In 1848, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle in the Highlands of Scotland. Victoria, enamored with Scottish design, popularized tartan plaids at court and commissioned jewelry in native stones. Pieces like this - crafted from indigenous agates - became the height of 19th century fashion. All over the UK, trendy women sought out Scottish "Pebble" jewelry to signal their good taste. Most examples were made in silver, but the finest, like this bracelet, were rendered in gold. A locket is cleverly hidden behind the heart-shaped clasp.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), agate cylinders, glass locket lens
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good - small chip and hairline fracture in the agate of the padlock
SIZE: 8" length, 1 1/8" x 3/4" padlock