Antique Victorian Bangle Bracelet Gold Diamonds Aquamarine Gems Appraisal (6516

Antique Victorian bangle bracelet. 18k gold, diamonds, aquamarine, citrine and amethyst. Made in England circa 1880 - 1890. Comes in Original fitted box By Appointment.

Measurements:

 Outside circumference is approx 8inches (20cm). Inner circumference measures 6 5/8 inch (17cm). Diameter (outside) is approximately 2 1/2 inches. Weighs 31.40 grams. 1.69ct diamonds. Colored stones 29.35ct. Width of the gold section of the bangle approx 1/2 inch; width of gem-set section is approx 3/4 inch.

Description :

Cuff bangle. 6 curved bars of gold form the body of the bangle. They are crossed at right angles by similar bands that help reinforce the metal and keep its shape. Two of the stations constitute the hinges and clasp respectively. The top of the bangle has 3 identically set colored gems surrounded by rose cut diamonds. There are a total of 64 diamonds that surround the colored stones, setting them off to further advantage. The 3 colors are identically, rectangularly cut and their colors balance beautifully. Each gleams and glitters, the large facets outshining even the diamonds with their bright glow. It is unusual to find gems of this size and all the more so to find them with such wonderful proportion and balance. Clasp with safety catch. Tongue in groove is secure and easy to operate by the wearer. 

Bangle is extraordinarily beautiful and as wearable today as it was almost 150 years ago.

Part of the reason that this bangle has been preserved in such outstanding condition is that it was kept in its original, fitted box. The box is a work of art in itself: leather outside, comes in 3 hinged parts with silk and velvet lining in purple. Gold embossed with BY APPOINTMENT, a lion and a unicorn above concentric rings with JEWELLERS & WATCHMAKERS COOKE & KELVEY CALCUTTA & SIMLA. Of course, Simla was where the upper crust went to avoid the heat of India and Calcutta was the capital of the British Raj. We can be sure that this bangle was made for a very high class, wealthy woman.

Marks:

No marks as expected of most jewelry of this age. Electronically tested as 18k gold by professional appraiser. 

Condition:

Very good with negligible wear commensurate with age/use. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. 

THE STORY:

This bangle is quintessentially English. The color combinations and luscious gems conjure up pampered aristocrats walzing away in a romantic landscape. Sheep and cattle grazing on the hillside. And yet, the bangle was brought to India and sold there. Simla is high up in the Himalaya mountains. To escape the heat of the Indian climate, the Raj migrated to Simla, where even many of the houses still bear signs of its colonial past. The old English theatres and municipal buildings remind us of a world within a world - England within India. British Colonial society was more correct than correct. They were spoiled and indulged and this bangle is a remnant of an age when entitled rich people lived a luxurious life. Having said that, the bangle is very sturdily made - very solid as also befits its very British heritage. The best of the best. It is intrigueing to consider under what circumstances the bangle was given. By whom and to whom? That they were extremely wealthy is a given. I got the bangle from an English collector, so somewhere in it's mysterious past, the generations came back to the UK and brought with them this fantastic prize. This bangle has crossed the oceans of the world at least 3 times. It's amazing to consider that at well over 150 years old, this bangle will continue in great shape for hundreds of years to come. 

Condition: Very good with negligible wear commensurate with age/use. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. Independent appraisal available to new owner upon request.