Mixed-Media Artisan Silver Charm Bracelet featuring Cast Classical Motif Pendants
Jewelry (Charm Bracelet/Bohemian Artisan Style) · Unattributed Artisan Silversmith. Likely a contemporary studio or boutique jewelry designer specializing in global or 'ethnic' eclectic styles.
Pattern: Non-patterned. Individualized artisan construction using mixed materials and cast components.
Type
Jewelry (Charm Bracelet/Bohemian Artisan Style)
Maker
Unattributed Artisan Silversmith. Likely a contemporary studio or boutique jewelry designer specializing in global or 'ethnic' eclectic styles.
Material
Probable Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade white metal (Alpaca/German Silver); includes leather cord, dyed silk thread, shell, and possibly glass beads.
Dimensions
Estimated charm diameter: 20-22mm. Bracelet length: 7-8 inches. Weight: Approximately 45-60 grams including mixed media.
Description
An eclectic artisan bracelet combining the rugged textures of brown leather and silk with the refined luster of silver. The central focus is a cast silver disc featuring a classical profile, reminiscent of ancient numismatic art, accompanied by shell-motif metal caps and colorful organic accents.
Key Features
Multi-strand leather construction, high-contrast oxidation on cast silver, silk-thread wrap detailing, and 'ancient coin' aesthetic.
Material & Composition
Probable Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade white metal (Alpaca/German Silver); includes leather cord, dyed silk thread, shell, and possibly glass beads.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and antiqued finish to highlight low-relief casting. Decorative elements include cast shell-form end caps and a portrait-profile coin-style charm.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in present view. Likely marked on a separate clasp or the reverse of specific charms with (.925) or a maker's hallmark.
Construction Details
Lost-wax cast silver pendants; hand-assembled using multi-strand leather cord and thread-wrapped structural elements.
Functional Features
Perforated top-drilled charm hole; multi-strand leather cord serves as structural base; thread wrapping provides friction for bead placement.
Handle & Grip Details
Thread-wrapped grips on leather strands; designed for tactile comfort and security of sliding components.
Craftsmanship Details
Good quality assembly; cast components show crisp detail; silk wrapping is hand-executed but shows signs of age-related degradation.
Authentication Indicators
Surface oxidation patterns consistent with natural aging; casting grain visible in recessed areas of the coin pendant; typical wear on organic cord materials.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely North American or European artisan boutique. Hand-assembled using commercial and custom-cast components.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Artisan (late 20th to 21st Century) influenced by Neo-Classical and Bohemian aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010 based on the wear of the leather and the specific style of the silk wrapping and casting.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Global Chic' or 'Bohemian' movement in jewelry, where high-value metals are intentionally paired with 'humble' materials like leather and thread.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Significant fraying of the silk tassel/thread wraps; moderate tarnish on silver; leather shows natural softening and light wear.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 (USD) depending on total silver weight and confirmation of silver purity.
Care & Maintenance
Clean silver with a polishing cloth only; avoid silver dips which will ruin the leather and thread. Keep dry to prevent leather rot.
Similar Pieces
Chan Luu leather wrap bracelets; Gas Bijoux (Marseille) silver-on-cord jewelry; high-end southwestern Navajo-style mixed media.
Interesting Facts
The profile on the charm is a modern interpretation of Greco-Roman coinage, intended to evoke the 'Grand Tour' souvenir tradition of the 19th century.