An impressive 18 karat yellow gold and diamond hinged bangle from the 19th century. The hollow oval hinged bangle features 5 brilliant cut diamonds that are all of H colour and VS-SI clarity totalling 0.25 carat. It's our belief that these diamonds have been added at some stage in the last 70 years to replace the original stones, likely to have been paste or perhaps chipped. The reasoning behind this is that during the 19th century diamond cutters didn't have the abilities to cut modern brilliant cut stones. The half of the bangle that features the diamonds also has twisted wire edges, vine detailing and applied spheres to the outer edges. These features are typical of pieces in the Etruscan Revival taste of the 1870s along with the likelihood that the piece has been 'bloomed' in 22 karat gold to give the illusion it is pure gold, just as Etruscan jewellery was. The piece is finished with a concealed box clasp which is secure and working well, along with a safety chain for extra peace of mind.
Marked - unmarked however tests as 18 karat yellow gold
Measures - 4.75cm x 5.75cm internally
Total diamond weight - 0.25 carat
Total weight of piece - 15.76 grams
Independent appraisal values this piece at $5000.