Today aluminum is found in nearly every kitchen in America, but in the 19^th century it was among the rarest materials known. It was extremely difficult to isolate, and thus its pure form was a more prized material than gold. In 1884 the Washington Monument was capped in an aluminum casting, and the fact made National headlines. It was also storied that Napoleon’s honored guests were given aluminum cutlery, while the rest were given gold.

This French bracelet has accents of the prized metal – a sign of its importance. It was made c. 1850 – 1880 with leaves in rosy and yellow 18 karat gold, as well as petals of bright white aluminum. The blooms are in three dimensions, a mark of its superb craftsmanship. This bracelet is in excellent antique condition. It has a 6.75” inner circumference and measures 0.975” wide.