An elegant, Victorian era,hinged, oval bangle bracelet, modeled in 14k rosy yellow gold, and set with a trio of orb-shaped gems— two white moonstones and a natural pearl. These three luminousorbs are held in eight-prong, claw-tip, buttercup mounts., and these buttercup mounts are set into the knife-edge face of the bangle.
For the Victorians, moonstone was believed to bring good fortune, and to protect its wearer from harm; in some cultures people believed that the shifting quality of light moonstone displays(we call thisadularescence) meant that a benevolentspirit lived inside the gem. Pearls are also associated with the moon, sometimes symbolizing the feminine, purity, and incorruptibility.
This bracelet has a serene visual quality— it is clean and minimal, finely and substantially made! The closure is a tension clasp. The original safety chain is present. Hinges and mechanical elements are all tight and admirably made.
14k gold
Precious & semi-precious gems
c. 1890 - 1900
Diameter is approx 2.25"; bracelet width is approx 2.3 x 2.9 mm; buttercup settings measure approx 7 mm (pearl) and 6.25 mm (moonstones), at the base; pearl measures approx 5.3 mm; moonstones measure approx 4.5 mm. This is a snug fitfor a 6 1/2" wrist; best fits 6 - 6 1/4" wrists.