Charm Bracelet thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Charm Bracelet

1800-1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Charm bracelets illustrate the importance of memories and sentiment in jewellery, each charm individually selected by the wearer and many of them personalised by the addition of photographs, initials, or locks of hair. This charm bracelets is believed to have been assembled in the late 20th century using earlier, mainly 19th century elements collected either in Europe or America.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Gold, enamel, hardstone, glass and photographs
Brief description
Gold chain to which are attached ten assorted charms, Europe and United States, 19th century.
Physical description
Bracelet of heavy gold chain hung with ten charms (heart-shaped padlock with black enamelling and glass panel on reverse; seal with carnelian intaglio; watch key; locket in the form of a bag with black enamelling, an engraved 'L', and the photograph of a man within; circular engine-turned locket; seal with white hardstone intaglio; locket with blue enamel decoration and the initial 'A'; watch key; heart-shaped padlock with hardstone front and a woman's photograph under glass on reverse; miniature basket).
Dimensions
  • Length: 188mm
  • Height: 43mm
Marks and inscriptions
.625 / 15 (On each link of the bracelet)
Credit line
Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Patricia V. Goldstein
Summary
Charm bracelets illustrate the importance of memories and sentiment in jewellery, each charm individually selected by the wearer and many of them personalised by the addition of photographs, initials, or locks of hair. This charm bracelets is believed to have been assembled in the late 20th century using earlier, mainly 19th century elements collected either in Europe or America.
Other numbers
  • LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.325-2003 - Previous number
  • 265B - Goldstein Collection number
Collection
Accession number
M.203-2007

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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