Rare diamond and ruby bangle, late 19th century

The ‘half hoop’ is one of the most popular motifs to be found in British jewellery  design, whether applied to rings or bangles. The first examples seem to have appeared around the 1870s, and were at the height of their popularity until the first world war. During this period , the courts of Britain and Germany had great influence on each other in terms of style and fashion, and the fine sapphire and diamond half hoop ring in The Noble Jewels catalogue, formerly in the collection of Countess Rosamond Courten and dating to around 1900, is a good example.

The Imperial Russian Court also shared close relations with those of Britain and Germany, hence the design of this beautiful bangle. It is also easy to lend credit to the tradition attached to this ruby and diamond half hoop bangle that it was originally in the collection of the Tsar’s family.