Boucheron guilloché enamel bracelet. A rose gold bracelet composed of eight plaques, the four larger plaques depicting from left to right; a winged cherub on the back of a dragon, a winged cherub sat on the back of a hound, a cherub sat astride a mythical winged beast and a cherub sat on the head of a dolphin. The four larger sections are interspersed by four smaller ones, all four depicting heads of mythical creatures, to an articulated bracelet flowing with movement featuring ridged borders, finely pierced scrolling openwork over royal blue enamel, with intricate pictoral engraving and smooth polished backs, each plaque joined by two oval links, fitted with a secure integrated push catch and safety chain, approximately 7.9" in length. Marked 18 carat rose gold, signed 'Fic BOUCHERON PARIS' for Frédéric Boucheron, makers mark for Alfred Menu, French, circa 1890, accompanied by fitted Berganza box.
Guilloché enamel was transparent or translucent enamel placed over metal that had often been enhanced with a pattern. The technique is commonly named "engine turned" for the machine which impressed the tiny intricate designs into the metal base.
From bangle to band, chain to articulated link, the bracelet is one of the earliest forms of jewellery, found throughout history and can be traced back as early as 5000BC. No longer limited to the wrists of nobility, the bracelet has found its way to becoming a staple piece of a lady's jewellery collection. Some of the earliest examples were made from organic materials such as leather cords and braided leaves and foliage. As the human race developed and tastes changed so did the materials used for adornment. The discovery of precious metals such as gold and silver lent their malleable properties to advanced designs which would stand the test of time.
Creative pieces include precious gemstones, hand engraving, symbols, enamelling, openwork, carving and filigree. As an articulated piece of jewellery made up of a series of links, bracelets have the capacity to move with the wearer making them eye-catching and wearable. Bracelets which are solid and do not have the flow of movement are called bangles.
One of the most favoured styles since the 1920s is the diamond line bracelet, or now in modern times more widely known as the ‘tennis bracelet’. This design is simple and features a continuous line of diamonds each set in an articulated collet and fastened with a secure clasp. This classic and versatile piece of jewellery can be worn as a stand-alone piece or ‘stacked' next to other bracelets or indeed a watch. Traditionally featuring diamonds, this type of bracelet can also be set with coloured gemstones or a combination of both.
Boucheron guilloché enamel bracelet, French, circa 1890.
Boucheron guilloché enamel bracelet. A rose gold bracelet composed of eight plaques, the four larger plaques depicting from left to right; a winged cherub on the back of a dragon, a winged cherub sat on the back of a hound, a cherub sat astride a mythical winged beast and a cherub sat on the head of a dolphin. The four larger sections are interspersed by four smaller ones, all four depicting heads of mythical creatures, to an articulated bracelet flowing with movement featuring ridged borders, finely pierced scrolling openwork over royal blue enamel, with intricate pictoral engraving and smooth polished backs, each plaque joined by two oval links, fitted with a secure integrated push catch and safety chain, approximately 7.9" in length. Marked 18 carat rose gold, signed 'Fic BOUCHERON PARIS' for Frédéric Boucheron, makers mark for Alfred Menu, French, circa 1890, accompanied by fitted Berganza box.
Guilloché enamel was transparent or translucent enamel placed over metal that had often been enhanced with a pattern. The technique is commonly named "engine turned" for the machine which impressed the tiny intricate designs into the metal base.