince Albert’s death, as jewelry increasingly served as a way to remember those who had passed away.
Owning a Victorian locket today is like holding a small piece of someone’s personal history.