Victorian Garnet Cabochon and Gold Bracelet, c. 1850

Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, and numerous styles of jewelry came and went during her reign. The first decades after her accession to the throne - the 1830s to 1850s - are also known in jewelry history as the "Romantic Period", corresponding to the theme of many pieces of jewelry, which often carried a sentimental meaning. This bracelet also corresponds to this characterization, albeit in a subtle way: It is crafted like a belt and was worn at the time as a cohesive symbol of love - as a "souvenir d'amour", a romantic memento of a loved one close to the wearer. Two richly shining garnets, glowing red like cherries, adorn the bracelet. A large cabochon sets the showpiece in the form of an intertwined "true lover's knot". Foiling on the back gives the stone a deep, mysterious shine. The smaller garnet adorns the connection of the band. The bracelet itself is artfully crafted from small sheets of gold that are flexibly linked together. The countless links merge almost seamlessly into one another, giving the piece an extraordinary suppleness. The bracelet is in very good condition. We discovered it in London - it was probably made in Great Britain.

Estimate:£4,989.30

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