An unusual antique Victorian sterling silver bracelet set with 10 operculum stones. These curious 'gemstones' (also known as cat's eye or shiva's eye) are anatomical parts of a marine snail; operculum literally means "little lid," and they form a sort of trapdoor used to close the opening in the snail's shell.
These operculum are particularly pretty, they are dappled in pastel shades of iridescent creamy white, pearly pink and a pale lilac-brown with no two identical to each other both in size, shape or colouring. Far from being mass produced the bracelet is hand-made with each stone individually mounted in open-back silver settings and it fastens with a hidden box clasp so the design forms a continuous circle around the wrist.
A mysterious and feminine antique bracelet, the Victorians were obsessed with the natural world and showed it in the jewellery they wore!
DETAILS:
METAL: sterling silver
GEMSTONE: operculum
MEASUREMENTS: wearable length 7"/18cm, width approx. 3/4"/2cm
WEIGHT: 18.5 grams
HALLMARKS: none, acid tested and verified sterling
DATE: Victorian, circa 1890
CONDITION: in very, very good condition with minor surface wear and light tarnish in hard to reach places as expected in an antique silver bracelet. The clasp is in perfect working order fastening securely.
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 sales 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.
Materials: Sterling Silver, Operculum.