Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Bulgarian Bracelet

Posted by Lynn Ardent on August 3, 2015 at 1:26am

This is a 19th century bracelet from southern Bulgaria, in silver with floral carvings and gilt highlights applied to the plaque closure. The body of the bracelet is made of interlocking and flexible links which I believe were originally round and then crushed at the same time to make this beautiful flattened shape. View of the back in the comments.

Comments

Lynn Ardent August 3, 2015 at 1:29am

View of the back
Alaa eddine SAGID August 3, 2015 at 4:21am

Another fabulous find.

This reminds me of some old damascene silver work onver steel, it has a genuine medieval feel to it and for once a good silver item from bulgaria.
Ethnic Embellishments August 3, 2015 at 5:55am

Stunning piece. I love the motifs!
Peter Hoesli August 3, 2015 at 6:55pm

Dear Lynn; A beautiful and rare find indeed. I just love the front section of the bracelet. Congratulations. Peter
Thelma August 5, 2015 at 1:00pm

Beautiful, Lynn. Hugh Rance, a seller on Rugrabbit, has just advertised a large number of Bulgarian bracelets for sale but mainly of the 'Thracian' kind.
Lynn Ardent August 6, 2015 at 3:02am

Dear Alaa, Hillary, Peter, and Thelma, thank you so much for your comments. This came from an old estate auction in Canada and I picked it up mostly because I was buying something else, which I will post soon. I was surprised at how beautiful it was when it arrived. It appears in a Bulgarian book which is how I was able to place the date and location.
Betty August 6, 2015 at 11:12am

Just to add my voice to choir of praise: this is a wonderful piece. Congrats!