Description
Date: 1906 (by inscription), Edwardian / Egyptian Revival movement
Materials: solid 18k yellow gold (unmarked; tested with nitric & muriatic acid), diamonds, emeralds, purple sapphire (for the ‘amethyst’), ruby, blue sapphire, yellow topaz
Inscription: “Chic Nov-06”
Weight: 10.6 grams
Inner diameter of bracelet: 58 mm
Inner circumference of bracelet: 170 mm (i.e. fits a 6.7-inch wrist or smaller)
Dimension of snake head: 12 x 6.7 mm
Diameter of gemstones: the main ‘DEAREST’ gems are 2.5 mm, the diamond eyes are 1.5 mm
Width and thickness of snake body: 4 mm wide; 3.5 mm thick
Condition: The main condition issue to note is that the snake has been snapped cleanly in two in the past and soldered back together (this area is located right beneath the yellow topaz stone). There is a tight but visible solder line. This issue is most noticeable from the back of the bracelet, but is subtle and hard to see when worn on the wrist. Under 60x loupe magnification, I can spot some surface wear to the gemstone facet edges (mostly just the emeralds). The gold settings of the ruby and topaz are missing a partial section to the edge; the stones are however secure and do not “wiggle” or move when tapped. Otherwise, this bracelet is in good antique condition. It is a rare piece due to its acrostic and Egyptian revival design. I have priced it modestly in consideration of the condition flaw; this is a good opportunity for the jewelry collector to acquire a piece that would otherwise be quite expensive or difficult to find.