The Victorian Era was from 1837 - 1901 (The period of Queen Victoria of England’s reign). There are various characteristic motifs from this period. Celestial motifs were very popular such as starbursts, and moons. Also, arrows, anchors, serpent or snake designs. Anchors, horse shoes and crosses also played a large part in design from the period.
The use of rose cut diamonds and old mine cut diamonds was prevalent in the period. Many of these designs mainly appear in all diamond, diamond and seed pearls. Hand painted porcelain and various types of enamels were also used quite a bit in jewelry from this era. Cameos (both shell and carved stone) were popular.
Later in the Victorian period (1861), following the death of the queen’s husband, Prince Albert, the jewelry became influenced by a "mourning" theme. Many pieces began containing black onyx or having jet as the main part of the design. Some jewelry even have a compartment for a lock of hair. Lockets often have daguerreotypes (early photographs) often with the names of lost loved ones engraved on them.