Antique Russian Nouveau Bracelet Gold Diamond Mermaid Dragon Faberge Worker(7002)

Antique Imperial Russian Art Nouveau bracelet bangle. 14k yellow gold and diamonds with small amount of silver. Made in St. Petersburg, Russia circa 1900 by Fedor Aledseevich Afanasev, who worked for Faberge (see below).

Measurements: Weight is 26.4 grams. Length is 7 inches (18cm). Estimated total diamond weight 1.15cts.

Description : Pre-Revolutionary, Imperial Russian bracelet in the Art Nouveau style. A series of 8 oval, cylindrical links form the 'bodies' of dragons or wyverns with necks that curl over the ovals and centered by wide-jawed dragon heads, consuming colette-set diamonds. Nice detail to dragon heads. Diamonds, as was the custom during the 19th century, are set in silver over gold. Rectangular, Old Mine Cut diamonds. The center of the bracelet with winged mermaids emerging from cornucopia. Tails form a pair of scrolls. Wings and scrolling tails also connected by an overlaid X design, pave set with diamonds, set in silver over gold. It is possible that the X design represented a certain aristocratic house or important person, perhaps Grand Duchess Xenia (sister of Czar Nicholas II) or perhaps the Roman number 10 to commemorate an anniversary or special event? Tongue in groove clasp with design fitting perfectly so as to be all-but invisible as the tongue seemingly enters the mouth of the dragon. A safety chain, possibly later, was added for additional security. Exciting and interesting design, beautifully executed with top-quality workmanship as to be expected of a workman of Faberge. As wearable today as it was over 120 years ago.

Marks and Metal: Signed in a number of places, behind links and on the tongue of the clasp. Kokoshnik mark facing left (ie woman with headdress, known as a kokoshnik). This mark was changed after 1908, so clearly the bracelet predates this time. 56 which is the Russian mark for 14k gold. Maker's Mark, AF in Cyrillic, for Russian Workmaster Afanasev, Fedor Aledseevich (1870-1927). Beyond Faberge, by Marie Betteley and David Schimmelpenninck van der Oye, page 346, write : A native Russian silver and goldsmith, he apprenticed with a Finnish silversmith in St. Petersburg, then worked for Carl Bock and later Carl Faberge. Afanasev specialized in small jewels and miniature eggs.

Condition: Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Close to immaculate. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.