Franz Xaver Winterhalter, Queen Victoria, 1847, Royal Collection Trust.
The nineteenth century was one of the most prolific for the British Empire, and Victoria's reign also left its mark on morals to the extent that it is referred to as the 'Victorian era'. In fact, it would seem that prudery and puritanism belonged more to Albert than to the Queen, who loved to dance, enjoyed court gossip and was even a little naughty. But Victoria was above all a passionate lover: when she met her first cousin for the second time in 1839, she wrote in her diary: "Albert is here. He is handsome".
Antique Victorian Gold and Diamond Ring
Love at first sight in Buckingham
And since "[her] heart is set", Victoria proposed to Albert in October of that year. By the way, as this is a leap year, English women have retained the right to propose in these specific years. So, if you want to propose to your loved one, decide for yourself when you want to get married. engagement ring !
We talked about it in the article on ophidian creatures, for their part the couple chose a snake decorated with an emerald.
left: Detail of the painting by H. Von Angeli, right: Queen Victoria's engagement ring
Victoria's ring contributed to the popularity of the motif in the 1840s. Indeed, her jewellery was particularly imitated. This is thought to be partly related to the development of photography concomitant with her (very long) reign.
Victorian snake ring with diamonds
Albert and Victoria would have nine children and would represent the 'Ricore family' before the advert. These numerous pregnancies forced her to make room for Albert - who in any case had other ambitions than being the Queen's boyfriend.
Endless mourning
Heinrich Von Angeli, Queen Victoria, 1875, Royal Collection Trust.
1861 was a painful year: Victoria lost her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and her great love. From then on and for forty years, she mourned and popularised her eponymous jewellery. These could be made of onyx, jet, agate or black enamel. Victoria's jewels were made of gold, but there were also iron frames. Beware that not all black jewellery is mourning jewellery, however the reverse is true - with a few purple exceptions that prove the rule.
Of the mourning jewels, hair jewels are perhaps the best known. These are not necessarily linked to death, they may simply be tokens of love; however, for the Queen the two seem to be associated. Indeed, in her youth she received a locket containing a lock of hair from her father who died very shortly after her birth.
Sentimental Victorian brooch in 9Kt rose gold with hair and fine pearls
Victoria will also have a pendant made in tribute to Albert, concealing a photograph of him and a hair memento, and she will be buried according to her wishes with Albert's dressing gown and a hair bow and a photograph of John Brown - the Queen's second lover, but that's a secret so we didn't tell you.
Four of Victoria's mourning jewels were sold at auction by Sotheby's this year.
There's something about Victoria
Finally, Victoria had a brooch (another gift from Albert, the lovers shared the same passion for jewellery) hidden in this article, can you find it? By the way, can you guess who popularised the white wedding dress?
Adorned with a sapphire surrounded by diamonds, it looks like one of the most famous creations of the jeweller Garrard - a Proust's dream for Charles. Elizabeth II was reportedly shocked that her son chose a ring that others could afford. Fortunately for her, an 18-carat sapphire is not for everyone! For those on a tighter budget, we suggest the model below.
French engagement white gold cluster ring with sapphire and diamonds
If you haven't found your Albert - or if he doesn't share your passion for antique jewellery, or if you don't need a man to buy you a piece of jewellery - find our Victorian selection on the right (or below for the mobile version).
Victorian gold, silver and diamond brooch; Antique Victorian gold and silver brooch with miniature; Antique sentimental pendant; Antique medallion; Religious pendant; Signet ring; Snake necklace 1; Snake necklace 2