Jewelry
Bracelet of Filigree Floral Crosses circa 1930
- Item Number
- 155
- Estimated Value
- 70 USD
- Sold
- 62 USD to BarbinMD
- Number of Bids
- 10 - Bid History
Item Description
Airy filigree feels almost weightless on the wrist, and yet this bracelet will add tons of style to any outfit. Each of its six linked panels is slightly domed and formed in the dramatic shape of a cross pattée (often confused with a Maltese cross, another form associated with the Knights Templar and other Crusader groups and states). Very interestingly, the crosses here can also be read as flowers surrounded by four petals of openwork.
The linked panels are nicely large, measuring about 1 1/4 by 7/8 inches, and the total length is abundant: 7 1/4 inches in filigree and nearly 8 inches, counting the clasp. It would fit just about any wrist and, if you need it shorter, a smaller clasp would do the job.
The bracelet was sold to us as Victorian and it might be, based on the "spun silver" look and the fact that the floral centers are crowned with actual wire -- a rarity after machine methods were introduced in the 19th century. Contrary to popular belief, virtually all 20th century filigree was pierced and stamped from die-struck components (and, more recently, cast to eliminate a lot of handwork). In the absence of the original clasp, which has been replaced by a modern one, the bracelet can't be firmly pronounced an antique, so I'm calling it Victorian Revival circa 1930s. The central blossoms were gilded and most of that finish is gone. I believe this resulted from cleaning, because the rest of the bracelet shows so little wear. (Never use a silver polish on vermeil, only a cloth marked "safe for gold".) The silver metal here is quite sturdy and without tarnish, so is most likely rhodium, a member of the platinum family and a great favorite in the Art Deco era.
Item Special Note
GlitzQueen History & Art to Wear congratulates Netroots Nation and is delighted to be an auction donor for the fourth year. The owner is a progressive blogger featured at Dandelion Salad as The Other Katherine Harris.
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