We have similar Wedding and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Wedding" or "Nouveau" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Markings: "GF 14/20" and unidentified maker's mark "H" on the tab clasp, tested, and guaranteed
Main Stone: --
Main Stone Measurements/Color: --
Accent Stone: --
Accent Stone Measurements/Color: --
Stone Treatment: --
Stone Cuts: --
Item Measurements: - Wearable length and inner circumference: 6.5"
- Wrist gap: 2.09" (best for a smaller wrist)
- When opened, the wrist gap measures: 2.27" across
- Band width: 0.18"
Bracelet Type: Bangle bracelet
Closure/Clasp Type: Push-in tab clasp
Link Type: --
Notable Features:- Handmade during the Art Nouveau era in the style of a wedding bracelet, popular wedding gifts to brides during this time period
- Composed of 1/20 14k yellow gold filled over a base metal
- Repeating heart and foliate designs adorn the band in the sweetheart style
Damage: Age appropriate wear. There is some wear to the gold fill throughout the bracelet. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era (1890-1910) was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.” This was true due to the gorgeous designs that emerged from this period. This era drew inspiration from the beauty of women and the natural world, and the resulting pieces were often large and elegant. Because the period emphasized the importance of the design over the materials used to create it, enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry. The Art Nouveau period occurred before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Wedding bracelets have a long history stretching back centuries and were especially popular in 19th century Europe as Victorians looked back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance for influence in their art and jewelry. Historically, a groom would give his bride a beautifully engraved bracelet on their wedding day, but occasionally they would also be gifted in sets—one given upon engagement, and the other on the day of the wedding. Alternately these sets would come as two different sized bracelets, a larger one for the groom and the smaller for the bride. During the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras, these bracelets were also referred to as “handcuff bracelets” and were a symbol of matrimonial commitment, usually used in place of an engagement or wedding ring.
