Important Bapst & Falize Paris Diamond and Enamel Bangle Bracelet

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.

Artist: Bapst & Falize, Lucien Falize and Germain Bapst, Paris
Size: 6.50” length x 0.75” width
Materials: 54 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 5.40 carats); Enamel; 18K gold; Silver-topped gold.
Signed: B & F with Bapst & Falize monogram realized in gold of a ring with a pendant drop tied by a ribbon. With initials CD and date 15 Mars 1887.
Literature: For an enamel bangle bracelet of floral design, in the Indian taste, see Falize: A Dynasty of Jewellers, by Katherine Purcell, p. 81, fig. 117. Additionally, for an image of a paneled bracelet containing a series of botanically defined flowers from this period, see p.80 figure 114, in the aforementioned volume.