Mastery of Design: A Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, 1880

Bracelet
Gold, Diamonds, Pearls, 1880
The Victoria & Albert Museum

From the 1850’s onward, a woman’s ensemble was not complete without a bracelet, or specifically, several bracelets worn in rows. This bracelet of pearls and diamonds was strictly meant for full eveningwear. Designed in 1880 of gold, pearls and European-cut diamonds, this is part of a matching suite of jewels.

Such jewelry was only to be worn at nighttime formal occasions. Ladies were encouraged to wear less elaborate jewels during the day with the exception of state events. I am also reminded of a line from the original Upstairs, Downstairs when Rose Buck explains to the new lady of the house, Hazel Bellamy, that Lady Marjorie always said, “No diamonds in the country.”