An exceptional antique Scottish agate bracelet with engraved silver panels and the original padlock style fob charm with a lion posing majestically on the top. Probably the best example of Victorian Scottish pebble jewellery we have had at Mercy Madge!
Hallmarked for the year 1890 the bracelet is articulated and comprises of unusually shaped blocks of colourful Scottish agates joined together with hinged silver connectors that are engraved in acanthus leaves. The front of the bracelet showcases the fob charm that is set with a rectangular bloodstone on one side and a carnelian on the other. The top of the fob is decorated in the lion rampant - a key element of the Scottish royal coat of arms which represents strength and power. The fob is engraved in the same leafy pattern and it suspends from a chain attached to the hook clasp. It is so rare to find them still together after all this time and you can remove the fob to wear it as a pendant!
Scottish jewellery of the 19th century - often referred to as pebble jewellery - is known for its innovative use of cut or carved agate, usually set in silver in the form of intricate inlays or usually shaped blocks such as this one. Lapidaries working in Edinburgh's "New Town" made the majority of the pebble jewellery produced in the 18th and 19th centuries, sourcing stones from collectors who scoured the country in search of new deposits.
DETAILS:
METAL: sterling silver
GEMSTONE: Scottish chalcedony: banded agate, jasper, bloodstone, carnelian, granite. 5 blocks measuring 1"/2,5cm long, 3/8"/1cm wide, 8mm deep
HALLMARKS: stamped on fob; 'lion passant' for sterling, sideways 'anchor' for Birmingham, date letter 'q' for 1890 and makers mark 'P&T'
MEASUREMENTS: bracelet 7-1/2"/19cm long. Fob 2"/5cm tall measured with the hanging chain, 3/4"/2cm wide & 8mm deep
WEIGHT: 27.1 grams.
DATE: Victorian, circa 1890
CONDITION: overall excellent, light surface wear to the silver and a few minor edge chips to the agates here and there but nothing detrimental or unsightly. Note dark spots are reflections. Our website at www.mercymadge.com uses a stronger optical zoom, visit us there to view these photos in extreme close-up.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide tracked & insured shipping for all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no added tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: Scottish Agates, Sterling Silver.