The design of this 12k yellow gold bracelet features elaborate scroll-like patterns, as were popular in the middle of the 19th Century 'Biedemeijer' style. The bangle was cast and is hollow inside, making it comfortable to wear.
Its center is decorated with a rectangular micro-mosaic plaque depicting the three pillars still standing at the entrance of the ancient Roman temple of Castor and Pollux, which can be found on the Roman Forum.
Micro mosaics like these were popular souvenirs brought home from Rome during a 'Grand Tour', in which Victorian youngsters would travel through Europe as part of their cultural upbringing. I suspect that this micro mosaic was such a souvenir, which was turned into a wearable piece of jewelry.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: Inner dimensions: 54 x 63 mm, inner circumference 18.5 cm.
Weight: 9.18 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1850s. The inside of the clasp is hallmarked with a Dutch taxation hallmark, used between 1831 and 1893.
Material: Determined by the Dutch Assay Office to be 12k (510/1000) gold: please note that this is below the legal gold grade in some countries.
Condition: In antique condition with some wear, consistent with its age. Since the design is hollow, there are 'holes' of wear on the scroll-like elements on the shoulders, and a small hole near the clasp. These flaws can be seen in the pictures, and do not interfere with the structural soundness of the bracelet.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.