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.
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I do not think these are old, but neither are they new. Vintage? As we have discussed in past posts the worm holes are not structured the same way as in antique taouka fibulas.
These are the same i saw on a previous trip to essaouira and in marrakech, only a pair in each place and looking chockingly similar one to each other, wich rapidly made me wonder on the fabulous coincidence that the market offfers at the same time 4 bracelets of what was touted as being of a very high end quality and scarcity!!!
That would be similar to see in two different places and at the same times, the same wonderful nielloed headress sarah is wearing on her head (presumably and right so, a museum piece of the caliber that appears only at a pace of a piece or a couple in every decade on the market!!)
Seeing it on sale at marlene's website around the same time, was an additional increase on the fake-or-forgery alarm scale.
This pair is way cleaner than the one sarah posted and uses less artificial details (coral cabochons for example)
to surmise on its age is very difficult but this is no antique or ancient and while there is a vintage feel to it, it remains too perfect and does not bear any wears wich is enough to eliminate any traditionnal use and confirm that it was made solely for the antique market.
It would be very interesting to know more about the smith who made them and why he made so few of them and again why no fibula was made as well?
But then facing the sheer abundance of worm holes fibulas on the market, only a bracelet made this way could trigger a price escalation and make for a lucrative deal.
The "IT" bracelet, everyone would pocket-battle for, to get in his collection!!!
Well, i don't know how much Toya's cost, but the bracelet I bought certainly did not break the bank and it was not advertised as antique or rare or anything else. Just as a bracelet from Morocco, probably early to mid-twentieth century. So I guess the maker failed in his mission of it bracelet -- however whoever he is, he made a really nice piece with fine enameling and lots of lovely little holes to contemplate.
Mine did not break the bank either. They are attractive to wear and look great with my Moroccan necklaces. They are very clearly not antique, and were not represented as such.
great ladies. i am happy these were not heavy on your budget and bring you many a joy to wear, such a wonderful feeling that a simple guy like me would ignore his entire life and this is priceless!
Hi Toya,
I wont comment on the on going discussion as I am no expert. Just want to say that I find them quite beautiful and remarkable and possibly a bargain (if there were not too expensive). They are quite rare also (never seen similar in spite of hours on ebay for years), where did you get them?
Ayis, you should have bought what you saw in Essaouira and Marrakech.......You may not have worn them but they may have made you a fortune on ebay (if only because of the rarity factor) , even telling the truth about what you think of their quality!
Hmm, Toya, just looked through some of you photos and you have some wonderful old things, esp like that wonderful Tunisian chain and all those old enamel pendants.
I think there is still some good north african stuff available, albeit not as much as before. I see all the magnificent stuff that some of the long time collectors have and just tell myself that I too can find some great antiques too, and sometimes I do . I have especially found some great anti atlas stuff on ebay France, some for great prices a little for high prices, but it is still old and beautiful and waiting around to be bought. I cannot tell you how much you would enjoy going on the Morocco Jewel tours and I wish so much that you could do so -- you would absolutely be in heaven -- wonderful jewelry and great people and talking about things that interest you all the time. I hope you will be able to come someday.
I agree with Patti, I think that there are quite a few nice pieces around but you need some money and a lot of time (ebay/internet shops take a lot of it)..........Remember people put their pieces on ebay (or their heir do) when their tastes or financial needs change..........Some people will go to Morocco and hunt for treasures for you (Whom could I be thinking of ?....), some museums decomission and local dealers ferret around knowing how weird and greedy we western collectors are........etc...Your Tucson fair seems a place not to miss.......and your collection isnt too bad either........so, good luck and carry on! Where would the pleasure be if there were plenty of treasures all over the place ? I think that the secret (for me anyway) is to buy what YOU like (rather than what you think the experts may approve of....) and you may end up with some gems (the rest you will just enjoy and istn it enough?) End of lecture!
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