Victorian Sterling Silver Albertina Bracelet | Love Heart Tassel Watch Chain

A beautifully crafted antique Victorian sterling silver Albertina watch chain dating to around 1880, featuring elegant heart motifs, richly detailed Etruscan Revival decoration and a dramatic foxtail tassel. More elaborate than the traditional gentleman's Albert chain, Albertinas were designed as fashionable jewellery for Victorian ladies, combining practicality with decorative elegance.

Today, this versatile piece is equally at home worn as a distinctive bracelet. To make it easier to fasten around the wrist, we have discreetly added a removeable 9mm sterling silver jump ring beside the heart terminal, allowing it to be worn comfortably without altering the original chain.

The Albertina is formed from three beautifully matched rows of chain—two wheat-link chains and a twisted rope chain—united by an embossed central puffed heart decorated with scrolling floral motifs inspired by the Victorian fascination with Etruscan Revival jewellery. Matching embossed heart terminals complete each end of the chain.

One end is fitted with its original sterling silver dog clip, while the other retains its twisted baton T-bar together with a wonderfully decorative foxtail tassel, its multiple chain strands finishing in polished silver beads that create graceful movement.

Substantial for its type and exceptionally decorative, this is a fine Victorian Albertina that remains as wearable today as it was almost 150 years ago. Whether worn as a bracelet, collected as a period watch chain or displayed alongside other Victorian jewellery, it is a beautiful example of late nineteenth-century craftsmanship.

THE DETAILS
METAL: Sterling silver
DIMENSIONS: Wearable bracelet length 18cm (7⅛"). Total length 26cm (10¼"). Central heart 13 x 11.5mm. Dog clip 22 x 8mm. T-bar 30mm. Tassel drop 7cm (2¾").
WEIGHT: 17.1 grams
HALLMARKS: Dog clip stamped with a maker's star device. Professionally tested as sterling silver throughout.
DATE: Victorian, circa 1880.
CONDITION: Very good antique condition with only light age-related surface wear. The original dog clip operates perfectly and closes securely.
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At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished, ensuring they are ready to wear and enjoy, or present as a thoughtful gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free Worldwide Shipping
We are pleased to offer complimentary worldwide shipping on all purchases. For our US customers, all applicable tariffs and import charges are included in the purchase price, so no additional duties or fees will be payable on delivery.
* Returns Policy
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, you may return your item for a refund. Please contact us within 3 days of receiving your order and return the item within 7 days.
* Gemstone Testing & Measurements
All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. Please note that all measurements and stated carat weights are approximate.
* Photography & Scale
Our photographs are taken in extreme close-up to show every fine detail. As a result, minor imperfections may appear more pronounced in images than they do to the naked eye. Close-up photography can also make pieces appear larger on screen, so we recommend referring carefully to the written description for precise dimensions.
* Gifting
Purchasing as a gift? Your jewellery will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note that unless otherwise stated, any antique boxes shown in photographs are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.