An 18ct yellow gold wide cuff bangle from the Victorian period. Elegantly hinged to enable it to be taken on and off the wrist with effortless ease, a central panel depicts a detailed enamel portrait. The Victorians were particularly fond of enamel painting, which is a highly skilled craft that takes many years to perfect. Glass is ground into a paint like emulsion with oil or water and then painstakingly applied to the gold surface. Each paint layer is independently fired in a kiln to vitrify it and create a strong, solid glass surface. Here we see a delicately coloured, romanticised classical scene, depicting a group of female figures aboard a boat. The sounds of Roman string music can almost be heard as this pleasant summer day is enjoyed on the cool waters of the Tiber. A scene full of huge interest, distinctive Vitruvian scrolls can be seen decorating the side of the ship, which will provide a constant fascination for the wearer.The Victorians' love for ancient history, which was driven by exciting archaeological discoveries, made revival jewellery inspired by ancient design and life very popular.
