A Rare Georgian 18-Carat Gold Bracelet with a Finely Painted Portrait Miniature of a Young Boy, circa 1820 An elegant and unusual Georgian portrait miniature bracelet, dating to circa 1820, combining the delicate art of miniature portrait painting with the refined craftsmanship of early 19th-century goldsmithing. The bracelet features a beautifully executed portrait miniature depicting a young boy dressed in fashionable attire of the period. Particular attention has been given to the delicate modelling of his facial features, especially his expressive brown eyes, which are rendered with remarkable precision despite the miniature's small dimensions. What makes this piece particularly attractive is its original-style setting within an elaborate **18-carat yellow gold bracelet of the same period**, rather than a conventional pendant or portrait frame. The miniature is surrounded by a substantial cast gold mount decorated with elegant scrolling motifs. The reverse incorporates mother-of-pearl, while the edges are embellished with finely executed hand-engraved floral decoration. The bracelet itself consists of four articulated gold panels, each individually decorated with delicate hand-engraved floral patterns, demonstrating the skill and attention to detail of the goldsmith. Of particular interest is the concealed clasp, featuring a carefully fitted push-in and pull-out mechanism. This discreet construction allows the bracelet to close neatly while preserving the continuity and elegance of its decorative design. Although the bracelet bears no visible gold hallmark, it has been tested and found to be consistent with **18-carat gold**. A particularly charming example of Georgian sentimental jewellery, in which a finely painted portrait miniature is combined with a substantial and elaborately decorated gold bracelet. The portrait may have been intended as a personal or family keepsake, reflecting the importance of miniature portraiture in the intimate and sentimental jewellery traditions of the Georgian period. **Period:** Georgian, circa 1820. **Style:** Portrait Miniature / Georgian Gold Bracelet. **Technique:** Watercolours on a natural substrate. **Portrait Dimensions:** Approximately 2.3 × 3.0 cm. **Bracelet:** 18-carat yellow gold. **Decoration:** Cast scrollwork, hand-engraved floral motifs and mother-of-pearl backing. **Construction:** Four articulated gold panels with concealed push-in/pull-out clasp. Bracelet Length: 19 cm Medallion Dimensions: 4 × 3 cm Total Weight: 20 g **Provenance:** Private Collection.
Auction 02: Rare 18th–19th Century Portrait Miniatures & Mourning Jewellery — Melis Antiques & Art