Enquiry about object: 9560
Moroccan Enamel, Gold & Silver ‘Moon & Sun’ Bracelet (Shems ou Khmer)
North-West Morocco early 20th century
internal diameter: 6.5cm, external diameter: 8.3cm, width: 2.9cm, weight: 71g
Provenance
private collection, London, UK.
This wearable, attractive bracelet comprises a wide silver band onto which alternating gold and silver plaques are attached. These have been chased and pierced with leafy motifs. The gold plaques have been further decorated with red enamel, and the silver plaques have green enamel.
Bracelets such as this example were made in the North-West of Morocco, most probably either in Tetouan, Rabat or Tangier.
The bracelet is bordered top and bottom with embossed bands with gold highlights.
The use of gold and silver gives rise to the name of moon and sun (lune et soleil) bracelet. It is a type of bracelet that is unique to Morocco, and often is worn by a bride at her wedding.
A similar bracelet is illustrated in Rabate & Goldenberg (1999, p. 23 & 53), and also Zniber & Meziou (2023, p. 219).
The example here has an excellent patina, ample wear, and obvious age. The condition is stable and wearable. The gold tests to around 14 carats.
References
Rabate, M & A. Goldenberg, Bijoux du Maroc, Edisud, 1999.
Zniber, Z. & W. Meziou, Parures en or du Maroc: Histoire de Femmes, de Symboles et d’Amour, Editions Relet de Soi, 2023.
