Indian Silver Bracelet

A silver bracelet that insists on being looked at up close.

Craftsmen in Rajasthan, India, made this silver bracelet. Heavy, ornamented silver bangles are commonly worn in the region as markers of status and as jewelry that doubles as savings. This one has a thick, hinged form, with dense beaded and granulated decoration around its surface. Small scrolling and palmette-like motifs gather at the clasp end, where a pin holds it shut. The silver has a pale, slightly dull gray finish, softened by age and wear.

About 3 inches across. It has more detail than a wristwatch and far better manners.