Simons Bros. Sterling Silver Cut-Out Design Cuff Bracelet
Jewelry (Cuff Bracelet) · Simons Bros. Co. of Philadelphia. Founded in 1839 by George W. Simons, the firm is one of America's oldest continuously operating silversmiths, renowned for their thimbles and fine silver novelties.
Pattern: Mid-Century Geometric Openwork; likely an unnamed pattern from their mid-20th-century jewelry line characterized by negative space and split-shank terminals.
Type
Jewelry (Cuff Bracelet)
Maker
Simons Bros. Co. of Philadelphia. Founded in 1839 by George W. Simons, the firm is one of America's oldest continuously operating silversmiths, renowned for their thimbles and fine silver novelties.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid sterling throughout without base metal or plating.
Dimensions
Estimated width at face: 1.25 inches (3.1 cm); interior circumference approx. 6.5 inches including gap. Estimated weight: 25-35 grams.
Description
An elegant and understated example of American Mid-Century jewelry. This sterling silver cuff features a broad, solid central face that dramatically transitions into a split-rail design. This use of negative space provides a lightweight feel while maintaining a bold visual presence on the wrist. Precise stamping and clean edges highlight the quality of Simons Bros. engineering.
Key Features
Distinctive 'V' shaped peak at the center top; split-shank openwork sides; original Simons Bros. maker mark on the interior face.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). The piece is solid sterling throughout without base metal or plating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-to-mirror polish exterior with a slight natural patina. The decoration resides in the architectural 'cut-out' or openwork sides where the solid central band splits into two narrow rails reaching toward the terminals. Simple, modernist aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the Simons Bros. 'S' shield/eagle hallmark (though partially obscured in the image by the 'V' or inverted triangle shape above it) and the 'STERLING' fineness stamp. The 'V' may indicate a specific design series or inventory mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-stamped from a flat sheet of sterling silver, then mechanically curved. The cut-outs are precision-stamped rather than hand-sawn, typical of high-quality mid-century American production.
Functional Features
Semi-flexible cuff design allowing for slight adjustment to fit the wrist; open-back (gap) for easy donning and removal.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item). The terminals (ends) are rounded for comfort against the skin.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry of the cut-outs and the smoothness of the interior hallmarks indicate professional production standards far exceeding 'hobbyist' silver work.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark placement and font are consistent with mid-20th century Simons Bros. production. Wear patterns on the interior show authentic long-term use rather than artificial aging.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Manufactured in the Simons Bros. workshop using traditional American industrial silversmithing techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (approx. 1950-1970). The clean lines and use of negative space reflect the post-war shift toward minimalist, wearable art.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965. The style of the 'Sterling' stamp and the modernist openwork design are consistent with this 20-year window.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Modernist' movement in American jewelry where the focus shifted from ornate gemstones to the manipulation of the silver itself to create form and shadow.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. Surface shows light micro-scratching (swirls) and moderate tarnish on the interior. The structural integrity is excellent with no signs of metal fatigue at the flex points.
Value Estimate
$85 - $150 USD. Value is driven by the name recognition of Simons Bros. and the popularity of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the natural patina in the crevices. Use a Pacific Silvercloth bag for storage to minimize tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti cuffs (more organic/fluid); Georg Jensen modernist cuffs (more sculptural); Bell Trading Post sterling cuffs (more Southwestern in style).
Interesting Facts
Simons Bros. is most famous for making the thimble used by the Monopoly game and has provided silver gifts for numerous U.S. Presidents. While famous for sewing tools, their jewelry is highly collected for its structural durability.