A superb Damascene bracelet and brooch set featuring European heraldic motifs such as Fleurs de Lys, Lions and Griffins dating to the early 1900s. Lovely patina. Box clasp with safety chain on bracelet. Trombone clasp on brooch. 
 
Originating in Syria and exported to Spain during the Moorish conquest in the early 700s AD, Damascene is an art form that has been around for centuries. It was first started in Damascus, hence the name. The labor-intensive technique is a surface decoration of engraving and metal plating. The jewelry is often made of steel or other base metal in which precious metals (usually 18 and 24 k gold) are placed in grooves on a small surface, then hammered in place. The black background is created by the oxidation of a very hot solution used to darken the background, creating magical scenes and stories. Similar techniques to Damascene are Niello, Shakudo (Japanese Damascene) which originated in 710 – 794 AD, and Siam Sterling. In the Iberian Peninsula there have been objects made with this technique from the Pre-Roman age, and there are two cities linked to this art: Eibar, known centuries ago as “Villa Armera” (in Guipuzcoa) and Toledo, the Imperial City and capital of Spain for centuries. From that time, Toledo began the biggest manufacturer of Damascene in the world, hence the other commonly known names “Toledo Gold” or “Toldedoware”. 
 
MATERIAL:
Base metal, 18k Gold 
 
Early 1900s
 
CONDITION: 
Good – surface wear commensurate with age and use
 
SIZES: 
Bracelet: 
L 17.8 cm
W 1.1 cm
22.53g
 
Brooch:
W 4.5 cm
H 1.5 cm
7.51 g
 
Please read descriptions and inspect photos carefully, paying careful attention to size and weight. Due to the age of antique and vintage jewelry, minor abrasions and wear of finishes is normal and appreciated. All items have been tested to be in working/usable condition, unless otherwise stated. Please take care to understand safe cleaning methods for each type of gem and metal. Jewelry pieces are carefully wrapped and shipped in an elegant black box. Antique boxes in photos are for illustrative purposes only.