A statement oversized Victorian five panel bracelet of polished ovalled Scottish Agate specimens dating to around the 1860's/70's. 'Scottish' Jewellery became very fashionable in the mid 19th century, popularised by the visits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to Scotland and after their purchase of the Balmoral Estate in 1852.
From the Victoria and Albert Museum;
'In the early years of the 19th century, the poetry and novels of Sir Walter Scott put Scotland on the tourist map. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were very fond of Scotland. Scottish pebble jewellery, already fashionable in the 18th century, became a popular souvenir. Birmingham jewellers responded to the demand, sometimes using stones from countries other than Scotland.'
This jewel displays an array of stones and much care has been taken in the cutting and arrangement of the gems to create the most striking effect. The natural patterns and colours are shown in their wonderful earthy contrast, several of them cut through the quartzite crystals, each from a different species. We can identify Moss Agate, Jasp-Agate and perhaps some from Dunure...
Measures 7 inches end to end and fastens with a superior quality hidden box clasp.
If you'd like to pay for this piece in instalments, our