Exquisite Bapst & Falize Paris Bracelet: Diamond and Enamel Bangle, A Timeless Piece of Jewelry

Made by Bapst and Falize circa 1887, this 18K gold, enamel and diamond bracelet is a magnificent and beautiful specimen of lost jeweler’s arts. The hinged bangle is decorated with medallions depicting six distinct species of blossoms formed of old mine-cut diamonds topping medium relief gold stalks with foliage, some with berries, all chased throughout, surrounded by red translucent enamel sur paillons, with a ridged and incised edge, accented by bezel-set diamonds. The reverse is counter-enameled in opaque sky blue, while each medallion corresponding to the frontal diamond motifs contains a chased relief depiction of the same flower realized in gold, with corresponding stalk and foliage in polychrome cloisonné enamel. This masterpiece, instantly identifiable as the skilled, intellectual work of Lucien Falize and his collaborators, rewards hours of study and admiration for the intricacy and richness of its glowing enamels, gold work, and ideas.