Antique French Purple Paste Bracelet

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    • A French late 19th-century bracelet crafted in rich 18K gold, featuring a central panel of three large purple glass paste stones. The bracelet is stamped with the French eagle head hallmark, confirming its Parisian origins and 18K gold purity.

      Paste jewellery, or "strass," was first developed in France in the mid-18th century by Georges Frederic Strass. This type of jewellery is made from flint glass, carefully cut and polished to imitate gemstones such as diamonds and coloured stones. Strass, a jeweller to the King of France, began crafting paste jewellery in Paris after moving from Strasbourg in 1724. When it first appeared, paste was extremely sought after due to its brilliance and versatility and was often more expensive than natural gemstones due to novelty and expensive process to create it.

      Paste jewellery became a favourite among the upper classes, including royalty. Queen Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour are notable figures known to have adorned themselves with exquisite paste pieces. Today, paste jewellery is highly collectible, especially when preserved in superb condition, as seen in this bracelet. Its vibrant purple paste stones and elegant design make it a striking addition to any collection of antique jewellery.

      The delicate gold bracelet links are 4mm wide, and the bracelet weighs a comfortable 8.9 grams. It measures 16.5cm, making it ideal for a smaller wrist. The central panel measures an impressive 4cm x 2.5cm, with the largest paste stone measuring 15mm x 12mm. Despite its significant age, the bracelet reminds in superb condition and all the stones are securely set.

    A French late 19th-century bracelet crafted in rich 18K gold, featuring a central panel of three large purple glass paste stones. The bracelet is stamped with the French eagle head hallmark, confirming its Parisian origins and 18K gold purity.

    Paste jewellery, or "strass," was first developed in France in the mid-18th century by Georges Frederic Strass. This type of jewellery is made from flint glass, carefully cut and polished to imitate gemstones such as diamonds and coloured stones. Strass, a jeweller to the King of France, began crafting paste jewellery in Paris after moving from Strasbourg in 1724. When it first appeared, paste was extremely sought after due to its brilliance and versatility and was often more expensive than natural gemstones due to novelty and expensive process to create it.

    Paste jewellery became a favourite among the upper classes, including royalty. Queen Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour are notable figures known to have adorned themselves with exquisite paste pieces. Today, paste jewellery is highly collectible, especially when preserved in superb condition, as seen in this bracelet. Its vibrant purple paste stones and elegant design make it a striking addition to any collection of antique jewellery.

    The delicate gold bracelet links are 4mm wide, and the bracelet weighs a comfortable 8.9 grams. It measures 16.5cm, making it ideal for a smaller wrist. The central panel measures an impressive 4cm x 2.5cm, with the largest paste stone measuring 15mm x 12mm. Despite its significant age, the bracelet reminds in superb condition and all the stones are securely set.

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