The Grand Victorian Bracelet: A Timeless Treasure

A quintessential bracelet from the Grand Victorian Period, circa 1870, embodies the era's magnificence. Crafted from 18k red gold and silver, it features 25 meticulously set rose-cut diamonds complemented by a central natural orient saltwater pearl, flanked by five strands of delicate pearls. This exquisite piece, presumed Belgian, showcases the opulent design characteristic of the late Victorian aesthetic, influenced by global artistry, yet distinctly Western in execution. A testament to the period's rich cultural tapestry and ornate sensibilities.

Antique jewelry object group: bracelet

Condition: excellent condition
  -  (more info on our condition scale)

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
  -  See also: Victorian or more info on styles

Style specifics: The Grand Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837 - 1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of the Grand Victorian Period.

This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa). From ca. 1850 wealthy English had reported about jewelry from India and Japan, which heavily inspired the jewelers of this period. This period also corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria's husband King Albert making mourning jewelry (set with heavy dark stones) the type of jewelry specific for this period.

Period: ca. 1870
  -  (events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era)

Material: 18k red gold and silver, see also: The silver on gold technique
  -  (more info on precious metals)

Technique: The rose cuts are set on foil. This is a special technique that was used to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality.

Diamond(s): 25 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.

Precious stones: One pearl (most probably real natural orient saltwater)
Five strings of pearls

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl for June.
  -  (more info on birthstones)

Hallmarks: No trace.
  -  (more info on hallmarks)

Dimensions: diameter of closure Ø 2,55 cm (1,00 inch), total length bracelet 18,50 cm (7,28 inch)

Weight: 34,50 gram (22,18 dwt)

Reference Nº: 16323-0044

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

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