Mastery of Design: The Winged Serpent Bracelet, 1975

Winged Serpent Bracelet, 1975
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This articulated bracelet is in the form of a winged serpent with a head of carved buffalo horn set with ruby eyes. Three pear-shaped diamonds are set at the beast’s neck, and smaller diamonds grace each segment of the thinner tail section. This unusual bracelet fastens by threading the tail of the serpent through its jaws.  Neat!

It was made in London in 1975 by David Courts and Bill Hacket.  

Mastery of Design: The Gaillard Parasol Handle, c. 1900

Parasol Fittings
Gaillard, 1900
The Victoria & Albert Museum

The work of Parisian maker Lucien Gaillard, we see here fittings from a parasol. Made around 1900, the parasol’s handle is made of carved and bleached horn which has been set with pearls and small rubies in gold settings. The other fittings, tips for the spokes, are made of carved tortoiseshell.

Mastery of Design: The Winged Serpent Bracelet, 1975

Winged Serpent Bracelet, 1975
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This articulated bracelet is in the form of a winged serpent with a head of carved buffalo horn set with ruby eyes. Three pear-shaped diamonds are set at the beast’s neck, and smaller diamonds grace each segment of the thinner tail section. This unusual bracelet fastens by threading the tail of the serpent through its jaws.  Neat!

It was made in London in 1975 by David Courts and Bill Hacket.