An extraordinary 19th century bracelet believed to have been presented by Queen Victoria on the date of the death of her uncle is going under the hammer.

The historic piece is dated July 16th 1850. In her diary, Queen Victoria states that Prince Adolphus was buried in Kew on 16 July 1850 – the same date engraved on the bracelet.

Engraved with the Names of her Children

Five of the monarch’s children’s names are engraved above lockets on the bracelet – including Victoria, Alice, Alfred, Helena and Louise. The gold and turquoise heart bracelet also contains a lock of hair from Princess Helena, which is still intact inside a locket. Initially, the bracelet would have contained hair from all individuals whose names are engraved, but the only fragments remaining after 170 years are from Princess Helena. Hair was often included in mourning jewellery during the 19th century due to the Victorian belief that it had a sacred and immortal quality.

“Of all the historic pieces of jewellery we’ve had go under the hammer, this is undoubtedly one of the most significant. It would have been common for the Queen to have given out jewellery to family members on an occasion such as this and the beauty of the bracelet is spectacular. Even without a royal connection this is a wonderful piece of jewellery. Victorian sentimental pieces are always great to see, they clearly meant so much to the original owner and to hold a piece of this importance in your hands is a really special moment. I am excited to see the bids come in on the auction day.” said Nicola Whittaker, Business Development Manager at Fellows Auctioneers

Star in the Lot

Featuring as Lot 235, the item will go under the hammer in Fellows’ Fine Jewellery sale – a live auction taking place in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter on Thursday 30th September. The bracelet is a star lot in the highly coveted auction. Fellows Auctioneers has entered it to auction with an estimate of £3,000 - £4,000. Fellows will be hosting in-person viewing days for the jewellery in Birmingham and London. The Fine Jewellery sale is Fellows’ most prestigious jewellery auction. Luxury jewellery from top brands in a variety of shapes and sizes feature.

History of Gift Giving

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were keen gift givers and their generous presents given to friends and families can be
found in museums across the globe. Queen Victoria often gave out sentimental and mourning jewellery on occasions of significance. The turquoise colour prominent on the rings is similar to that of a forget-me-not – which was used in memorial and sentimental jewellery in the 19th century.