The Era of Queen Victoria & Her Jewelry

Queen Victoria's love of jewelry lasted her whole reign as Queen of Britain, 63 years and 7 months (1837-1901). The longest reign of any ruling Monarch.

Queen Victoria had a great passion for all kinds of jewelry, but her favorite was a Serpent Bracelet, which signifies wisdom.

On her wedding day to Prince Albert, she wore a simple Tiara Wreath of Orange Blossoms, which became the most popular Bridal Headdress from that day forward. The Queen had many pieces of jewelry in the Orange Blossom theme, which not only became symbolically important in Royal Weddings, but became quite possibly the most copied of all the Queens Jewels. Prince Albert also had a passion for jewelry and continued to be instrumental in the design of the Queens Jewelry. Albert even went so far as to have the fabulous Koh-I-Nor Diamond re-cut.

In 1848 Victoria and Albert purchased Balmoral Estate in the highlands of Scotland as a family retreat. Victoria loved the Smoky Golden Quarts from the Cairngorm Mountains, Carnelian, Bloodstone, Jasper, Moss Agate and Enamel, which made up Scottish Designed Jewelry and she collected many pieces on her travels there.

In 1861 Albert sponsored the Great Exhibition of Industry of All Nations, in London. Victorian Jewelry, Watch and Precious Stone exhibits attracted worldwide attention. More than 6 million guests visited. The varied and eclectic designs displayed became identifying motifs of Victorian Jewelry. 

1861 was a sad year for the Queen, In March her mother died, followed later that year by the death of her beloved Albert. The Royal Jewelers were kept busy with the production of the requisite Mourning Jewelry. A mourning period of three months was established for the court, but the Queen remained in mourning for the rest of her life.

January 22, 1901 the Victorian era came to an end with the death of England's beloved Queen.

She was succeeded by her son, Edward VII.

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