Precious Art Deco Bracelet with Diamonds & Onyx, c. 1930 & Later

Pieces of jewellery, like other decorative accessories, are always subject to changes in fashion. What is considered contemporary today can look outdated just a few years later. This is particularly tricky when it comes to a precious object whose materials and workmanship once had considerable value. Such jewels often do not have a happy fate, as changing tastes lead to the gemstones being re-set, while the original goldsmith's work is lost. Sometimes, however, they are redesigned with more care and respect for the existing material, as is the case with this bracelet. At the center of this extraordinary piece of jewellery sits a diamond-cut black onyx with a diamond set in the middle. The centerpiece, made entirely of platinum, consists of elements that are linked together in a movable manner and whose surfaces are densely set with diamonds. A total of 99 jewellery stones with a total weight of around 3.65 carats adorn the composition in consistently excellent color and clarity. A fine gold bracelet, the front of which is also in platinum, combines the opulent design with comfortable wearability. At first glance, the bracelet looks like an ideal example of a jewel from around 1930, but a closer look reveals its unusual history. Originally, the diamond-studded piece was designed as a wristwatch. Later, it was effectively redesigned, presumably when the small dial was no longer easy to read or when larger watches became fashionable. The onyx was specially cut to fit and now blends harmoniously into the overall look. With its cool, elegant, geometric design language, the carefully crafted volumes, the fine milgrains on the surface and the intense shine of the numerous diamonds, this piece of jewellery is an impressive contemporary witness from the heyday of Art Deco. At the same time, it tells of the transience of fashion trends and the ability of high-quality jewelry to adapt to new times without losing its character. A detailed appraisal describes all the materials used and their qualities in detail. This extraordinary piece of jewellery came to us here in Berlin.

Estimate:£11,025.6

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