Lot 119

R.D., Swiss, Length 200 mm, circa 1830
A rare and very fine gold and enamel bracelet with 12 portraits of women in the regional costume of their particular canton or district of Switzerland - with original presentation box
Case: cannetille gold and polychrome enamel, turquoises and gemstones of various colours.
The twelve enamel medallions show young ladies in the traditional costumes of their cantons, which are also named on the back of the portraits. The portraits are vibrantly colourful and their glow is enhanced even further by the canetille gold work that is typical for this type of bracelet. Canetille used fine gold wire (usually gilt silver) to create an exquisite framework that could then be embellished with different decorations – it was an excellent way to create a fairly large piece of jewellery from only a small amount of gold alloy. This kind of jewellery was a popular souvenir for travellers who wanted to bring their loved ones at home something that conveyed the Swiss charm and hospitality they had experienced during their visit.