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Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

LATE VICTORIAN STYLE

Also called Aesthetic period jewelry, historians have determined that antique late Victorian jewelry and watches are representative of an era that lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque.

Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her emotions were reflected in her fashion and in what we now call Victorian jewelry. By about 1880, Queen Victoria and her constituents were ready to look to the future. The dark skies were parting and fashion was changing. There was also a major shift in industry.

While in the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign the focus was on manufacturing, toward the later years there was a renewed interest and appreciation of the handmade. The late Victorian period (1880–1901) was referred to as the Aesthetic period and coincided with these changing tastes.

The Aesthetic Movement, concerned with “art for art’s sake,” began in Britain around the 1870s and became recognized by designers and artists worldwide, eventually resulting in the Arts and Crafts movement (1880s–1920s).

Stylistically, jewelry of this time period did not resemble its earlier Victorian counterparts, in fact it was in complete opposition to what preceded it. Gone were the mourning jewelry, heavy brooches and large necklaces. Late Victorian-era jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty. Women still layered pieces, though, and favored smaller scatter pins. Jewelry also became an evening accessory and not so visible during the day.

Women were starting to actively participate in sporting events (socially, of course, not professionally), so athletic motifs showed up on their accessories. Lockets and heart pendants remained popular, but the REGARD or DEAREST rings of the early Victorian period were replaced by Mizpah pieces, which means “the Lord watches over me” in Hebrew. These items were exchanged between two people to symbolize a close bond.

Diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the Aesthetics movement felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.

The Brits still looked to their monarchs to dictate the latest trends. Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law Alexandra famously wore a dog-collar necklace, also known as a collier de chien, made up of multiple strands of pearls, to hide a scar. This style of necklace quickly rose to prominence. Toward the end of the 19th century, solitaire rings were also becoming fashionable thanks to Tiffany & Co.’s advent of the six-prong diamond setting in 1886. Platinum was starting to be used in jewelry production as well. Edwardian and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings.

Women were the biggest influences on jewelry. They joined the workforce, fought for their independence and overall began to lead a much more active lifestyle. Jewelry had to become comfortable and serve multiple purposes. While in the United States, the Gibson Girls lifestyle was emulated by young women, and starlets became trendsetters.

Finally, the international expositions made the world seem like a much smaller place and jewelry from North Africa and India captured people’s attention, appealing to those who already favored Revival jewelry from the Etruscans to the Romans.

Find antique late Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

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Style: Late Victorian
Antique S/Silver Spoon Set with Sugar Tongs by John M Banks. Birmingham, c1894.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
An Antique Sterling Silver Spoon Set, comprising of 6 tea spoons end handle finely designed in twisted motif with end featuring an Apostle ...
Category

1890s English Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Silver

Finely Embossed Antique 800 Silver European Continental Cigar Case: 12cm x 8cm.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Superbly detailed hinged Cigar Case, dating back to late 1800's Measuring 12cm (L) x 8cm (W) & being 15mm thick featuring gorgeous floral embossing from both sides bearing 800...
Category

1880s European Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Silver

Unger Sitting Bull Sterling Ring Dish
Located in New York, NY
Rare Unger Sitting Bull Sterling Dish with an image of Sitting Bull from the late 19th Century. 1880's USA. Signed. 4.25".
Category

1880s American Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Elkington & Co. Silver Plate Decanter Stand
Located in Portland, GB
Rare Elkington Victorian Silver Plate Three Bottle Decanter Stand Tantalus, circa 1869. This beautiful and classic silver plated decanter holder ...
Category

1860s English Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Art Nouveau Silver Cigarette Case With Erotic Enamel Painting by F. Reznicek
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite cigarette case with Enamel Paing: Hinged silver box with decorated lid, depiction of a young lady situated in her bed in a luxuriously furnished bedroom, Signature 'Reznice...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Silver, Enamel, Sterling Silver

Victorian Silver Epergne and Suite of Six Dessert Baskets
By Charles Stuart Harris
Located in London, GB
A Victorian silver epergne and suite of six dessert baskets, in eighteenth century neo-classical style; the epergne with central slat and star pierced basket supported on a waisted e...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Silver

19th Century English Queen Pattern Sterling Silver 112 Piece Flatware Set for 12
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful, large, Late Victorian sterling silver flatware set in the Queens pattern. This large set is very special in having 24 dinner forks and knives - allowing for complete set...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Classical 2-Handled Sterling Silver Trophy Cup by Whiting
Located in New York, NY
Two-handled sterling silver trophy cup. Made by Whiting, C 1890. Baluster body with 2 bracket handles on dome foot. Incised lines, foliage, and stylized egg-and-dart motif. Scalloped...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Sterling Silver

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Pair of Elkington & Co Neoclassical Revival Silver Plated Five-Light Candelabra
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare pair of Victorian Neoclassical Revival silver plated candelabra by Elkington & Co. Each candelabrum has a fluted column that rests on three paw feet that also support anthemi...
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19th Century British Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coquille Dishes
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Very nice set of five Tiffany & Co. small sterling silver coquille dishes made the first half 20th Century. Each piece stamped "Tiffany & Co Makers Sterling 22479." PERIOD: First ha...
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Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Sterling Silver

Set of 6 Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Faneuil Fruit/Orange Spoons
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Set of 6 Tiffany & Co sterling silver fruit/orange spoons in the Faneuil pattern. No monogram or engraving. The Faneuil pattern was in production from 1910-1955 and was named for F...
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20th Century Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Sterling Silver

Rare Important Estate Holland & Holland Sterling Silver Dish Tray Plate
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is A Magnificent Rare Holland & Holland Sterling Server Dish Tray. Beautifully decorated with Flying Geese. Signed and Stamped on Bottom. Provenanc...
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19th Century European Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage 20 Century Rare Silver Guilloche Translucent Red Enamel Cigarette Case
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 20th century Art Deco silver guilloche enamel cigarette case In excellent condition Rounded rectangular form and decorated top with translucent red enamel. Measuring 8.5 x 5 cm A vintage silver guilloche translucent red enamel cigarette case is a stylish and functional accessory that was popular during the early 20th century. It is a small case designed to hold cigarettes and features intricate detailing in both sterling silver and enamel. The guilloche pattern is a decorative technique that involves engraving intricate designs onto metal, and it creates a beautiful textured surface. The addition of the translucent red enamel adds a pop of color and creates a contrast against the silver. The translucent nature of the enamel allows the underlying guilloche pattern to shine through, creating a stunning visual effect. Cigarette cases were commonly used by both men and women during the early 20th century, and they were often considered a symbol of sophistication and elegance. Vintage cigarette cases...
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Mid-20th Century Belgian Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Vintage 20 Century Rare Silver Guilloche Translucent Red Enamel Cigarette Case
Vintage 20 Century Rare Silver Guilloche Translucent Red Enamel Cigarette Case
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H 1.97 in W 1.97 in D 0.2 in Dm 3.35 in L 3.35 in
Antique Sterling Silver Harvard Spoon
Located in New York, NY
Antique sterling silver dessert spoon. There is an engraved image of a cathedral, with applied letters that spell out "FAIR HARVARD." Gilt bowl. 6" long. Alice Kwartler has sol...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian Silver Overlay & Glass Floral Wine Coaster or Table Trivet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique wine trivet. With a thick sterling silver overlay in a floral pattern on a glass base. Struck to the side of the rim: STERLING. Simply a wonderful coaster or trivet...
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Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Georgian Sterling Silver Pie Crust Salver Tray. Hallmarked London 1757
Located in Canterbury, GB
This sterling silver pie crust salver tray is dated 1757 and is in excellent condition. The tray is Hallmarked London and measures 160mm x 160mm.
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1750s British Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Persian Acid-Etched Serving Tray/Cake Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine cake stand or footed serving tray. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. With a Persian pattern or Islamic style ornate acid-etched design. Fully hallmarked to the reverse....
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Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Sterling Silver

Antique Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Italian Pattern Mustard Ladle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Italian pattern mustard ladle. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. Designed by Edward C. Moore and issued in 1870. Simply a wonder...
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Late 19th Century American Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Sterling Silver

Vintage .900 Silver Cigarette Case w Monogram
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
In .900 silver with a smooth sandblast satin-like finish this pre-war collectable cigarette case is a find. Its contoured shape make it easy to carry ...
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1940s American Vintage Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Antique 18th Century Georgian English Sterling Silver Salver Dated 1740
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine 18th century Georgian sterling silver salver. Supported by tab feet with a shaped top. With engraved decoration including a shield shaped cartouche at its center with a mon...
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Mid-18th Century British Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Magnifying Glass, Repousse
Located in NEWARK, GB
A gorgeous antique, Victorian sterling silver handled magnifying glass. It has a decorative repousse pattern handle with hallmarks stamped to both sides, the handle is hollow. It h...
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Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Antique Brilliant Period Sterling Silver Mounted Cut Glass Cocktail Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique cut glass cocktail (or juice) pitcher with a sterling silver mount. The body of the pitcher with elaborate, deep wheel-cut decoration and an applied loop handle,...
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Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Sterling Silver

Silver 800 Erotica Cigarette Case Enamel Painting Lady Nudes in Church
Located in Vienna, AT
VERY INTERESTING SILVER 800 CIGARETTE BOX / CASE WITH ENAMEL PAINTING COVERING LID: LADIES IN CHURCH The lid is decorated with a rare enamel picture - following scene is painted the...
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Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Silver 800 Erotica Cigarette Case Enamel Painting Loving Couple, circa 1890
Located in Vienna, AT
VERY INTERESTING SILVER 800 CIGARETTE BOX / CASE WITH ENAMEL PAINTING COVERING LID: LOVING COUPLE The lid is decorated with beautiful enamel picture - following scene is painted the...
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Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Antique Arthur & Bond Yokohama Solid Silver and Glass Iris Floral Ink Well
Located in St Helens, GB
A very rare sterling silver and glass three part inkwell. ​Retailed by Arthur & Bond and designed and made by Yokohama. ​Fantastically designed with an iris and reed pattern to eac...
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20th Century Chinese Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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Benedict Brothers Sterling Fish Serving Set
Located in Bethesda, MD
From the New York firm Benedict Brothers this unusual fish serving set it is original fitted box. Sterling silver 8.35 ounces, Fork 9 inches, 11.5 in...
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1890s British Antique Late Victorian Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

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