The front of this 14k yellow gold bracelet is decorated with a thick and smooth layer of black enamel. The front is set with an oval locket, which carries a tiny miniature of a young girl, about twelve years of age. She has ginger blonde hair and wears a large, blue ribbon. In her left hand, she carries a flowering branch, which she holds up to show the viewer. There is also one single blond hair at the front of the locket, which now lays over the miniature The back of the picture locket likely originally contained a piece of hairwork but is now empty: it is possible that this single hair is a reminder of this hair work, but it could also have been put there deliberately from the start, as a tangible reminder.
In the 2nd half of the 19th Century, mourning was more visible than it is today. Jewellery was often used to keep the memory of deceased loved ones alive. These jewels are often black, and will show either the monogram, a piece of cloth or hair (often creatively braided or cut into a little artwork), and rarely it will depict a portrait, as in this jewel.
This bracelet was likely made and worn in memory of this little girl, who died prematurely. I am most drawn to jewels with a story. This bracelet likely has a heartbreaking one. Still, I found it important to tell its tale and to keep the memory of the little girl that is depicted in this locket, even though we do not know her name, alive.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: Inner dimensions: 48 mm x 64 mm / 1.85. x 2.25 inches.
The circumference is 17 cm / 6.75 inches.
The bracelet is 28 mm wide at the front and tapers down to 7 mm at the back.
Weight: 36.48 grams.
Hallmarks and Material: The bracelet carries a Dutch hallmark for 14k gold, which was used between 1853 and 1905.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1860s.
Condition: The bracelet is in good antique condition with only minor signs of wear, consistent with its age. The original black enamel had some minor surface wear and one large scratch, which I had restored by an enamel restorator.