A Pair of Genuine Pinchbeck Bracelets with Enamel c. 1790

About the Item

A true rare pair of pinchbeck bracelets with enamel were created from the mid 18th century to 1790. Pinchbeck is often as valuable as gold. Three rows of double sided links show their original enamel green around a central flower. Double them up on one wrist to make a super wide bracelet or flaunt one on each wrist. Pinchbeck is an extraordinary metal that is a beautiful gold that never changes color, ever, is light in weight and now rare. The only way to tell the difference from gold is by its lighter weight. Invented by Christopher Pinchbeck a British Watchmaker whose shop was on Fleet Street, Pinchbeck saw a need for people to purchase jewelry other than the 18kt gold made at that time. With alchemy he invented this unique gold substitute and shared the formula only with his son Edward. Pinchbeck was replaced by rolled gold and gilded gold which is not nearly as durable. Pinchbeck jewelry was worn for its beauty and for traveling on stage coaches. Raiders were fooled and stole what they thought was gold jewelry. These bracelets are genuine, not the often misused term for pinchbeck which was later gilt metal. Their condition is excellent. Fits a wrist size 5 1/2 to 6 1/2.

Creator:
Edward or Christopher Pinchbeck
Metal:
Enamel,Pinchbeck
Dimensions:
Height: 1.25 in (31.75 mm)Length: 6.5 in (165.1 mm)
Style:
George III
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1770-1779
Date of Manufacture:
c.1790
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Stamford, CT
Reference Number:
Seller: #1000031stDibs: LU3226082722