ALEXANDER BIRKL 1880 Etruscan Revival Bracelet In Brushed 14Kt Gold With Pearls
Exceptional Etruscan Revival bracelet designed by Alexander Birkl.
This is an extraordinary bangle bracelet created in Vienna Austria by the goldsmith Alexander Birkl, back the 1880's. The fabulous bangle bracelet has been carefully crafted with sleek lines and exceptional craftsmanship in the Etruscan-Byzantine-Vikings revival style in solid yellow gold of 14 karats with brushed and polished finishes. The bracelet has it inspiration in the ancient periods, mixed with the typical industrial movement patterns from the late 19th century. The central main section is embellished with applications of black glass enamel and decorated with nine halves of white pearls. It is fitted with a concealed hinge, a concealed security push boxed lock and one hinged figure eight for extra safety.
The Borgbjerg Banke Hoard
The Borgbjerg Banke hoard, unearthed in Boeslunde, western Zealand, stands as a remarkable archaeological discovery shedding light on the Late Bronze Age. Dating back to 1000-800 BC, long before the Viking Age, this treasure trove comprises five solid gold arm rings, known as oath rings, and six golden bowls, hinting at a place of considerable wealth and religious significance during that era.
Country: Vienna, Austria.
Period: Victorian, Etruscan revival style.
Materials: Yellow gold, black enamel and pearls.
Pearls: Mounted in flush settings, with 9 calibrated half white pearls of 2 mm.
Weight: 31.7 Grams, (20.35 Dwt).
Size: Fit a wrist up to 7 Inches (17.75 Cm).
Measurements: The widest part is 23 mm (0.91 Inch) and raise 17 mm over the wrist.
Hallmarks: Stamped with Austrian marks for the city of Vienna, the maker's mark inside an oval cartouche associated to Alexander Birkl, the mark for the assay and warranty of the .585/.999 gold and signed as follows, "AB 14K".
History of revival jewelry
Between the 1820 and 1890, ancient cities were discovered, such as Troy, Pompeii and Alexandria. Archaeological excavations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, discovered artistic pieces of these ancient cultures. These fabulous discoveries, stimulated cultural trips to these countries, popularly called "grand tour". Being the case that the enthusiast visitors bring back small objects, like souvenirs to be assembled into jewelry. The starting point of these trips were in the cities of Rome and Venice. this is why the craftsmen of these cities created small and interesting objects with ancient characteristics like this bracelet. The styles from the renaissance and Middle Ages, begun in the 1850’s, The Renaissance and Egyptian revivals were joined by a classical revival of Greek and Etruscan styles to conform a new aesthetic. As a result of the construction work on the Suez Canal in the mid-1860’s and the Egyptian excavations of Auguste Mariette and the resultant exhibit of Egyptian treasures at the exposition Universelle in 1867, a fascination for all things Egyptian and ancient cultures developed. Many nineteenth-century jewelers, the most famous being the House of Castellani, were inspired to create their own versions of these ancient pieces, hence “Etruscan Revival.” Characteristics of Etruscan style jewelry include use of high karat gold and semi-precious stones like lapis, malachite and agates, and most distinguishingly, the use of intricate filigree and granulation.
Collateral: This Alexander Birkl Etruscan revival bracelet is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this Alexander Birkl Etruscan revival bracelet is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 9 pearls are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: B0041525SENM/.5952
