~Please scroll down for more pictures of this item~
Victorian Bride’s Bracelets were
worn in pairs. It was customary for well-to-do men to gift a bracelet to
their fiancé upon engagement & then the other on their Wedding Day. To find
such a beautiful pair still together AND is
such fabulous condition is incredibly RARE!
Often I am asked about the provenance of the jewellery I
sell, however, it is incredibly rare to be able to have this information. Unfortunately the handwritten note with some information including names, pictured, has been mislaid and is Not Included.
These Antique Bangle Bracelets are the mirror image of each
other, just stunning and so much better in person than the pictures show. They
are wide and thick and fashioned in the style of a belt which was typical in
mid-Victorian times. They combine rose gold and yellow gold hues with fabulous
effect.
The pictures form part of the main part of description. The
bodies of the bracelets have a yellow gold hue while the applied embellishments
or components of the “belt” including buckle and keeper have a rose gold hue.
They are engraved with a gorgeous design of an array of
elements including floral, foliate, scrolls and symmetrical geometrical
details, set upon a stippled background. It is superbly accented with
black enamel, the technique of which is referred to as “t’aille d’epargne” or “black
enamel tracery”. It is an enamelling technique which an etched design is filled
with enamel then fired in a kiln. Please enlarge
the pictures for a close-up look remembering many details visible in these
pictures are not obvious to the naked eye.
The body of each bracelet has squared off edges and they are
an elongated oval shape. The clasps are released by pressing in the V-tab. The
clasps click closed securely and the hinges are in excellent working order.
The rings for the safety chains are in situ for one so I have added a
chain while the other has one ring missing. It is a simple task for a competent
jeweller to perform however it is not necessary since the clasp is so secure.
Often the safety chains were removed or lost because they limited how wide the
bracelets would open. They are easy to replace.
They have the silky smooth feel usually only associated with
solid carat gold and expected of quality antique jewellery. Their hue has that
Antique patina that comes only with time and is so much nicer than the pictures
suggest.
HISTORY & MARKS
Era:
mid-Victorian c1870-80s
Trademark:
B&B on the clasps’ tongues
Maker:
Bates & Bacon - established in 1856, 153 years ago. They were the leaders
in the market for a range items including gold filled and are a personal
favourite due to their outstanding quality and design.
Construction:
Gold Filled - unmarked
Gold Purity:
outer surfaces tested positive for 10 carat gold
MEASURES
Sizing:
petite to small adult wrist or even that of a child
Circumference:
14.4cm (my writs measures 16cm and I cannot quite do them up)
Diameters:
5.35cm and 4.2cm
Width:
3.1cm across buckle and 2.5cm or 1” for the body
Thickness:
3mm
Weight:
a hefty 82.7 grams combined
OVERALL
These solidly constructed bracelets are at least 125-130
years old and look fabulous on the wrist whether worn together or separately.
It is VERY RARE to find a pair together and
in such Fabulous Original Antique condition. There is minimal wear considering
their age, little if any loss of enamel and no detracting flaws or dents to
mention. And, while they have been cleaned, they do retain some natural patina
and a further polishing may be desired but is not necessary.
What a Fantastic addition to any Prized Antique Heirloom jewellery
collection. You will be thrilled with these bracelets! Do not miss the
opportunity to purchase this RARE
pair. The perfect gift idea for an upcoming bride, twin girls, sisters, mother
and daughter or a special treat just for you!
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