Simply fantastic! One of our favorites. Open rings resembling gears alternate with oblong links engraved with ivy leaves. In the Victorian period, ivy meant everlasting love which provides an insight as to the meaning of this bracelet. Each gear-style link has tiny scallops cut out on the edge. These flat links allow this to be the perfect choice to be used to layer with a bangle or another bracelet.
Measures 8" long. A bracelet of this length is never found. If searching for a bracelet to accommodate a larger wrist, then this is a "must have."
1/2" wide at the widest allow this to be subtle yet have plenty of personality.
Ends terminate in a bolt ring at one end and an ivy link with a hidden hook on the back. Bolt ring is opened by pushing back the button and providing an opening. This hidden hook is then slid over the bolt ring.
Very Victorian with the incised patterns and ruffled edges. Link bracelets are not as often found as bangles and thus, this is truly perfect for a woman who enjoys bracelets or is looking for a piece to compliment an existing bangle.
These English bracelets were produced in the 1880's by master jewelers primarily in the Birmingham and Chester regions of England. In an effort to promote this industry, Queen Victoria was frequently seen wearing numerous pieces of jewelry.
The ideology in Victorian times was that more was better. Thus, ladies would be adorned with several lockets and bracelets at one time which is why the bracelets were designed with flat sides to make it easier for them to stack and chains will be found in all lengths. This line of thinking better explains the elaborate details of the lockets, earrings, and chains. Some think of this time as being simpler, but it really was a time of lavishness. The silver jewelry was often their traveling jewelry while they would save their jewels for galas and gatherings.
These pieces were not mass produced; thus, each piece is truly a work of art. They were not made for export to the United States which makes their availability limited. Often one will see pictures of Queen Victoria wearing a locket or another bold piece of jewelry. This was deliberate as she wanted to promote the industry. She was so successful that they had to open an assay office in Birmingham. Assay offices were where the piece was impressed with a stamp indicating type of metal, year of production, and origin of production. This was certifying the piece by the Crown…somewhat similar to notarizing something today. Prior to the opening of the Birmingham assay office, the jewelry makers had to send all their wares to London for testing. Once tested, the piece would then be marked and could be sold for silver. There are books to help you identify each of these assay marks. The majority of the pieces sold were not marked as there was not a safe means to transport the items to and from the assay offices.
Dimensions:8" inner circumference
Condition:Bolt ring is in perfect order. Very secure.
Web ID:MA20-381
Price:Free Shipping. We professionally package and can easily, safely ship any item, fully insured, within the US.
