This Art Deco bracelet ascends from customary antique jewellery to the level of applied arts due to its rare combination in the craftsmanship of goldsmithed 18ct yellow gold, of delicately engraved coral beads and of a black enamelled finish. Four coral strands guide you to a Japanese garden with a central round coral bead with tulip engravings, which disguise the jewel’s closure. Two engraved columns followed by black enamelled convex portals guard this gem. Being a strong representative of Japonism in the 1920s, this bracelet is eagerly waiting to serve its next Geisha.

Antique jewellery object group: flexible bracelets/bangles

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of French or Belgian origin.

Style: Art Deco

Style specifics: Abstract motives and geometrical forms are quite typical for the Art Deco period.

Period: ca. 1920

Source of inspiration: Japan

Theme: Japanese style engravings in the coral

Material: 18K white gold

Technique: Enamelling is an old and widely-adopted technology. The ancient Egyptians applied enamels to pottery and stone objects. The ancient Greeks, Celts, Russians, and Chinese also used enamelling processes on metal objects. Enamel is the colourful result of fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. The powder melts and flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal, glass or ceramic. According to some sources, the word enamel comes from the High German word smelzan (to smelt) via the Old French esmail. Used as a noun, “an enamel” is a usually small decorative object, coated with enamel coating, such as a champlev√© or a cloisonn√© (different techniques).

Extra information: Japonism, or Japonisme, the original French term, which is also used in English, is a term for the influence of the arts of Japan on those of theWest. The word was first used by Jules Claretie in his book L’Art Francais en 1872 published in that year. Works arising from the direct transfer of principles of Japanese art on Western, especially by French artists, are called japonesque.

Precious stones: coral(more info on precious stones):

– Four coral bead strands with 104 corals in total, diameter approx. 6 mm
– Two engraved coral ornaments measuring approx. 17.7 mm by 10.5 mm
– One round shaped engraved coral (the clasp) with a diameter of approx. 16.6 mm

Hallmarks: No trace.

Condition: good condition (one of the white gold dishes that are black enamelled has some chips off at the edge)
(more info on our condition scale)

Dimensions: length 20.50 cm (8.07 inch)

Weight: 50.00 gram (32.15 dwt)