One way to date antique or period jewelry is to look at the clasp on the jewelry.

Back in the 1890’s bracelets were frequently made with tubular clasp, or a trombone clasp. It was popular in the late 1800’s, and was used in jewelry making up until the 1940’s.

There are two types of tubular clasps found on antique or period jewelry. The tube or trombone clasp, and the tube hinge. The tube hinge is the earliest type.

There is never a absolute clear line in identifying exact time periods, because makers of jewelry, often overlapped styles, and motifs.

In general if you find a bracelet or piece of jewelry with a tubular clasp, you can more likely than not, date it to before 1940.