Georgian Wedgwood Cameos Bracelet
Remarkable Wedgwood love token bracelet dating from the late Georgian era, circa 1820. Each of the ten links is set with two blue jasperware plaques making the whole thing double sided*, and they mostly depict Cupid in a variety of different scenes:
- Cupid riding a dolphin: symbolic of the swiftness and playful nature of love. This image is found in ancient Greek art as far back as the 6th century BC; dolphins are associated with the sphere of sensual love and with the sea, where Venus/Aphrodite was born. The assonance of the Greek words delphis / δελφίς (dolphin) delphus / δελφύς (womb) meant that dolphins were considered sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love, fertility and desire.
- Cupid riding a hippocamp: the Wild Ride of Love.
- Cupid sailing on a dolphin: as above.
- Cupid with a dog: and a pillar, and the Torch of Passion
- Cupids playing music with a woman (Psyche?)
- The Triumph of Cybele: Holding the cornucopia, Cybele rides a chariot pulled by lions accompanied by two of her Corybantes.
- Romulus and the she-wolf: likely in reference to the Roman festival of Lupercalia. Conducted on February 15th, this wild festival (and I mean it was utterly wild) is the precursor to our modern Valentine's Day.
- Lion attacking a bull: a theme frequently found in ancient art, possibly related to the changing of the seasons, or to wild nature overtaking the domesticated.
The 20 hexagonal plaques are mounted in gilt metal and fasten with a concealed clasp.
*It's super unusual, and we've been pondering the reasoning behind this design. Our best guess is that it's some sort of 'insurance policy': if one of the plaques gets damaged, just switch it out for the one underneath.
Era: Georgian, circa 1820
Length: 7 inches
Stone: Jasperware
Marks: None, tested as base metal
Condition: Great antique condition, light wear consistent with age
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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