The Hidden Meanings of Victorian Jewelry: Love, Faith, and Symbolism in Every Piece

Explore the Romance and Rarity of a Curated Antique Collection

Victorian jewelry was never merely ornamental. Each piece carried layers of symbolism, emotion, and personal meaning—expressed through motifs understood across society. Whether worn as tokens of love, markers of mourning, or reflections of virtue, these designs form a secret language that still speaks to us today.

At The Marialva Collection, we specialize in curating authentic, rare Victorian jewelry—each piece chosen not only for its craftsmanship, but for the story it tells. From love knots to mourning crosses, miniature ewers to enameled watch keys, our latest acquisitions offer a glimpse into this poetic past.

💘 Love Knots & Hearts: Entwined Affection

Among the most enduring motifs of the Victorian era, hearts and love knots symbolized affection that would not unravel. A love knot has no beginning or end, making it a poetic gesture of eternal devotion. These symbols often adorned rings, brooches, and chains—subtle declarations of affection worn close to the heart.

🖤 Black Drop Earrings with Crosses: Mourning and Faith

Our most recent find, a pair of Victorian French Black Jet Drop Earrings featuring delicate cross pendants, exemplifies the elegance of mourning jewelry. Crafted in an era where grief was ritualized, these earrings spoke volumes about loss, hope, and eternal connection. The black elements reflect solemnity, while the cross symbolizes faith and spiritual endurance. Today, their drama and depth offer a powerful aesthetic with rich historical resonance.

🏺 The Chatelaine with Banded Agate Ewer, Enamel Watch Key & Locket

A rare survivor, this miniature three-piece chatelaine is a triumph of symbolic Victorian design. It includes:

• A banded agate ewer in 10k gold: A classical shape representing feminine grace, purity, and service. Agate was also believed to bring harmony and protection.

• A 10k gold pocket watch key, enameled in white and black, with delicate engraving: More than functional, the key symbolizes the passage of time—a subtle memento mori reminding the wearer to treasure every moment.

• A gold-filled locket, designed to hold a portrait or memento: A timeless token of love and memory.

Together, these elements form a poetic picture of a Victorian woman’s world: elegant, expressive, and deeply symbolic. This piece would have once hung at the waist and is now ready to be reimagined as a pendant, charm necklace, or collector’s showpiece.

✝️ Anchor Cross: Steadfast Love and Hope

Another favorite motif of the time was the anchor cross, blending Christian faith with maritime symbolism. It stood for hope, stability, and loyalty, and was often given between lovers or family members separated by distance or hardship—a tangible reminder of commitment across time and tide.

🐍 Serpents and Eternity

No exploration of Victorian symbolism is complete without mention of the serpent. When Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a serpent ring as a betrothal token, it sparked a widespread trend. The snake, curled into a circle, represented eternity, transformation, and undying love—and remains one of the most coveted motifs in antique jewelry.

✨ Our Curated Collection of Rare Victorian Jewelry

Each item in our collection has been hand-selected for its authenticity, historical resonance, and artistic merit. Whether you’re drawn to romantic symbolism, spiritual motifs, or finely wrought sentimental pieces, we invite you to explore treasures that were once deeply personal—and are now ready to become yours.

✔ Genuine 19th-Century Heirlooms

✔ Rich with Symbolism and Emotion

✔ Exquisite Materials: Gold, Agate, Enamel, Gemstone

✔ One-of-a-Kind Pieces You’ll Never See Again

💎 Wear History that holds Meaning.

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Victorian jewelry offers something different: timeless craftsmanship, layered symbolism, and true emotional weight. These are pieces meant to be worn, treasured, and passed on.

Explore our latest arrivals at The Marialva Collection—and find the piece that speaks to your soul.

Your Antique Friend,

Claudia

XOXO