ANSWER: LIKELY NEWER SPANISH DAMASCENE
Is this bracelet Damascene and is it brand new or older? It looks in pristine condition. What is the mark? I checked and haven't found the mark when I googled, ebayed, etc.
Cynthia Fore Miller
Is this bracelet Damascene and is it brand new or older? It looks in pristine condition. What is the mark? I checked and haven't found the mark when I googled, ebayed, etc.
Cynthia Fore Miller
"My first reaction to that damescene bracelet was that it was Middle Eastern. Is it marked Italy somewhere? I have a painted set that is marked Made in Iran and while it's completely different it reminds me of it--" --Melissa Sands, 12/22/08
"Nicely made Damascene bracelet, Cynthia. In my experience, most Damascene is Spanish, right? What suggests Italian to you, the lucky lady who holds it?" --Tracy Green, 12/22/08
"Pretty bracelet, they are Spanish, and they are still being made today." --Carolyn Sunday, 12/22/08
"I'm thinking your bracelet may be Japanese damascene. I'd do some
looking around for you but right now am in the middle of something but do some Googling and see what you come up with. The bird design anyway puts me in mind of some Japanese damascene I've seen." --Lisa Corcoran, 12/22/08
"I agree with Lisa. I think your bracelet is Japanese. I am looking for the picture of a pair of earrings and a brooch I had. In the meantime, you can tell the difference either by mark or the style of the birds." --Vera Battemarco, 12/22/08
"Look for Shakudo jewelry. That's the proper name for Japanese made Damascene jewelry. It's actually the tecnique used. Do a google search and you'll find beautiful things including swords! Also, see if you can find different marks for Amita Komai. I think the mark on the bracelet might be one of them." --Vera Battemarco, 12/22/08
"I'm coming in on this late, but wanted to comment on the damascene bracelet. It is definitely damascene work. Damascene is made in 2 locations, Spain (mostly Toledo) and Japan (mostly Kyoto). The bird in flight is a classic motif used in Spanish damascene. Most Japanese damascene uses motifs such as Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and butterflies. The Japanese motifs have a very distinctive Asian look. The motifs used in Spanish damascene can also be recognized quite easily after you see a lot of it. Many are Moorish in origin.
Although both traditions use bird motifs, the style of the birds is quite different. I believe your bracelet is Spanish and quite new. Age can be difficult to determine with damascene work, as the same motifs have been used for many years. Details such as the texturing on the back of your bracelet and other overall design elements are used for dating. Damascene work comes in a wide range of quality. Your bracelet is a very nice example of fine workmanship. I've always loved damascene, as I was given a lovely bangle from Toledo when I was about 16 and became fascinated with the beautiful
workmanship. Here's an interesting link to how damascene is made:
http://www.aimjewelry.com/damascene.htm" --Cheri Van Hoover, 12/22/08
"I'm coming in on this late, but wanted to comment on the damascene bracelet. It is definitely damascene work. Damascene is made in 2 locations, Spain (mostly Toledo) and Japan (mostly Kyoto). The bird in flight is a classic motif used in Spanish damascene. Most Japanese damascene uses motifs such as Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and butterflies. The Japanese motifs have a very distinctive Asian look. The motifs used in Spanish damascene can also be recognized quite easily after you see a lot of it. Many are Moorish in origin. Although both traditions use bird motifs, the style of the birds is quite different. I believe your bracelet is Spanish and quite new. Age can be difficult to determine with damascene work, as the same motifs have been used for many years. Details such as the texturing on the back of your bracelet and other overall design elements are used for dating. Damascene work comes in a wide range of quality. Your bracelet is a very nice example of fine workmanship. I've always loved damascene, as I was given a lovely bangle from Toledo when I was about 16 and became fascinated with the beautiful
workmanship. Here's an interesting link to how damascene is made:
http://www.aimjewelry.com/damascene.htm" --Cheri Van Hoover, 12/22/08
"It is a newer Spanish Damascene bracelet. The manufacturer mark ia is the trademark for Midas made in Toledo Spain." --Stephanie Hull, 01/08/14
Other Sizes: Original Medium