Description:
Antique late Georgian / Victorian coral and 18 carat gold bracelet with a hand holding a ring of charms. circa 1830-40's.
6 3/4 inches long.
Bracelet with coral bows, closely strung. Fine pieces of coral, shaped so that they fit snugly one into the other. On either end is a gold bead. The clasp is quite exceptional:Beginning with a fine looping, overlapping, group of scrolls that join onto a gold band cuff with a hand carved coral hand protruding from it. A movable gold bracelet set with a turquoise stone worn on the wrist. The hand is clasping a golden ring of coral charms. THe charms held on the ring are exceptional: one is another carved hand, with a pointing finger, wearing a ring, set with turquoise. There is a heart with clear symbolic significance; a pale white coral charm has Victorian symbolism, which we do not know about. Yet another looks like a cross. The charms are attached via little gold rings to the larger gold ring.
THis is quite an extraordinary bracelet. The
The detail is wonderful - eg fingernails. The two tiny turquoise pieces of jewellery - gold bracelet and minute ring are a wonderful surprise. The coral beads are very finely carved and matched. The use of 18K gold also indicates a luxurious piece made to be top quality.
The gold is not hallmarked, but tested for at least 18K.
Good condition as seen in the 'photos.
Coral was seen by the VIctorians to ward off disease and evil powers. Hands had obvious romantic symbolism in VIctorian jewellery, as did hearts. During the 1830's it was popular to have jewellery set with jewellery, as in this case (the hand wearing a bracelet and holding a smaller hand, wearing a ring).
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