Pure elegance from France, French Victorian diamond wreath bracelet

A real beauty this bracelet. The joy of looking at it how the wreath elegantly drapes itself around the wrist, in a fluent line of diamonds. And yet, it does not scream out loud, a refined piece of French craftmanship so typically for the French "Haute Joaillerie" (high class/high standards jewelers).

Antique jewelry object group: bracelet

Country of origin: France

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 Victorian period can roughly be divided into 3 distinct periods; the Romantic (1837 - 1860), Grand (1861 - 1885), and Late or Aesthetic Period (1880 - 1901). We consider this to be of the Grand Period. Jewelry from this period was often dramatic and heavy and included re-interpretations of many ancient, renaissance and gothic patterns and styles. Gold was most often used together with colored gemstones and enamel.

Upon the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert (1861) jewelry styles turned much more somber to reflect her mourning and included jet, onyx and black glass. It also became popular to use the woven hair of a loved one as a keepsake in mourning jewelry.

Period: ca. 1860
(events and facts in 1860)

Source of inspiration: Mother Nature

Theme: Wreath - A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs and/or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring. Wreaths have much history and symbolism associated with them. They are usually made from evergreens and symbolize strength, as evergreens last even throughout the harshest winters. Bay laurel may also be used, and these wreaths are known as laurel wreaths.

The use of wreaths varies by culture, tradition and religions. In Christianity, it is used to prepare for Jesus’ birth and in many cultures around the world, wreaths are used in weddings as a headdress. The history behind wreaths dates back thousands of years and much of the symbolism lies with Greek mythology.

In the Greco-Roman world, wreaths were used as an adornment that could represent a person’s occupation, rank, their achievements and status. The wreath that was commonly used was the laurel wreath and became associated with what Apollo embodied; victory, achievement and status and would later become one of the most commonly used symbols to address achievement throughout Greece and Rome.

The Romans use of laurel wreaths echo the Greek traditions. The wreath was a symbol in the arts, literature, government and education in Roman society. In the arts, it expressed that one was valued and respected with a laurel wreath resting atop one’s head. Kings in both Greece and Rome donned the laurel wreath to illustrate sovereignty. Julius Caesar for example, proclaimed the laurel wreath "to be a symbol of the supreme ruler." The wreaths worn by kings were reminiscent of the traditional laurel wreath by the shape and its connotation yet were embellished with gold and gems. This eventually led to the modern day crown. (from: Wikipedia)

Material: Silver on top and backed with 18K yellow gold (see explanation on silver on gold).
(more info on precious metals)

Technique: Gold-backed silver or the silver on gold technique. This technique finds its origin centuries ago, when jewelers believed that only a silver mounting could render the true beauty of a diamond. Backing the silver jewel with a (thin) layer of gold was a practical precaution taken to avoid the silver jewelry leaving black stains on clothing or skin. Over the years, with the recognition (and thus use) of platinum as precious metal and the development of white gold the practical necessity to use bi-colored material became obsolete. The argument to use bi-colored metals became more an estetic then a practical one.

Diamonds: 54 old mine brilliant cut diamonds with a total estimated weight of approx. 8.09 crt. (30 ± 2.40 crt., 12 ± 2.16 crt., 6 ± 1.38 crt., 6 ± 2.15 crt.) and 156 rose cut diamonds . We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Total diamond weight: approx. 8.06 crt. (without the rose cut diamonds)

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

Hallmarks: The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
(more info on hallmarks)

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

Dimensions: length 18.00 cm (7.09 inch) width 2.10 cm (0.83 inch)

Weight: 29.60 gram (19.03 dwt)

Reference Nº: 11039-0028

Copyright photography: Adin, fine antique jewelry

See also our:
bracelets, jewelry with wreaths, all floral jewelry, silver on gold jewelry, jewelry with diamond, jewelry with rose cut diamonds, latest acquisitions,
antique jewelry, estate jewelry, vintage jewelry or modern jewelry

Jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
January - February - March - April - May - June - July
August - September - October - November or December.


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