Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Inspired Things
In another time, ladies dressed for day to day life. Layers upon layers were required to complete the vision… drawers, stockings, corsets, chemises and petticoats were the undergarments of every Victorian lady. Those were topped with fanciful gowns with full skirts, empire waists and elaborate necklines. Puffed sleeves, ruffles, lace and embroidery added detail and personality to these already ornamental dresses. Before going out, additional adornments were necessary… a bonnet, gloves and a parasol. Low-heeled boots and jewelry finished the look. Most women required the assistance of another person to simply get dressed. It’s hard to believe how much life has changed in just 150 years.
Recently, we acquired this unusual portrait bracelet. Measuring just over an inch in width, this bracelet features six lovely ladies. The links are square in shape with a round frame in the center to highlight each portrait. Hints of the finery these ladies are laden with are visible in each link… a high collar, the wide brim of a hat, even a silken cap sleeve. Victorian portraits were hand-painted on a wafer thin piece of ivory. Every curled tendril of hair, the blush pink on the cheek and the twinkle in those eyes have been perfectly depicted. My favorite detail of all is the jewelry – each lady shines with actual gemstones in her hair, around her neck, and in her ears. This small element adds so much charm!
The ornate frame that surrounds each portrait is a lovely confection of 18-karat yellow gold. High relief goldwork highlights hand-pierced and engraved designs. Upon turning the bracelet over, another detail is revealed. The back of each portrait has been engraved. Curiously, each letter is perfectly formed and precise, definitely not done by hand. These engravings are modern and not original to the piece. From left to right, they read “Damana in Verde, Studio del Fragonnard, Madame Recamier, Madame Korsakov, Dama XVIII Sec, and Duchessa di Devonshire”. I can’t help but wonder who added these words and why. Sadly, it’s a mystery that will never be solved.
For today, we will have to be content with admiring these Victorian beauties and dreaming about all the places they may have been going in their fabulous finery. Although I’m enchanted with the dress and lifestyle of the 19th century, I can’t help but be relieved to from a modern era! Unusually unique and crafted in the late 1880’s, this bracelet is priced at $6,600.00. Stop by our showroom to see it for yourself.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
