Saturday, July 2, 2011

Mastery of Design: A Sapphire, Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, 1890

Bracelet
Gold, Sapphires, Pearls, Rose-Cut Diamonds
St. Petersburg, 1890
The Victoria & Albert Museum
The magnificent bangle, made in St. Petersburg in 1890, combines a variety of styles into one gorgeous piece. As was often the case with Russian jewelry, it’s made of beautiful quality materials—gold, cabochon sapphires, pearls and very clear rose-cut diamonds. The style is geometric, a nod to the popular work of Fabergé, but also inspired by Eastern designs and Indian jewels.


Clearly, this bracelet was made for export to England. The influence of Indian artistry is evidence of that as is the vague sense of the medieval about this piece. Russian jewelers often produced special wares for export to the English who were always eager to add the perfect accessory to their wardrobes.

1 comment:

Doni said...

Squeeal...*I want*! If I could own all the fantastic baubles on your site...Well, I suppose I'd be the Queen of England, most belong to her family?...but I guarantee I'd look happier about it! You'd probably see me try to wear as many pieces as possible at all times. lol I have no shame.

I've always wondered who comes up with the 'captcha' phrases, dear Webmaster. Some are so amusing I can't help but wonder if they are hand picked. My last was "booss" :)