The Victorians wore jewellery which conveyed nuanced meaning, expressed sentiment and brought fortune. They celebrated life events, friendship, love, and courtship with these designs. Below is a list of motifs and an outline of what they symbolised for the Victorians. Many of these meanings remain today although others have been lost along the way.
BIRDS
Birds had a wide variety of meaning for the Victorians. For example, swallows symbolized love and mating for life.
Read more about the LANGUAGE OF BIRDS

Victorian turquoise and silver bird bangle. Elder & Bloom.
CRESCENT MOON AND STARS
The crescent moon represented a new relationship and the hope it would “wax” into matrimony. Read more about ASTROLOGICAL MOTIFS

The simple crescent moon was a popular motif in the late Victorian era
England, c. 1890
Gold set with diamonds
V&A Museum
CROSSED OARS
Crossed Oars symbolised ‘contentment’.

Photo source: Spielman Antiques
DOGS
A dog symbolised loyalty and friendship.

Victorian Dog Motif Brooch. Lang’s Antiques.
FIGURE EIGHTS
Figure eights symbolised eternity or ‘infinity’.

Victorian ‘Figure Eight’ Brooch. Photo Source: Lang Antiques.
FLOWERS
Flowers and plants had diverse hidden meanings for the Victorians. An entire ‘language of flowers’ was developed, known as ‘Floriography‘. Read more about the LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

Forget-me-not, rose and acorn motif. The acorn symbolized strength and longevity.
Paris, c. 1820-1840
Brooch with gold, diamonds and turquoises.
V&A Museum
GARTER MOTIF
The garter symbolised chastity and virtue. The ‘order of the garter’ was an order of chivalry founded by the British monarchy.

Garter Motif brooch. Source, Lang Antiques.
GREEK KEYS
The Greek Key motif symbolised infinity or the ‘eternal flow of things’. Read more about the GREEK KEY MOTIF

GRIFFINS
The mythical griffin represented courage.

Victorian Griffin Pendant. Elder and Bloom.
HANDS
Hands had a variety of different meanings, depending on the form, including affection, strength, family and love.
See THE HAND MOTIF See also FEDE, CLADDAGH, GIMMEL and PUZZLE RINGS

Victorian Hand Motif Necklace / Watch Chain. Elder and Bloom.
HEARTS
These symbolised love, friendship, affection and devotion. Combined hearts and flowers signified fidelity and remembrance.

Victorian Heart Earrings. Elder and Bloom.
HORSESHOE
Horseshoes symbolised good luck and fortune.

Victorian Horseshoe Motif Brooch. Source: Ebay.
KEYS
Keys symbolised knowledge and success and were also given as a ‘coming of age’ gift on the 21st birthday. They also meant ‘you have the key to my heart’.

Victorian Key Pendant. Source: Butter Lane Antiques.
LIZARDS
A lizard symbolised ‘wedded bliss’ and was given as wedding or anniversary gifts.

A Victorian opal, diamond and ruby salamander brooch, late 19th century.
Bonhams.
LOVER’S KNOT
Lovers’ knots symbolized ‘eternal love,’ ‘fidelity’ and ‘commitment’. See also FEDE, CLADDAGH, GIMMEL and PUZZLE RINGS

Victorian Lover’s Knot Ring. Lang’s Antiques.
SCARAB
Scarabs symbolised ‘endurance of the soul.’ They rose to prominence with the ‘Egyptian Revival’ Movements.

Victorian Scarab Necklace. Lang’s Antiques.
SHAMROCKS AND FOUR-LEAVED CLOVERS
Shamrocks and four-leaved clovers symbolised good health, good luck, and happiness. They were very much associated with Ireland and many were produced there. They could often be made with real shamrocks or four-leaved clovers set under clear enamel, rock crystal or glass.

Victorian Four-Leaved Clover Brooch. Source: Ebay
SNAKES
Snakes symbolised eternal life, sexuality and mystery. Read more about SNAKE MOTIFS

Victorian gold serpent ring. Elder and Bloom.
STONES
Acrostic jewelry was a way to convey a sentimental message by way with the first letter of each stone, the first letter of which spelled out a word. Read more about the LANGUAGE OF STONES

England, c. 1830
Pendant, gold with lapis lazuli, glass in imitation of opal, garnet, emerald and gold.
Here, the pendant has the stones of Lapis Lazuli, glass in imitation of Opal, Vermeil ( the old name for garnet ) and Emerald which spell LOVE.
V&A Museum
Further reading: https://beautifulantiquetreasures.com/2013/02/21/charm-bracelets/
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