Late Victorian Tortoiseshell Heart Cuff Bracelet

Tortoiseshell jewelry has been coveted and collected since ancient Roman times and well into the early 20th century. A natural thermoplastic, tortoiseshell comes from the scutes of the hawksbill sea turtle and is lauded for its ability to become malleable under heat -- making it a once desirable and expensive jewelry making material. Sadly, its centuries of wide use has rendered the hawksbill sea turtle critically endangered and the trade of non-antique tortoiseshell has been banned worldwide. This understated tortoiseshell cuff is simple, yet sweet. It has two perfectly imperfect hand-carved hearts that almost give this piece a masquerade mask feel upon first glance. Additional Details Date: 1900s Materials: Tortoiseshell Measurements: Width: 1 1/2" at widest point, Inside circumference: 6 1/2", Opening: 1" with a little stretch Markings: None Condition: Very Good There is a tiny rough spot on the edge, which is common in real tortoiseshell pieces. Cuff is slightly out of ro