Designed to sparkle in candlelight, cut steel was eveningwear. It glitters fiercely, surprisingly, at a dinner party where there are flames flickering nearby. Hand-faceted steel gems at one point commanding a higher price than precious stones; today, this type of antique jewelry is an acquired taste. Beware of water, the enemy of steel (rust!) Stainless steel wasn't invented for another hundred years after these bracelets were made. Wear one on each wrist or connect them to create a choker or headband/tiara.
MATERIALS: cut steel rivets, steel plates
AGE: c. 1820
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 7" x 1" each (14" choker)