Antique Art Nouveau bangle bracelet. 14k gold, platinum and diamonds. Made in America early 1900's and dated September 11th 1917 with personal dedication.
Measurements:
Weight is 20.03 grams. The outside circumference is 8 3/4 inches (22cm). Approximate Inner length is 2 7/8 inches (7.5cm) X inner width approximately 2 1/2 inches (6 1/2cm).
Description :
Romantic and practical. Oval in shape. The French call this a "Rigid bangle". Upper half of the bangle with exquisite scrolling stems with a variety of buds, flowers and foliage in raised repousse gold work. 3 diamonds are set in platinum raised above the level of the gold.
The bottom half of the bangle is plain gold. Workmanship and design are exceptionally fine and lovely.
It appears that there is a hinge on one side, but there is no complementary opening.
The inscription inside this bangle is especially poignant. See the STORY below.
Quality of workmanship is very good - cannot be created today. Versatile beauty, wear alone or stacked with other bangles.
Marks and Metal:
Walter to Eunice Sept 11 1917. No hallmarks were found. Gold was electronically tested as 14k. Small bezels holding the diamonds are platinum.
Condition:
Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
While the French excelled at dramatic designs during the Art Nouveau era, American jewelry companies excelled in other spheres. In particular, gold bangles with swirling, scrolling engraved and repousse designs, the best ones set with gems, were made in the USA.
Antique Art Nouveau gold bangles made in the USA embody understated elegance that feels effortlessly refined. Their gentle curves and subtle motifs give them a quiet sophistication rather than a sculptural boldness, making them beautifully wearable for both everyday moments and more polished occasions. Beautiful craftmanship, harmonious and well-proportioned, they slip seamlessly into modern wardrobes, adding a touch of historic charm without overwhelming an outfit. That versatility is part of their allure—they enhance rather than compete, letting their timeless craftsmanship speak for itself.
Today these bangles are especially sought after for their adaptability and universal appeal. Worn singly or stacked in multiples, on one arm or both, they offer endless styling possibilities. As they become increasingly rare, assembling sets has grown more challenging, only heightening their desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
The inscription inside the bangle is exceptionally poignant. The date - September 11th 1917 is doubly meaningful to us, even today.
It goes without saying that September 11th is a day carved in the memory of every American citizen. September 1917 was in the midst of World War I. Was this a parting gift from Walter to his love? We will never know who Walter and Eunice were, but the romance of this gift will live forever.
