Victorian Starburst Mourning Bracelet

ENAMOURED IN ENAMEL

No. 147

STORY: Victorian mourning was steeped in symbolism. Stars represented spirituality, light in darkness, hope and guidance where pearls represented the teardrops of those grieving. The combination of symbols on this bracelet reflect this person's hope their love one be guided where they needed to go in the afterlife. 

DESCRIPTION: A black enamel band sits along a silver core with 11 embedded seed pearls. The bracelet is secured with a push clasp and safety chain. 

HOW TO WEAR:  Due to the fragility of the enamel and pearls, this bracelet is best kept for special occasions. The enamel and pearls cannot tolerate alot of water or harsh chemicals. 

Condition:  There is some scratching and nicks to the enamel and scuffing to the pearls which is to be expected for a piece which has lasted 150 years. There is evidence of an earlier repair to the push clasp: it has been replaced with a base metal rather than silver and there is some damage to the silver core to which is soldered see photos. The repair has not damaged the look of the bracelet and has strengthened its durability. The clasp is secure - really secure - so you have to push quite hard to get it to open! 

Era: Victorian Mid 1800s

Measurements: 

57mm wide (inner band) x 47mm height (inner band).

The middle pearl measures 3mm diameter

Hallmarks:  Austro-Hungarian silver marks 

Materials: Silver, Enamel, Seed Pearl

Provenance: Austro-Hungarian