Mythological Elegance: Victorian Gold Bracelet with Griffins and Gems

This captivating late 19th-century bracelet, crafted in 18K warm yellow gold, features six intricate links, each adorned with two griffins symmetrically positioned as if contesting over a central gem—either a lustrous pearl or an old mine-cut diamond. The rich, warm tone of the gold, typical of jewellery from this period, enhances the intricate details of the griffins and adds depth to the design. Evoking mythology, the griffins symbolise guardians of treasures, while the alternating pearls and diamonds highlight Victorian artistry. With its harmonious blend of late Victorian excess and early Art Nouveau fluidity, this French creation celebrates mythological elegance and refined craftsmanship, making it a timeless piece of wearable art.

Antique jewelry object group
bracelet

Condition
very good condition
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Country of origin
France

Style
Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.
See also: Victorian
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Style specifics
Late Victorian / early Art Nouveau - The subject of this piece, although typical 19th Century, announces the coming of the Art Nouveau style.

Period
ca. 1890
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Mythology

Theme
Griffin - In tales griffins are said to build a nest, like an eagle but of gold and instead of eggs it lays agates. The animal was supposed to watch over hidden treasures. Perhaps that's why in jewellery they are often executed with a diamond or pearl in their beak.

Material 18K
warm yellow gold (touchstone tested)
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Diamonds
Three old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 0.60ct colour and clarity G/I, vs/si
- When we provide weights, colour grades, and clarity of diamonds, these are approximate unless otherwise stated, as we do not remove diamonds from their settings to preserve the integrity of the piece.

- All diamonds, regardless of their size or shape, in our vintage and antique jewellery are verified as 100% natural by the IJGC laboratory.

- We do not sell lab-grown (synthetic) diamonds.

Precious stones
Three pearls

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and pearl for June.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
The French control mark for 18K gold representing an eagle's head that was in use in France from about 1838.
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Dimensions 17,60 cm (6,93 inch) x 1,42 cm (0,56 inch)
Extra information
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
30,90 gram (19,87 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
24320-0179

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

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