Bracelet
ca. 1870 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The bracelet was made by the Parisian jeweller Auguste Lion, an ingenious maker of chains and flexible necklaces and bracelets. 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.
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 | Gold and enamel |
Brief description | Gold enamel bracelet, with the mark of Auguste Lion, made in France (Paris), about 1870-80 |
Physical description | Flexible gold and enamel bracelet. Mark of Auguste Lion. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | Guarantee mark of Paris from 1847-1919 (Mark of Auguste Lion) |
Credit line | Given by Ruth C. Harris in memory of her brother, George Harwood |
Object history | Mark of Auguste Lion, an ingenious maker of chains and flexible necklaces and bracelets. |
Summary | The bracelet was made by the Parisian jeweller Auguste Lion, an ingenious maker of chains and flexible necklaces and bracelets. 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. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.23-1989 |
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Record created | January 19, 2006 |
Record URL |
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