Antique French Enamel Paste Gem Gold Vermeil Bracelet c1840

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Antique French Enamel Paste Gem Gold Vermeil Bracelet c1840

About the Item

Absolutely stunning and large impact antique bracelet, French I believe, since the French were noted both for their ability to set stones (usually diamonds) into silver prongs in their 18k gold vermeil (gold layered on sterling silver) jewelry in the 18th-19th century. I have not found a French mark, or any mark, yet, but they are often so tiny on the jewelry items, it can be easily overlooked. The process is key, however, as are the very fine quality faux diamonds, which are French 'paste' gems, instead. They are dead-ringers for diamonds, and even jewelers will often have to put their sophisticated diamond testers on them to be certain, but we have tested and these are not diamonds. Still, the look is everything, and they're large and VERY opulent. The bracelet would forever be in my stash, but it's slightly too narrow for my wrist bones. Yes, it's got a 6.25+ interior circumference, but it fits too snug against my wrist bones and does not look right on me. So you small-wristed ladies, this one is for you. This process, which I've written about many times, is one only accomplished with the skill of years and years of practice. The enamel powders are various shades of muddy mauve, taupe, blues, not the least resembling the color they will become once the kiln melts them into the glassine or porcelain like finished product you see here. So an artist is layering on stroke after stroke, working quite literally blind as far as the colors and spacing of the finished outcome he/she hopes to achieve. It is the memory that guides the hand in this art. And subject to such whims of nature and memory, it's always amazing to me that they come out with anything but a glob. I've tried this art, myself, and believe me, it's very difficult. I mostly get globs. The nature of the process is part of the reason why these old kiln-fired objects have such a following and bring the prices they continue to bring. Very good to excellent condition for age and type, with no chips or cracks in the beautiful cobalt blue enamel, no hairlines at all. The enamel is quite like porcelain once the kiln melts it into this glassine finish, and it's about 1-2mm thick above the silver, in this case. When we purchased this beautiful old bracelet, there was a small area of disruption in a couple of places on that enamel, so we have had our specialist who does beautiful enamel restoration work on those and it's now just pristine. This one is superb, truly. Very little of the 18k gold rubbed away, though you understand it is a thick French 'vermeil' or plating over fine sterling silver, in the French fashion, so you may fine a place or two where surface wear will show a little silver or tint of it through, but it'd be upon very close inspection. A fabulous early to mid-1800s treasure, and will come in the stunningly pristine French domed leather bracelet presentation case, as shown. A real beauty! Note: The box is a valuable antique in its own right, and if our buyer does not need or want the display box, we will buy it back at $100 against the value we've priced into this bracelet's cost. Just be sure to tell us if you'd prefer a rebate rather than the box.

Metal:
Sterling Silver
Dimensions:
Height: 0.12 in (3 mm)Width: 2.05 in (52 mm)Depth: 1.89 in (48 mm)
Style:
Victorian
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Victorian, c. 1840s
Condition:
Very good to excellent throughout. Detailed condition text above. Box is excellent.
Seller Location:
San Marcos, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 412bluedmdrng1stDibs: JU120505227134