Originally Posted by CraftsofthePast

Antique signed bracelet by the Yemen Jewish silversmith. Granulation and beaded wire form geometric motifs round the bracelet. The covering for the hasp is more delicate tracery with filigree wire and tiny granules. The signature is just on the inside of the fastener. If you cannot see it, request an enlargement of that part of the photo if you are considering a purchase.

Such bracelets were created in the early 1900s by the Jewish silversmiths for the brides of Yemen. As all the Jews departed for Israel in those early decades, they took the secrets of their fine silver filigree and granulation with them. The bridal dowry bracelets were usually made in matched pairs one bracelet for each wrist of the bride. If you could see a bride sitting at her wedding, first you would notice the load of jewelry around her neck and on her head which would have explained why she was sitting. The next thing you would realize is that the pairs of bracelets on left and right wrist and along her arms, might have been needed for balance when she eventually stood up under the kilos of bride wealth that she was wearing.

Published in Ornament Magazine Vol. 26, No. 4, 2003, p. 38.

Inside diameter: 5.4 cm