Antique Georgian gold chain bracelet w heart padlock locket huge garnet (7396)

Antique Georgian chain bracelet and locket padlock. Gold and garnet. Made in England, United Kingdom, circa 1830's.

Measurements: Weight is 66.2 grams. The chain alone measures a tad under 8 1/2 inches (21.5cm). The loop of the padlock is slightly under 1 inch (almost 2.5cm) wide, which adds to the length.

Description : A chain bracelet formed of gold cable links set at right angles to those adjacent to it. Each oval link with an hourglass or knucklebone form of gold supporting it in the center. Large and impressive. Even more impressive is the huge padlock. Set with a great big garnet carbuncle (what the Georgians called a cabochon garnet) held in a folding gold colette. The rounded sides and back of the padlock are very finely engraved with tight scrolling foliate patterns, repeated on all gold surfaces, including the housing of the loop/bale of the lock. Careful observation reveals a little slit on one side - a facility for inserting a nail and opening the padlock. Within, is a glazed compartment for holding a lock of hair or a portrait of a loved one.
An outstanding example of a Classic design that has not gone out of fashion for 200 years. See more details below.

Marks and Metal: No marks as is to be exptected. See notes on gold below. Gold tests at various qualities, but we will guarantee at least 18k. (In some places, electronic tester shows significantly higher).

Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.

THE STORY: This bracelet is very trendy and current 200 years after it was made. It's amazing to consider that it has passed through the ownership and loving care of so many generations. An almost identical bracelet, also with a padlock gold heart is shown on page 264 of Shirley Bury's book on Jewellery, Volume I 1789-1861. It was a gift in 1835 from King William IV, Victoria's uncle and predecessor to his wife, Queen Adelaide who had nursed him through an illness. It bears a very striking resemblance to the links of our bracelet. (See 'photos. )
Chains with heart theme dangles can be seen during the 19th century. In fact, Queen VIctoria had one with multiple dangling hearts, shown page 166 Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria (dated from the 1840's, a little later than ours).