Victorian Gold Enamel Heart Pearl Mourning Bracelet – 1850

Description

An exceptional, museum quality, mourning bracelet; of beautifully braided chestnut hair, set to an exquisitely engraved box clasp, with dangling enamel and pearl charm.

This piece was made in memory of ‘Lavinia’ who died ‘October 3rd 1850’ – which is beautifully hand engraved on the heart charm. This is a very high quality piece of mourning jewellery so, whilst I’ve not been able to track down more about her yet, Lavinia was clearly well loved and from a family of some wealth. The engraving on the box clasp and heart is particularly well done and charming.

Whilst it’s an unusual piece it is still very wearable for special occasions and looks most striking on. The heart charm is also removable so can be worn separately on a chain or ribbon. This would be a wonderful addition to any collection of antique mourning jewellery.

ERA: Victorian 1850

MATERIAL: Hair, high carat Gold, black Enamel, Pearl, and Glass.

SIZE: Measures 16cm long (an elegant close fit to the wrist) and 1.25cm wide. Heart charm is 1.5cm tall.

CONDITION: Good antique condition – the braiding is finely done and great condition with minimal fraying; it has two natural kinks where the bracelet has been folded flat but there is no damage to the hair in these areas as its still very flexible and these don’t show when worn. The gold work is beautiful quality and in fine condition. Enamel is perfect with no chips or cracks and the pearl has a lovely white lustre.

The only notable flaw is that the glass to the reverse of the heart is unfortunately cracked – the glass is not showing any signs of coming out and it’s still wearable as is. This could be replaced by a jeweller used to dealing with antique pieces but I’ve chosen not to mess around with it as I think a ‘broken heart’ adds a certain charm to Lavinia’s memorial. Please note that the damage to the glass has already been factored into the pricing of this piece – in absolute perfect condition it would be at least c£1250-1500.

CARE GUIDANCE: This is obviously a collectors piece of antique jewellery and whilst its definitely robust enough to wear, it is more for ‘special occasions’ not daily wear. No immersion in liquids or contact with perfumes/aerosols and I recommend storing flat or an individual bracelet box (supplied with sale).

SHIPPING: Free inside the U.S. and to the UK.

T&Cs: Full terms and conditions of sale including detailed information about shipping, customs, and refunds are listed on my ‘Customer Care’ page.

TAGS: Victorian Gold Enamel Heart Pearl Mourning Bracelet – 1850