Antique Victorian bangle bracelet. 15-20k yellow gold, diamond, ruby. Made circa 1860-80. Origin not certain, but possibly United Kingdom or USA.
Measurements:
Weight is 25.9 grams. Outer circumference is a little over 8 inches, but it can stretch to a larger size.
Description :
Cylindrical bangle with hinge at the back to facilitate opening and stretching. The bangle is open in front. The terminals of the cylinder in the form of feline heads - lions or panthers. Collars in the form of double tubular rings at right angles to the tube of the bangle. Eyes are tiny rubies. The heads are superbly modelled - very naturalistic with great detail employing various textures of gold for further realism.
The gold surface of the cylinders is a stippled texture with an organic appearance.
Suspended from the mouths of each big cat is a rope-twist gold arc, together forming a half circle, each side ending in a large gold loop. The lock fits through these loops.
The lock is in the form of a heart. It has the same stippled surface texture as the body of the bangle, so it is clearly original and integral to the bangle. The top of the heart, next to the key-hole is set with a small diamond.
The key not only works, but the lock will not open / lock without the key - it is a genuine working lock.
Superb design and outstanding workmanship.
Marks and Metal:
No marks found. Gold was electronically tested. Like much antique jewelry, the gold is not uniform throughout. The rigid bangle and heart lock (except the loops) tested as 20k; the wires tested as 15k (the ropetwist arc as well as the double loops of the lock); the key tested as 18k.
Condition:
Good with negligible 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:
For literally thousands of years, cylindrical bangles with figural heads have been worn. We have seen them in museums, dating back to the Ancient Greeks and Etruscans. In India, terminals are often in the form of crocodile, elephant or other animal heads and we have some fantastic French bangles in this form from the Art Nouveau era with human or god-like faces. This bangle is exceptional because of the additional clasp and closure, which are usually not found in this style of bangle. The bangle can be worn alone or form part of a collection, each one of which tells a story.
