Once a precious possession of a Georgian lady, this antique 18th century hand faceted Cut Steel bracelet is a most fabulous find! A beauteous and mesmerising dark greyed glitter around the wrist, no other material has quite the impact and this jewel would have been quite the fashion statement in her day.
A craft originating in the steelworks of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, 'ornamental steelwork' is first seen in the late 17th century and by the 1720's there are records of businesses specialising in this kind of work. Of superb quality and workmanship; entirely and laboriously hand made, this piece would probably have taken at least a couple of weeks work to hand pierce all of the shapes (see the reverse), file all of the rivets to shape and then attach them. Quite astonishing!
A thing of great beauty; this piece comes from the collection of a specialist. It measures 6.5 inches around when closed and the clasp is hidden neatly behind one of the sections.