Fine Jewels

Fine Jewels

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 348.  GEM SET AND DIAMOND BRACELET, BOUCHERON, 1940S.

Property of a Lady

GEM SET AND DIAMOND BRACELET, BOUCHERON, 1940S

Auction Closed

December 6, 04:12 PM GMT

Estimate

40,000 - 70,000 CHF

Lot Details

Description

Property of a Lady

GEM SET AND DIAMOND BRACELET, BOUCHERON, 1940S


The articulated strap applied with chased foliate decoration and set with rubies, sapphires and emeralds carved in floral and foliate motifs, each end with a bombé hinge highlighted with brilliant- and single-cut diamonds, culminating in a rope work tassel similarly highlighted, length approximately 180mm (adjustable), signed Boucheron, French assay marks for gold and platinum and maker's mark.


Bazu Boldness


Traditionally worn as a form of marital jewellery, the Bazu band usually comprises of a larger central element – a group of stones, attached to plaited cords around the back of the arm. Of important and sentimental significance, the Bazu band serves as one of the sixteen bridal adornments during Solah Shringar, a Hindi bridal ceremony. According to this Indian tradition, the bride-to-be is elevated through the various adornments to embody the Goddess of Prosperity and beauty.


In this 1940’s creation by French jewellery house, Boucheron, the concept of the Bazu band is designed as articulated panels of colourful carved rubies, sapphires and emeralds, with each gold section intricately carved to replicate the blossoming fruit and foliage of the East. Conventionally secured by string to fit the shape of the arm, Lot 348 fastens together with gold links designed to imitate rope, creating a chic Bazu bracelet for the contemporary woman. Inspired by the exoticism and vibrant imagery of Orient, Lot 348 is the embodiment of fine, detailed French craftsmanship, modernized into a wearable jewel.

Cf.: Gilles Néret, Boucheron: Four Generations of a World-Renowned Jeweler, New York, 1988, pg. 151 for an illustration of a similar bracelet by Boucheron.