“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry,” written by design historian, author, and journalist Amy Azzarito, is out now.
New York—A new book on the deeper meaning of Victorian jewelry motifs has been released.
“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” was written by Amy Azzarito, a design historian, author, and journalist.
In her book, she discusses the meaning behind more than 60 symbols, jewelry styles, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
It delves into motifs like hearts, butterflies, and buckles; gemstones from amethyst to emeralds and turquoise; and jewelry styles including lockets and acrostics.
Throughout “Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry,” Azzarito shows historic examples from images of jewelry to paintings of the jewelry being worn, which can be seen here in the crescent moon chapter. (Image Copyright 2026 by Amy Azzarito. Illustrations Copyright 2026 by Penguin Random House LLC. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Crown Publishing Group)
The book is a guide that marries the past and present, revealing how the jewelry we wear today connects us to centuries of meaning, symbols, and stories, the publisher said.
While it centers the Victorian era (1837-1901), the book also touches on pieces ranging from Egypt and ancient Rome to the 1950s.
“The Victorians were obsessed with the past. The world felt like it was changing too rapidly for their tastes (steam engines and telegrams and new money!), and all that technology brought a longing for a time that seemed simpler,” said Azzarito.
“They loved medieval jewelry for its connection to a more chivalrous era, and excavation in Rome sparked a fascination with ancient jewelry. Because the Industrial Revolution produced newly wealthy buyers and, with them, an enormous volume of jewelry, the Victorian period is also unusually accessible to collectors today—which makes it an easy way to connect antique jewelry to the present.”
Throughout the book, there are wry asides, trivia, and historic examples ranging from images of jewelry to Victorian-era paintings of the jewels being worn.
The guidebook was created for jewelry enthusiasts as a manual for decoding the hidden significance of jewels from family heirlooms to celebrity wardrobe choices.
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Azzarito’s work focuses on the histories woven into everyday objects.
She is currently completing her Ph.D. dissertation on the role of women jewelers in 18th-century Britain at the University of York in the United Kingdom.
Previously she has authored “Past & Present: 24 Favorite Moments in Decorative Arts History” and “The Elements of a Home: Curious Histories Behind Everyday Household Objects, from Pillows to Forks.”
“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” also includes illustrations by Brian Reedy.
The 272-page book was published by Clarkson Potter, a lifestyle imprint of Crown Publishing Group at Penguin Random House, on Aug. 18.
