DATE: Early Victorian, c.1840

Breathtaking early Victorian masquerade bracelet, circa 1840. It comprises six panels with intricate pierced openwork around an enamel plaque, each one painted with a masked and ball-gowned woman. The goldwork is superb, with scroll and leaf motifs and little navette-shaped links connecting each panel. French control marks (the rare rhinoceros variety, no less) indicate 18 karat gold.

MEASUREMENTS 

Panels: 3.2 x 1.8cm

Wearable length: 7.25 inches

WEIGHT 

54.8g

MARKS 

French control marks for 18k gold

CONDITION 

Very good (safety chain is later addition)