Rare, Wonderful.

The young Queen Victoria fell in love with Scotland — so much so that she and Prince Albert purchased the Balmoral estate, a royal holiday residence to this day. Queen Victoria also adored her Scottish agate jewelry, which became fashionable. Most were made of silver, with fine gold examples quite scarce. Here is an exceptional bracelet, circa 1860, with large tapered faceted stones set in engraved gold terminals. A gorgeous display of color and patina. The padlock clasp is a stunning jewel unto itself — a large heart of pierced, engraved gold set with a malachite, surmounted by a coiled snake, whose tail forms the handle of the lock! The padlock was missing its back glass compartment when we found it; we have replaced it with a custom-cut citrine backed with mother of pearl, framed in a new custom made gold bezel. We think the padlock is beautifully whole again, lovely when viewed from either side.

Wear this as a statement bracelet, as intended, but we favor versatility. As shown in the photo, we multitask the bracelet as a necklace with the addition of an antique chain threaded through the two open end loops; we also like to wear the gorgeous padlock as a pendant on a long, doubled antique chain.

Unmarked.

15k gold, agate/jasper, citrine, malachite, 14k on the frame holding the citrine on the padlock.

Dimensions and weight:

●       9.75 inches / 24.7 cm long (bracelet without padlock)

●       12 mm wide/deep (slight variation among the stones)

●  Padlock measures 34.2 mm long x 24.3 mm wide x 19 mm deep

●       53.6 grams (total)

Period: Victorian

*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate.  Age-commensurate wear may be present.

*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.