1890s British Late Victorian Elephant Hair Black & Gold Lucky Bracelet

This late Victorian era bracelet from the 1890s, originating from Britain, is crafted from vulcanized elephant hair and metal. The bracelet is composed of six sections with a spiral pattern, creating a bold contrast in its black and gold color scheme. Though its design feels remarkably modern, it was a common good luck charm during the late Victorian era in Britain. The gold component is made of common metal, while the black sections are crafted from a highly unusual material – elephant hair. Elephants are revered as symbols of strength, wisdom, and longevity. Adornments made from elephant hair stem from Indian traditions and beliefs, serving as a lucky charm rich in symbolism. In Hindu beliefs, elephants are closely associated with Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and wealth, who helps individuals overcome life's challenges and is revered as a protector of travelers and merchants. In folk traditions, elephant tail hair is also believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Locals often fashion tail hair into amulets or jewelry to seek protection and blessings. During the British Raj (1858–1947), India was not only a significant British colony but also a popular destination for the "Grand Tour," with its exotic arts and crafts highly sought after by Europeans. Elephant hair jewelry was regarded as a precious souvenir or talisman. In the context of prevalent tropical diseases at the time, some pieces were even thought to possess protective qualities against illness. With the development of colonial trade, artisans began using European chemical glues and hardening techniques to further process the tail hair, making it more durable and allowing it to be shaped into intricate designs. Vulcanized elephant hair, with its smooth, slightly elastic texture reminiscent of plastic, lent itself well to carving or integration with metal settings. As new materials like plastic became more widespread and the availability of elephant tail hair became restricted, such jewelry gradually declined in market demand. Nevertheless, vulcanized elephant hair pieces stand as a testament to the cross-cultural exchange and craftsmanship fusion of the British Raj era. Their unique materials and historical context continue to make them sought-after collectibles for enthusiasts today. The piece is in good antique condition, with normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. Some areas of oxidation are more pronounced. There is minor chipping on a small portion of the vulcanized elephant hair. Please note this is a century-old antique, not a new item. Origin: United Kingdom Year: 1870s Materials: Metal, Elephant Hair (Vulcanized and Hardened) Dimensions: 18 x 1.7 cm Weight: 7.75g Condition: Good antique condition with normal oxidation and signs of wear. Some oxidation is more noticeable. Minor chips on small areas of the vulcanized elephant hair. Important Purchase Information: "Antique jewelry" specifically refers to pieces that are "over one hundred years old." Items less than a century old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All jewelry sold by Xing Cheng Antique Jewelry comes with a brand certificate of authenticity, detailing the piece's era, materials, and other specifics. We offer a full refund if the item does not match the certificate's description. Prior to sale, each item's condition is meticulously documented using photographic equipment to ensure our customers are fully aware of any flaws or signs of wear. These images form an integral part of the product description. Therefore, we kindly request that customers carefully consider their purchase intent before checkout. Once the checkout process is completed, due to the unique nature of our products, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including inherent flaws or signs of age. We urge all customers to reconfirm their purchase intent thoroughly before completing their transaction to avoid any disputes. Shipping Methods: Enjoy complimentary shipping on any single item purchase to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All shipments within Taiwan will be sent via registered post by Chunghwa Post. If registered mail delivery is inconvenient, please specify your preference for convenience store pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order notes, along with the store name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be handled by SF Express.