During the Victorian era, Christmas transformed into the warm, sentimental celebration we recognise today. Alongside decorated trees, festive cards and family gatherings, jewellery became one of the era’s most popular Christmas gifts — particularly pieces featuring turquoise, garnet and pearl. These “winter gemstones” were chosen not only for their beauty but also for their deep symbolism, emotional resonance and seasonal meaning.
Why Did the Victorians Gift Gemstones at Christmas?
The Victorians were passionate about symbolism. Jewellery acted as a silent language — expressing love, protection, remembrance or devotion. Christmas, with its themes of reflection, family and affection, became the perfect time to exchange jewels carrying heartfelt messages.
Gemstones were not chosen at random. Their colours evoked the winter landscape, their meanings aligned with Victorian sentimentality, and their use in rings, brooches and lockets made them ideal Christmas keepsakes.
Turquoise: The Stone of Love, Protection and Winter Travel
Turquoise was one of the most popular winter gemstones. Its bright blue colour stood out beautifully against winter clothing, and its symbolism made it a meaningful festive gift.
- Symbolism: protection, friendship, devotion, good fortune
- Victorian belief: turquoise safeguarded travellers during winter journeys
- Seasonal reason: the blue hue reminded Victorians of winter skies and the hope of spring
One Victorian writer described turquoise as “the emblem of warm affection,” and it frequently appeared in forget-me-not motifs, cluster rings and sentimental tokens. Its use in romantic gifts soared after Queen Victoria herself wore turquoise pieces in her youth.
Turquoise is also one of December’s traditional birthstones, making it a natural choice for Christmas gifting both then and now.
Garnet: The Gem of Warmth, Loyalty and Winter Fires
With its deep red tones reminiscent of glowing embers, garnet was considered the perfect winter gemstone. It carried connotations of warmth during the colder months and symbolised loyalty and lasting affection — qualities that made it one of the most cherished Victorian Christmas gemstones.
- Symbolism: devotion, passion, protection from harm
- Victorian belief: garnet strengthened bonds between loved ones
- Seasonal reason: its rich red colour evoked warm fires, mulled wine and festive celebrations
Victorian jewellery often featured Bohemian garnets arranged in tightly packed clusters, creating a rich, velvety red that glittered beautifully by candlelight — the dominant lighting of the era.
These pieces were a popular Christmas gift between sweethearts and family members alike.
Pearl: Purity, Memory and the Soft Glow of Winter
Pearls held a special emotional significance for the Victorians, who adored their soft lustre and symbolic meaning. While pearls were worn year-round, they were especially beloved at Christmas for their peaceful, reflective qualities.
- Symbolism: purity, remembrance, innocence, emotional connection
- Victorian belief: pearls represented “tears of joy” — a sentimental favourite during the festive season
- Seasonal reason: their gentle glow resembled frost, snow and winter moonlight
Pearls were often given between close family members, especially mothers and daughters. They also held a place in mourning jewellery, which remained socially acceptable at Christmas — as the Victorians balanced remembrance with celebration.
Why These Gemstones Shone Brighter in the Victorian Winter
The appeal of turquoise, garnet and pearl at Christmas came from a combination of aesthetics and symbolism:
- Colour: winter blues, festive reds and frosty whites
- Meaning: protection, loyalty, love, memory
- Lighting: candlelight enhanced the glow of these stones
- Sentiment: each gem carried an emotional message perfectly suited to Christmas
As the Victorians embraced the idea of Christmas as a time of giving and heartfelt expression, these gemstones became treasured seasonal favourites — many of which survive today in antique and vintage rings.
The Lasting Legacy of Victorian Winter Gemstones
Today, turquoise, garnet and pearl continue to be popular choices for winter jewellery, especially for those looking for meaningful gifts with historical depth. Their Victorian symbolism remains timeless:
- Turquoise: a token of protection and devoted love
- Garnet: a symbol of warmth and loyalty
- Pearl: a gesture of purity and heartfelt emotion
Choosing an antique ring with one of these winter gemstones is not just a gift — it’s a continuation of a beloved festive tradition stretching back nearly two hundred years.