Gorgeous Damascene Link Bracelet & Fan Rhinestone Pin

The first time I came across a Damascene bracelet, I had no idea what or where this kind of jewelry came from. All I knew was I liked it and thought it looked beautiful. I've learned a bit more since selling that first piece, but here's some information for those of you who may be new to it. "Damascene" refers

"to the art of inlaying or steel or other metals with gold or silver metals. As it pertains to jewelry, the word Damascene is a process whereby non precious metals are decorated with 18-24K gold in decorative patterns. The procedure is for artisans to cover the surface of an object with fine grooves, using sharp cutting tools. Figures are then drawn on the scored surfaces. Then gold wires are pressed into these grooves with a steel punch and hammer. Figures are then drawn on the scored surfaces. The whole item is then blued to produce a black background ..."

Apparently, the process dates back a long way, even to the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. But today, most Damascene comes from Spain.

As I came across the two pieces being offered here as a set on one of my forays into a local antique shop, I cannot tell you the origins of these pieces. There are no stampings on either the bracelet or the brooch. These are then, most likely made in the "Damascene technique" which doesn't necessarily use 18 - 24k gold inlays, and hence it's priced accordingly. If I'm wrong, then you dear buyer are even better off if you're into Damascene.

Now about the pieces themselves: First, this is not a set though I'm selling them together. I say this because the back of the bracelet is a luscious copper gold color while the back of the pin is a bright yellow gold. The bracelet is made up of seven 3/4" X 3/4" links, with silvery and gold-colors etched onto each link which features the usual black accents found in Damascene. The bracelet is 7 1/2" long with a tongue in groove clasp that closes with an audible click. The only wear to the plate that I can see is on where the clasp slides inside the groove. In short, it's in great condition.

The Pin is another story, not condition-wise though: it's excellent. But it looks to me to be more craftsman made. I say this because of the silver paint touches on it. These have to have been hand-done. It's a very pretty brooch, measuring around 2" wide and 1 1/2" high ... hard to define as its shape is irregular. But look at the design: it's an open fan on top with 3 leaves to the side and bottom. Then 3 multi-colored aurora borealis stones have been added as accents. The pin closes securely. It's just lovely.

Well I hope you like these pretty pieces as much as I do and decide to make them yours. You won't regret it at this price!

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Item ID: DamasceneSet