Bracelet thumbnail 1
Bracelet thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Jewellery, Rooms 91, The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery

Bracelet

1860-1895 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

By the 1850s bracelets had become an indispensable accessory. The French connoisseur Edmond Joly de Bammeville declared that the ‘daytime’ bracelet was the ‘main feature of national dress’ in England. Up to seven or eight of differing design might be worn between the wrist and elbow on both arms. Alternatively, they could be worn in pairs and even over gloves.

Distinctions of rank, age, occasion and dress determined what jewellery could be worn and when. One etiquette manual stated that diamonds, pearls and emeralds were for full evening wear only. In the daytime, women were expected to wear less elaborate jewellery.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Diamonds and rubies in a gold framework
Brief description
Bracelet, gold, rubies, diamonds, Russia, 1860-1895
Physical description
Interlocking zigzag design of alternating diamonds and rubies in a gold framework.
Dimensions
  • Depth: 1.2cm
  • Diameter: 6.5cm
Credit line
Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Patricia V. Goldstein
Summary
By the 1850s bracelets had become an indispensable accessory. The French connoisseur Edmond Joly de Bammeville declared that the ‘daytime’ bracelet was the ‘main feature of national dress’ in England. Up to seven or eight of differing design might be worn between the wrist and elbow on both arms. Alternatively, they could be worn in pairs and even over gloves.

Distinctions of rank, age, occasion and dress determined what jewellery could be worn and when. One etiquette manual stated that diamonds, pearls and emeralds were for full evening wear only. In the daytime, women were expected to wear less elaborate jewellery.
Other numbers
  • LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.225-2003 - Previous loan number
  • 181 - Goldstein Collection number
Collection
Accession number
M.165-2007

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Record createdApril 1, 2008
Record URL
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