Egyptian Revival Enamel Bracelet, ca. 1920
GUEST:
I bought this bracelet at a gift store in a winery in Oregon House, in California. I bought it in '93. At the time, I was a sixth-grade teacher teaching ancient civilizations. And, of course, ancient Egypt is a part of the curriculum. My students did several pieces of papyrus painting, so I needed authentic artifacts for them to study. So I saw this bracelet.
APPRAISER:
How much did you pay?
GUEST:
$25. It was passed among the students for many years. It does not scratch, so I don't understand how they did this piece of jewelry.
APPRAISER:
Well, the reason it hasn't scratched is because you've got two types of enamel. The center, we have guilloché enamel, which is the metal that's engraved underneath. And on top of that is some painted enamel. And then along the rim, this is called cloisonné. It is from the 1920s.
GUEST:
Oh, cool.
APPRAISER:
And I first thought it was American. But I discovered a mark that tells me it was made in Egypt.
GUEST:
(gasps): Terrific! Hot dog!
APPRAISER:
(laughs)
GUEST:
Wonderful.
APPRAISER:
And it's on the very tiny little jump ring on the end.
GUEST:
Oh!
APPRAISER:
It's authentic Egyptian. And I think...
GUEST:
Oh, my!
APPRAISER:
On today's market...
GUEST:
I love it.
APPRAISER:
It's sterling silver. The enamel is in perfect condition. And I think, on a retail level today, it would be about $800.
GUEST:
(gasps): Really?
APPRAISER:
Yes.
GUEST:
Hogwashes, that's great. $800?
APPRAISER:
Yes.
GUEST:
Wow.
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