DESCRIPTION
This beautiful bracelet is made from 950 silver shape formed as outer sections of articulated arrow heads. The centre section is a segment of raised shoulders with dark blue gems within . The gems are possibly Spinels and show the associated air bubbles under magnification. The bracelet was imported through Birmingham to the UK and has the city import marks. The bracelet also bears a makers mark of ‘JF’ and very possibly originates from France or Italy. It fastens with a safety latch and watch and sites very well in the wrist.
‘Import Marks’
A separate mark to indicate importation was first added to British silver by the Customs Amendment Act of 1867. This consisted of a letter "F" (for "Foreign") in an oval. It applied to all assay offices. The Hallmarking of Foreign Plate Act of 1904 reformed the system and introduced distinct import marks for each assay office. London's use of the sun mark conflicted with various trademarks and was changed in 1906 to the astrological sign for the constellation Leo. The import mark for sterling silver therefore also includes the value ‘925’ in an oval punch. The standard date letter for the current year at the assay office is also used although not necessarily in the same punch shape. A 1998 amendment to the 1973 Hallmarking Act finally brought an end to use of the individual Assay Office import marks so that the same marks can now be struck both on imports and on UK-manufactured articles. A similar order in the Republic of Ireland covers Dublin hallmarks.
CONDITION
In wonderful original condition overall with no scratches, missing stones or damage. The catch works well and the safety latch is nice and secure when closed. Some light surface patination as expected of vintage silver.
Please the images as they form part of the description and condition.
SUMMARY
A beautifully presented silver and blue gems bracelet with Continental flair and finesse.
SPEC
Materials: Silver and gems (possibly Spinels)
Closed length: 17cm
Fit wrist comfortable: Up to 16.7cm
Era: Vintage (denotes anywhere from 30 to a 100 years old)
Stamps: ‘JR - 950 - 925 - Birmingham silver import marks’
'Image dressing'
Hunters fine yarns in Coral Herringbone, Brora
Cross Bedded Sandstone, Navadale Beach, Helmsdale
