Enamel, lapis lazuli and diamond bracelet, 1920s

The reversible band depicting ancient Greek scenes of ladies worshipping Athene on one and a battle scene on the other side, highlighted at intervals with rotatable plaques millegrain set with circular-cut diamonds set at the centre with polished lapis lazuli, length approximately 175mm.

Cf: Sylvie Raulet, Art Deco Jewellery, London, 1985, page 151
Cf: Marquerite de Cerval, Marchak, Paris, 2006, page 86,  for examples of similar art deco bracelets in the oriental style set with diamond panels and decorated with enamel.

Mounted in gold. Athene scene in light mottled green enamel, battle scene in dark blue, the edges of the plaques in black enamel, some losses of enamel to edges, with small scratches and abrassions commensurate with age and wear, Lapis lazuli dark blue with slight evidence of pyrite inclusions. Estimated total diamond weight approximately 1.10 - 1.20 carats, stones bright and lively. Plaques move freely, one slightly stiff. Clasp fitting secure, with old gold solder repair to tongue of clasp. Slight abrasions to mount consistent with age and wear. In good condition. Total weight approximately 83 grams.
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Art Deco was the antithesis of the Art Nouveau period. After the 1^st World War the way women dressed and embellished themselves saw a drastic change: gone were the naturalistic Art Nouveau pieces and corseted dresses,  in were trousers and loose fitting dresses with dropped waists. The jewellery of this period changed along with the fashions, now women wore bracelets, often several at a time, lined up their wrists and long sautoir necklaces. The origin of the term Art Deco was a shortening of the title of the ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes’ in Paris, 1925, of which a large section was dedicated to jewellery. Art Deco jewels incorporated vivid primary colours, geometric and linear patterns, with inspiration coming from the Far East, Middle East and South America. These styles were taken up not only by French, but international jewellers such as Tiffany & Co. from the United States and Janesich from Italy.