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Property from a Contemporary Private Collection
The Josephine
Premium Lot
Unique Handcrafted Heirloom Object
High Jewellery Hair Ornament
UK: Private Studio Collection
Artist: Lili Marjorie H. Gualberto
Estimate
Not for sale / Unique commissioned work
The Josephine is a breathtaking handcrafted hair ornament created by artist Lili Marjorie H. Gualberto, conceived as a singular luxury heirloom and completed over a period of four (4) years. The creation of this masterpiece required immense dedication, taking 30 different design tryouts just to finalize the execution and carefully curate all the gemstones. The work is constructed using fine UK manufactured copper wire, authentic Fergusons Irish Linen, sumptuous French satin from Pongees from London, gold bullion sourced from Hand & Lock—the historic Royal Warrant-holding embroidery house—and 18 ct gold beads. It is richly adorned with a curated composition of natural gemstones including amazonite, amethyst, black diamond, carnelian, strawberry quartz, emerald, fluorite, freshwater pearl, hessonite, lapis lazuli, larimar, opal, peridot, ruby, sapphire, turquoise, and white quartz, each selected for its symbolic resonance and visual depth.
The piece stands as a solemn tribute to Marie 'Josephine' Leopoldine Bracken, who was born on August 9, 1876, during British Hong Kong. This foundational setting holds immense historical significance, and recognizing her birth during this specific era serves as a crucial point of respect and recognition for the history that shaped her early life. The artwork honors her bravery in treating the injured and supporting the Philippine struggle for independence. The artist’s intention is for this unique work to serve not only as a high jewellery object but also as a cultural statement advocating for Josephine Bracken to be formally recognised and taught in schools as a heroine of the Philippines, reflecting her Irish and United Kingdom lineage, her identity now of the modern times as a Hong Konger, her role as a heroine of the Philippines, and her status as an adopted daughter of the United States of America.
UK wire, Fergusons Irish Linen, French satin, gold bullion (Hand & Lock), 18 ct gold beads, white sequins, seventeen (17) different natural real gemstones sourced from Gemmologists, and a Master Gemstone Cutter all from United Kingdom.
Gemstones (17)
Unique wearable sculptural hair ornament (one-of-a-kind)
Private studio collection
Handcrafted by Lili Marjorie H. Gualberto over four years, including approximately 30 design iterations
Newry Library, Northern Ireland
This masterpieces are wearable artworks and cultural memorial. It functions both as a luxury object and as an advocacy piece, reflecting the artist’s position that Josephine Bracken should be formally recognised and taught in educational curricula as a heroine of the Philippines, reflecting her multi-national heritage and historical significance across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong (born during British Hong Kong, with her modern identity recognized as a Hong Konger), the Philippines, and the United States of America.
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We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Returns and Refunds Policy
We value your trust in purchasing from Gualberto Couture. Each product is individually photographed and securely sealed prior to dispatch. This seal confirms authenticity, quality
assurance, and that the product remains untampered with prior to dispatch and delivery.
Right to Cancel and Exclusions
You have the legal right to cancel your contract within 14 days of receiving your product, as per UK Consumer Contracts Regulations and EU law. However, this right does not apply
to the following:
Note: Most of our product/s belong to the above categories.
How to Cancel and Return
Return Address & Contact Information:
GUALBERTO COUTURE
17 Railway Street,
Poyntzpass, Newry, County Down, BT35 6SN, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 7704939627 (charges may apply)
Email:support@gualberto.co.uk
Refund Processing:
We require all Products to be returned to us prior to any refund being issued.
No refund will be processed until the returned Products have been received and inspected by us. Products must be on resellable state for a refund to be issued.
Return Postage Costs:
You are responsible for return postage unless the product is faulty or misdescribed.
Shipping Recommendation:
Please retain proof of postage. We strongly recommend tracked, secure,
signed-for delivery and insuring the products for their full replacement value
until they reach us. We are not liable for returned products lost, stolen, or damaged in transit.
Refund Method:
Refunds will be issued to the original payment method (e.g., debit/credit card
or bank transfer).
REFUND CATEGORIES
1. Where Products Have Not Been Dispatched for delivery:
If you cancel your contract before the products have been dispatched for delivery, you will be entitled to a full refund of the price you paid.
Any standard delivery charges you paid will also be refunded. If you selected a more expensive delivery option, the refund will be limited to the cost of the least expensive, common, and generally accepted delivery method we offer.
2. Where Products Have Been ALREADY Dispatched for delivery/ Or Where Products Have Been Received (Must Be Returned to Us First)
3. Faulty or Misdescribed Products
Return Requirement:
Products must be returned to us before a refund is issued. We will withhold reimbursement until the products have been received by us or until you provide satisfactory evidence of return, whichever occurs first.
Condition of Returned Products:
After receipt of the product and Inspection by us:
We will provide a full refund, including delivery charges and reasonable return
postage costs, provided that the product(s) meet the ‘condition of returned products’ as outlined above.
Products must remain in their original sealed condition.
Restocking Fee
A 20% restocking fee may apply if products require repackaging for resale. Refunds or exchanges will be processed only after we receive the goods in re-sellable condition.
Gemstone and High-Value Products
For gemstone and high-value products, all pieces are individually photographed and sealed in tamper-evident packaging prior to dispatch. We retain detailed records to verify authenticity and condition. If the seal is broken or the gemstone has been removed or tampered with, we cannot accept the product for return or refund. By placing your order, you acknowledge and accept this return limitation under UK and EU law.
International Returns
If you return products to us from outside the UK, you must ensure that the parcel is clearly marked “Return to supplier” (or wording of similar effect).
General Information
This policy is not a full statement of your rights under UK Consumer Contracts Regulations or EU law. For further information, please consult your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards Office.
We (customer and Gualberto Couture) under a legal duty to supply products that conform to your contract and these Terms.
Gualberto Couture does not aim to profit from postage and packaging costs. Our charges are fair and simple to understand.
We prioritise Royal Mail Special Delivery orders, with same-day dispatch for orders placed by 12pm Monday–Friday or before 8am, and we aim to dispatch all other orders within 24 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays).
What are your delivery charges?
Royal Mail First Class Delivery is FREE for all EU and UK orders over £100!
Note: Shipping fees are calculated at checkout, and we exclusively use Royal Mail services: Traced/Tracked 24 or 48, and standard delivery for 2–4 business days. Remember that Royal Mail has their own schedule and always allow for possible delays.
Please note: Royal Mail do not collect on Saturdays, Sundays, or Bank Holidays; therefore, if you place an order over the weekend, or after midday Friday, your parcel will be sent on the next business day (Monday or after the Bank Holiday).
Please note: Any UK orders that are over 2 kg will be sent using a courier company and will take 1 – 3 days to arrive (excluding weekends).
Do you deliver to the Channel Islands?
Yes, we do deliver to the Channel Islands. We charge the same rate as UK Mainland Delivery – FREE for orders over £100.
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
All international orders will be shipped exclusively through UPS or FedEx, depending on what has been agreed with the customer prior to purchase. Customers must contact us at support@gualberto.co.uk before placing an international order so that we can confirm availability, shipping costs, and applicable terms.
Please note that many countries impose customs duties, import taxes, and handling fees once certain value thresholds are met. These thresholds and charges vary depending on the destination country and are set by local customs authorities, not by Gualberto Couture.
⚠️ Important: Customised items, earrings, and any other non-returnable products must always be paid for in full and are strictly non-refundable, even if customs duties/taxes are unpaid or the order is refused.
International orders are shipped using tracked, signed-for courier services (UPS or FedEx). Delivery times vary depending on destination and customs processing, but estimated timelines will be provided at checkout or upon confirmation of the order. Customers are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with their country’s import regulations before placing an order.
At Gualberto Couture, we are committed to safety. Our EU and UK-based suppliers verify that all metals used in our products are lead, nickel, and cadmium safe, complying with both EU REACH and UK REACH regulations.
Some customers may experience adverse reactions or allergies to metals used in products. While materials are REACH-compliant and meet EU safety standards, individual sensitivities may still cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. Customers with allergies should exercise caution. You confirm you have tested yourself or those who will use the items for any allergies before using our products. Any reactions are your responsibility, and Gualberto Couture™ is not liable.
Product Care Guide
To maintain the beauty and longevity of your Gualberto Couture pieces, please follow these guidelines:
Material Disclaimer and Care:
While the general guidelines above apply to all our jewellry, specific materials benefit from tailored care:
WARNING!: Gualberto Couture products are intended exclusively for individuals aged 16 and older. These items are not toys and are not suitable for children, as many pieces contain small parts, sharp edges, gemstones, wires, or delicate materials that may pose choking hazards or risks of injury, especially if inserted into the ears, nose, or mouth, or used improperly.
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all Gualberto Couture products are stored safely and kept out of reach of children or individuals who may be unable to handle such items responsibly without supervision.