The Victorian Era spans just over 50 years, from 1835-1890. The Era was named for Queen Victoria of England, who inherited the throne in 1837 when she was just 18 years old. Victoria was extraordinarily well loved, and her tastes in fashion and jewelry inspired the trends of the time.

Early Victorian jewelry was inspired by the courtship between Victoria and her to-be husband, Albert. Flowers, leaves, branches, and other nature-inspired jewelry was very typical of the Early Victorian period. Victorian jewelry became dark and bold after Albert passed away in 1861, leaving Victoria a widow. Some of the boldest and most beautiful jewelry from this time period was created while the Queen was in mourning for her lost husband.