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.

Granules galore1

Posted by Betty on August 6, 2015 at 11:52am

Heavy cuff with complex filigree and granulation work. It has unfortunately been cleaned in a silver bath by the previous owner. It will take a while to regain its former beauty... My guess is that it is a piece from the Levant, but I am also happy to learn otherwise. All hints are welcome. More pictures in the discussion.

Comments

Betty August 6, 2015 at 11:58am

I remember Lynn showing an even more complex piece a while ago which was identified as Palestinian. There are a lot of differences but also many similarities. Here are some more images:
Mustafa J. Salem August 6, 2015 at 3:08pm

Beautiful cuff. Very detailed and complicated granulation and filigree. It just shows the long time it needed to be crafted in such a beautiful way. Very nice to have Betty.
Lynn Ardent August 6, 2015 at 4:00pm

Congratulations Betty on an absolutely fantastic and stunning find!! I love love love this bracelet. There is surely a relationship between yours and mine. On your bracelet, the hinge and closure elements look like Syrian bracelets from Deir El Zor. I will add photos of the closure/hinge on mine. Congratulations Betty, I am so happy for you!! Can you wear it?
Jose M. Pery August 6, 2015 at 4:00pm

A beautiful cuff, Betty. I like it very much.
Lynn Ardent August 6, 2015 at 4:01pm
Betty August 6, 2015 at 4:09pm

That's the one I was talking about, Lynn. The floral ornaments are constructed in a very similar way, but mine has a different and simpler hinge and closure. It is also lacking the security chain and the pleated edges.
Betty August 6, 2015 at 4:14pm

Thanks Lynn. Yes I can wear it. With 6.1 cm inside diameter its even a bit large.

I would also place it in Syria.
Ethnic Embellishments August 6, 2015 at 7:26pm

Lovely Betty! I often use a Moroccan trip to oxidize silver- a quick bleach bath then polish.
ingrid Langerak August 6, 2015 at 8:55pm

Dear Betty, a lovely find. when you manage to get its glow back it will only improve its beauty. Just wear it a lot and it also will get alive. Congratulations. Gr. Ingrid;
Betty August 7, 2015 at 11:36am

Thank you Hillary and Ingrid.

Since I have no bleach in the house I will try Preethi's boiled egg method. I remember that wearing a silver ring in a Georgian hot sulphur bath house tarnished the piece in no time. But I will certainly keep the bleach method in mind. Sounds less messy :-)