Vintage Siam Sterling Silver Niello Panel Bracelet, Thai Dancers, Elephant (Mid For Sale

Some bracelets whisper. This one tells stories in silver and shadow, panel by panel. Collect it, wear it, pass it on.THE TRADITIONNiello is one of the oldest decorative techniques in silverwork, and Thailand made it an art form. The design is engraved into sterling silver, then a black alloy of silver, copper, and sulfur is fused into the recesses, so the imagery seems to float in polished silver against a deep black night. When these bracelets were made in the mid twentieth century, Thailand was still widely known by its former name, Siam, which is why collectors call this work Siam silver or nielloware. Each panel was engraved by hand, and no two came out quite the same.THE BRACELETSix hinged sterling panels alternate storytelling scenes with pierced openwork spacers. A royal elephant strides across one panel. A classical dancer raises her arms in the poised angles of Thai temple dance. Another figure, tail curling beneath her, is the golden mermaid of the Ramakien epic, and a seated dancer holds the scepter associated with Mekkala, goddess of lightning. The pierced panels between them let light and skin show through, which keeps the bracelet feeling airy on the wrist despite its substance.This is a bracelet that moves easily between worlds. Casual enough for your favorite RRL denim shirt, refined enough for the boardroom, and interesting enough that someone will ask you about it either way.DETAILSMetal: Sterling silver with niello inlayOrigin: Thailand (formerly Siam), mid twentieth centuryWeight: 36.06 gramsLength: 6.5Searching for a vintage Siam sterling silver bracelet, Thai niello jewelry, an elephant panel bracelet, or a distinctive mid century statement piece? This hand engraved nielloware link bracelet is a wearable piece of Thai silversmithing history and a memorable gift for her.From Nasado Trading Co. a curated source for fine silver jewelry drawing from Navajo, Zuni, Tuareg, Taxco, and world traditions. Every piece is selected for the quality of its craft and the integrity of its making. Free Shipping. Ships in 1-2 days. USPS Priority and Express Shipping available.