This Victorian bracelet most probably of English provenance with carnelian, black onyx and lapis lazuli fob pendants is crafted in a combination of 18k rose gold (link bracelet), English 9ct rose gold (carnelian fob pendants) and 9ct green gold shell (black onyx and lapis lazuli fob pendants). It weighs 126.9g in total and measures 7.0 inches long, the 18k rose gold link bracelet measuring 9mm wide. The authentic duo of mid-Victorian carnelian fob pendants expose ovular carnelian intaglios measuring 25mm long and 20mm wide, and 24mm long and 19mm wide respectively, both graded 'translucent brick' color. Framed within delicately reeded 9ct rose gold borders, the wider carnelian tablet, although included, is intaglio engraved with a family crest, most probably serving as a seal, bearing the Latin motto 'NON TEMERE, SED FORTITER' translated as 'not rashly, but boldly', frequently used on seals in 19th century England. The apex of this fob consists of skillfully crafted and finely ridged dual-sided arcade shaped profiles with gold bead accents on all finials, complemented by a figure-eight silhouette constituting an ornately ridged bale. The other carnelian fob pendant is designed as a gracefully elongated, pierced openwork bell, ornately ridged throughout the apex, while the ovular tablet bears a traditional family coat of arms intaglio engraved with the French motto 'SUR ESPERANCE' meaning 'upon hope' which originated from France but spread throughout Europe in the 19th century, particularly favored by Scottish clans for their family crests. The absorbing bell-shaped apex is surmounted by a stylized lozenge bale. The trio of green gold shell onyx exposes two black onyx cushion tablets measuring 20mm long and 15mm wide and one measuring 23mm long and 16mm wide respectively, all graded 'jet black' color. This authentic trio of Victorian black onyx fobs exposes sculptural apexes of 18th century Neo-classical inspiration, rendered in artistic repoussé gold and depicting botanically themed curves and scrolls. This exquisite trio of repoussé artistry suspends from the link bracelet through repoussé enriched barrel-shaped loops. The enchanting duo of lapis lazuli fob pendants exposes ovular and round lapis lazuli plaques measuring 13mm long and 10mm wide and 12.5mm in diameter respectively, both graded 'royal blue' color. The alluring cerulean plaques are positioned within 9ct green gold frames, surmounted by dome-shaped apexes depicting assemblages of Architectural Revival and Rococo inspired silhouettes rendered 'en relief' and in repoussé gold. The duo of lapis lazuli fobs features ornately chased, sturdy bales of orbicular format. The 18k rose gold bracelet supporting the seven authentic Victorian fob pendants is composed of sturdy 'curb' links secured with a well-constructed tongue-and-groove clasp closure and a figure-eight safety latch for additional security.

Considered an important part of the ritual of carrying a pocket watch, fobs were indispensable accessories throughout the Victorian era. They were also referred to as an ‘Albert Chain’ in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert who never appeared in morning attire without a watch chain. Such chains were also worn by Victorian ladies, referred to as ‘Albertina Chains’ which were lighter, longer and more delicate in design to suit the feminine gender, worn either with ladies’ lapel watches or simply as chain necklaces. The Victorian Albert Chain maintained its popularity well into the Edwardian era and was gradually modified into a ‘Double Albert Chain’ with great appeal for young Edwardian gentlemen. The new version had a fob on one end of the chain and a Vesta case on the other, the latter being a small airtight box or container, usually made of silver but occasionally gold, designed to hold the dangerous phosphorus matches then used to light cigars! Although no longer a functional accessory or an important part of the pocket watch ritual, authentic fob chains continue to be highly prized and in great demand, worn as classic necklaces or bracelet pendants, either collected for their antiquity, or since World War I, for their sentimental significance. It was a tradition during such times for husbands and boyfriends to leave their fob chains on English soil with their wives and sweethearts for safekeeping where wives and girlfriends expressed their love by wearing them around their neck.

F427B1

Suggested Retail Price: $6,600.00 Your Price: $4,290.00 $3,800.00 Wholesale Price: $3,300.00