Antique Sindh Tribal Silver Bracelet

Antique silver and glass flower bracelet. Made from very high grade silver, this heavy hinged bracelet comes from Quetta, Baluchistan province, Pakistanand according to the founder of Kashgar, Bernie Heaphy, who originally collected it, is Afridi in origin. However, when searching for these types of bracelet, they are usually attributed to the Sindh Provence of Pakistan. My guess is that it was made in the Sindh and taken to Quetta, where my father Bernie purchased several of these old bracelets back in the 1980's.

These beautiful jeweled bracelets are typically made in high grade silver and feature flower shapes and flowing engraving. The stamen of the flower unscrews to open the bracelet. The glass in more modern versions is coloured, while the older pieces (such as this one) feature coloured foil backs under clear glass. Solid silver pieces are unusual, as these were often made using hollow construction to save money.

Comprising a sturdy hexagon profile and solid construction, this bracelet is hinged and features several prominent florets and diamonds of silver set with clear glass and coloured foil shaped "stones" in red, blue and green, as a well as high profile screw fastening decorated with a doublet red and green glass stone. Due to the age of the piece, several of the stones are missing.

Dating to the mid 19th century, this beautiful bracelet is a very wearable piece of antique tribal jewellery. 

Measurements:Inside circumference 14.5 cm, 169.9 g silver