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- Antique 18th Century Iberian Gold and Diamond Elements Bracelet
Antique 18th Century Iberian Gold and Diamond Elements Bracelet
Antique 18th Century Iberian Gold and Diamond Elements Bracelet
Mysterious, Alluring.
Since childhood, we’ve always loved mysteries, puzzles, riddles, brainteasers. This particular jewel intrigued us at first sight, stirring our appreciation for beauty, history, and an equation waiting to be solved.
When we discovered this jewel, it was presented as a bracelet. We knew instinctively that it had not always been such. What we did intuit was that it was Iberian and quite old (Portuguese and late 18th century - possibly early 19th century — in our estimation).
We had to have it — to uncover its story at leisure. We started from the reverse side. We discovered that the 2 main central elements have hinges and small loops on the back — indicators that these were originally earrings, with the characteristic back to front closures. We can still see vestiges of where the earring wires were joined near the hinges. The remaining elements likely either came from other earrings or other similar jewelry in a collection. (See Five Centuries of Jewellery at pp. 85-86 and Amidst Gold and Gems In the IFC Collection at pp. 26-32. See also similar earring in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/206844).
How delightful is this? A 250 year old antique found as a conversion is so liberating. We have the freedom to restore or to recreate. We can bring back the original pair of earrings and create additional earrings or pendants. Or, make a dramatically long pendant and drop earrings. Or, keep this as a bracelet, at least for the time being. Imagination is the limit.
See photos of this piece worn as a scene-stealing long pendant and as a necklace (with the addition of chain or cord to the back).
Unmarked.
18k and rose cut diamond.
Dimensions and weight:
● 20.7 cm long/8.15 inches
● 24.8 mm wide (widest point)
● 4.7 mm deep (deepest point)
● 22.6 grams
Period: Georgian
The bracelet is offered as-is. Contact us to discuss re-creation options.
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
Mysterious, Alluring.
Since childhood, we’ve always loved mysteries, puzzles, riddles, brainteasers. This particular jewel intrigued us at first sight, stirring our appreciation for beauty, history, and an equation waiting to be solved.
When we discovered this jewel, it was presented as a bracelet. We knew instinctively that it had not always been such. What we did intuit was that it was Iberian and quite old (Portuguese and late 18th century - possibly early 19th century — in our estimation).
We had to have it — to uncover its story at leisure. We started from the reverse side. We discovered that the 2 main central elements have hinges and small loops on the back — indicators that these were originally earrings, with the characteristic back to front closures. We can still see vestiges of where the earring wires were joined near the hinges. The remaining elements likely either came from other earrings or other similar jewelry in a collection. (See Five Centuries of Jewellery at pp. 85-86 and Amidst Gold and Gems In the IFC Collection at pp. 26-32. See also similar earring in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/206844).
How delightful is this? A 250 year old antique found as a conversion is so liberating. We have the freedom to restore or to recreate. We can bring back the original pair of earrings and create additional earrings or pendants. Or, make a dramatically long pendant and drop earrings. Or, keep this as a bracelet, at least for the time being. Imagination is the limit.
See photos of this piece worn as a scene-stealing long pendant and as a necklace (with the addition of chain or cord to the back).
Unmarked.
18k and rose cut diamond.
Dimensions and weight:
● 20.7 cm long/8.15 inches
● 24.8 mm wide (widest point)
● 4.7 mm deep (deepest point)
● 22.6 grams
Period: Georgian
The bracelet is offered as-is. Contact us to discuss re-creation options.
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.
*For deliveries outside of the continental U.S., please contact us for shipping information.
