Victorian Solid Opal Bangle by Australian Jeweller H.L. TUCKER

This bracelet is simply divine. Made in Australia by Australian Jeweller H.L. Tucker, this extraordinary Victorian, Solid Opal bangle features an array of 4.30ct Solid White Opals set graduated in a simplistic display across the top half of the bracelet…truly allowing the five opals to feature their 'magic'. This antique bangle feels truly contemporary, yet with that old world charm.




Circa: 1860s
Design Era: Victorian
AUSTRALIAN MADE 
Gemstone: Solid Opal
Cut: Oval Cabochon
Carat: 5 = 4.30 ct
Stone Measurements: 7.70 x 5.20 mm to 12.00 x 8.70 mm
Material: 9ct Yellow Gold
Jeweller: Signed H.L. Tucker
Ian Abeshouse Independent Valuation

Victorian Period (1837 - 1901):



The Victorian Period defined by none other than Queen Victoria herself, had three stages - the Romantic, the Grand and the Aesthetic.

It was during the Romantic era that Queen Victoria married her Prince, Albert. Sentimental motifs such as; hearts, lover’s knots, flowers, bows, crescent moons and particularly serpents (which was subject to Queen Victoria’s engagement ring which represented enduring love) became extremely popular in jewellery design. Cameos, Enamelling and the use of bright coloured gemstones such as; garnets, amethysts, turquoise, pearls and diamonds gave way to the creation of jewellery that was beginning to speak a symbolic language of its own.

The Grand era was a sombre period which saw Queen Victoria mourning the death of her beloved husband Albert. It encompassed 20 years during which time Victoria would only wear black and mourning jewellery. As a result the Whitby Jet industry flourished and onyx and deeper coloured garnets rose in popularity. Rings, lockets and brooches were commissioned with compartments for a lock of a loved one’s hair and were often engraved with the person’s name, age and date of death.

The Aesthetic era saw a return to the light-heartedness of the Romantic Era. The discoveries being made through archaeology led to an Etruscan Revival with Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences becoming apparent in jewellery design as well as symbols of good luck and fortune.