~Please read the description then scroll down for the full display of pictures – just click on them to enlarge for more detail as they are part of the description. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to ask~ This Antique bracelet is most likely to have been one of a pair often referred to as a Bride’s Bracelets. It was customary for well-off gentlemen to give a bracelet to their fiancé when they became engaged & then the other on their Wedding Day. A very Romantic gesture from the sentimental Victorian era!
This
bracelet is Gorgeous and undoubtedly of Antique Heirloom-quality. It is
a “bypass” or “crossover” bracelet due to the way in which the “arms”
are aligned parallel, “passing” each other. Each ball shaped capping
features intricate Etruscan detailing, with a pair of similar finials on
either side of the central bar. Encrusted into each finial is three
Genuine Bohemian rose cut garnets - Sparkling! Etruscan detailing was
very popular in Victorian times due to their curiosity of the
archaeological finds of the time. Etruscan work is typically
characterised by minute beads or coils of gold soldered onto a gold
background, forming a pattern. At
the top centre are the two ball shaped cappings. This section (beneath)
houses the spring mechanism allowing it to open up in a scissor-like
action to be placed on the wrist. Remarkably, this bracelet has a tiny plaque attached to one of its arms which is stamped with the partial patent date of March 21, 1882 (PAT.MAR.21.82),
over 129 years ago! these are usually well worn or missing
altogether! Its authenticity is Guaranteed with this little tag. :)
It has that lovely silky smooth feel usually only associated with solid carat gold. The bracelet has predominantly rose gold hues with a yellow gold hues to the decoration at the centre and to the arms of the bracelet. HISTORY & HALLMARKS Era: c1882 Mid-Victorian Trademark: none Maker: unknown Construction: Gold Filled - unmarked Gold Purity: outer surface tested positive for 12 carat gold SIZING Suitable: up to an average wrist (17cm or so) due to elongated shape & spring mechanism – pictured on my 16cm wrist Circumference: about 15cm (fully closed but has spring mechanism to make larger)
Diameters: 5.5cm and 4.24cm Width: 2.07cm at widest tapering to 3.3mm Weight: 15.5 grams OVERALL At around 128 years old, it is in Near MINT Antique
condition. There is no wear to the finish, damage or repairs evident.
What a fantastic addition to any Antique Victorian jewellery collection.
These are becoming incredibly difficult to source as time goes by so is
an opportunity not to be missed! | 
