Victorian; English Sterling Silver Heart Padlock “ Gate “ Bracelet

Victorian; English Sterling Silver Heart Padlock “ Gate “ Bracelet The bracelet is nice and wide with rows of 7 bars in straight and twisted barley sugar links and comes complete with a large heart padlock clasp and safety chain adding oodles to her decorative charm. Gate bracelets were great signifiers of true love during the Victorian era, although the exact origin of the design is difficult to trace. This bracelet style was meant for lovers, especially those who were destined to be apart for a long period. The padlock style fastener was only meant to be opened once they returned to each other’s arms! A gorgeous antique style sweetheart bracelet and a classic love token full of sweet sentiment! MATERIALS: sterling silver throughout MEASUREMENTS: 7.5” in length Gate bracelets came into fashion during the Victorian Era. The name comes from their unusual interlocked panels which are designed to resemble the gates of an English manor house. These bracelets were worn by women as a sign of fidelity and faithfulness to a husband or lover. When a man left for an extended period, such as for the army, he would lock the heart-shaped padlock and take the key with him. His wife or lover would then wear it until he unlocked it upon his return.