Late Victorian Gold Operculum Shell Bracelet

A beautiful Australian made, Late Victorian gold operculum shell bracelet. Operculum shell was popularly set in Victorian and Edwardian jewellery to bring in good luck and ward off evil. The shell is derived from a marine snail. While the snail is alive the operculum is a flexible membrane, but afterwards it hardens and becomes just like a typical calcareous “seashell.” The operculum are set in 9ct gold to form a magnificent bracelet.

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Circa: Late Victorian
Gemstone: Operculum Shell
Size: Graduating - Largest being 20 mm.
Material: 9ct Yellow Gold
Measurements: 19.00 cm length
Edwardian & Belle Époque Period (1901 - 1910):
 Named after the reigning King Edward VII and with notable influences from French Rococo décor, this period was the shortest in antique jewellery history. However, it was during this time that platinum was introduced into the art of jewellery making which changed the way diamonds could be set. The popular jewellery design at the time was the “garland” which flowed on from the Art Nouveau period as it focused on nature but more particularly, on flowers and leaves often arranged in some circular shape. Through the use of milgrain and pierced and engraved metals, the Belle Époque designs gave way to jewellery that mimicked the delicate nature of lace and ribbon with natural pearls and old mine cut diamonds being the material of choice.