Mastery of Design: A Sapphire, Pearl and Diamond Bracelet, 1890

Bracelet
Gold, Sapphires, Pearls, Rose-Cut Diamonds
St. Petersburg, 1890
The Victoria & Albert Museum

The magnificent bangle, made in St. Petersburg in 1890, combines a variety of styles into one gorgeous piece. As was often the case with Russian jewelry, it’s made of beautiful quality materials—gold, cabochon sapphires, pearls and very clear rose-cut diamonds. The style is geometric, a nod to the popular work of Fabergé, but also inspired by Eastern designs and Indian jewels.


Clearly, this bracelet was made for export to England. The influence of Indian artistry is evidence of that as is the vague sense of the medieval about this piece. Russian jewelers often produced special wares for export to the English who were always eager to add the perfect accessory to their wardrobes.