Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Amazing Things
My husband is a mechanic by nature. When he sees something with complex engineering, he studies it; flipping it over and over in his hands, I can almost hear the wheels of his brain turning… figuring it out. This intense scrutiny is an automatic reflex – happening without him being conscious of it. His natural curiosity and mechanical talent are a potent combination. There’s always a project under way in our garage – a vintage square-body build, a buddy’s car that isn’t running right or even a golf cart in need of a little alteration. So, earlier this evening when I sat down to write, his eyes lit on the subject at hand.
I relinquished my treasure to his curious gaze, and watched him roll it between his calloused and grease-stained fingers. Instinctively, he knew it was old… this kind of genius just isn’t found anymore. In his usual way, he continued to roll it over and over, methodically dissecting the articulated artistry and mad scientist mentality that created this antique beauty.
Measuring just over seven inches, this bit of wrist candy glitters and gleams from every angle. It has no front or back, no top or bottom – just a beginning and an end. The entire length of the bracelet is consumed by four hundred and ten 18-karat yellow gold pinched collet settings. The modern terminology is “bezel” – however, in the 1870’s when this bracelet was made, it was known as a pinched collet. It’s a rim of metal that surrounds the outer girdle of a gemstone. The top edge of the metal is bent (or pinched) to hold the stone in place. Our bracelet has been handset with 5.00 carats of well-matched rose cut diamonds. This primitive cut was all the rage in the Victorian era – aptly named for the unique cutting style and shape of the facets.
Even the clasp of this bracelet is a thing of beauty. A small screw (cleverly disguised by a rose-cut diamond cap) unwinds, allowing the two ends to disconnect. Once wound ’round the wrist, the small tongue of one end fits inside the opening of the opposite end; the small screw twists into place and voilà! A stunning array of five carats of rose cut diamonds encircle the wrist with scintillating sparkle. Brilliant brilliance of the finest order.
Whether you appreciate it for its mechanical merit or its antique allure – there’s no question that this bracelet is truly stunning. Just added to our website – this charmer is available for $5,950.00. Check it out online, drop by or give us a call to make it yours today.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
