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Trend: Cuff bracelets make a statement in fine jewellery
Cuff bracelets are an adornment with an incredibly rich history that stretches back thousands of years into the ancient world. Since long ago, they have been a popular accessory in many different regions: in Ancient Egypt, China, America – at the time of the Incans and Mayans – as well as in Medieval Europe. It should also be noted that this decoration has, throughout history, been commonly worn by both women and men.
For several seasons, cuff bracelets have been at the height of fashion, but in this era they are mostly worn by the fairer sex. Many couturiers of the modern period use cuff bracelets in fashion shows as an accessory worn on one hand, like a solo piece, or simultaneously on two, in the manner of a pair bracelets, akin to amulets.
Moksh cuff from the 'Empress' collection in rubies and diamonds
The popularity of pairs of bracelets in 2017 can perhaps be tied to the release of the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Wonder Woman’, in which the comic book superhero Diana – a character created originally in the early 1940s by American psychologist William Marston – wears indestructible cuffs on both wrists as part of her armour.
But back to the art of jewellery! Unlike traditional bracelets that can be worn daily, a cuff is still very much a cocktail piece, and is often worn to impress. The large surface area afforded by this piece of jewellery allows a designer to fully realize their imaginings – from the minimal gold plate Tiffany & Co. ‘Bone Cuff’ – to the incredible sculptures composed of minerals and precious metals made by Neha Dani. Sometimes the cuff affords particularly exotic options as in the case of the Adler bracelet, which includes diamonds and mother-of-pearl as well as carbon fibre. Another exotic example being found in the work of Piaget, which includes a stunning marquetry of feathers.
Philippe Pfeiffer cuff bracelet in opal, diamonds, gold and silver
Despite the diversity of cuff bracelets, no matter what function they serve, these expressive and bright decorations are intended solely for the most courageous and daring individuals that are ready to loudly announce themselves to the world!
Bulgari
Bulgari
Cuff from the 'Wild Pop' collection in mother of pearl, onyx and diamonds in 18K rose gold
Anna Hu
Anna Hu
'Van Gogh Iris' cuff in fancy pink, fancy yellow and colourless diamonds, sapphires, demantoid garnets, tsavorites, spessartites garnets, and yellow tourmalines
Chanel
Chanel
'Calligraphie Florale' cuffn from the 'Coromandel' collection in diamonds, sapphires, spinels, tsavorite garnets and white gold
Buccellati
Buccellati
'Volta Celeste' cuff with diamonds in 18K white and yellow gold
Adler
Adler
'Strelizia' cuff with ruby and diamonds in carbon and 18K white gold
Verdura
Verdura
'Theodora' cuff with sapphire, emerald, amethyst, rubies, diamonds, aquamarines, garnets, citrines and peridots in black enamel and 18K yellow gold
David Webb
David Webb
Cuff in aquamarine, diamonds and 18K yellow gold
Chopard
Chopard
High jewellery cuff with topaz, tourmalines, tsavorites and emeralds in titanium
NUUN
NUUN
Cuff from the 'Doroob' collection in grey rutilated quartz, diamonds and 18K white gold
Cartier
Cartier
'Agrafe' cuff in diamonds and 18K yellow gold
Maria Canale
Maria Canale
'Wave' cuff in sapphires and diamonds
Boucheron
Boucheron
'Graphique' cuff with malachite, onyx and diamonds in 18K white gold
Lorenz Baumer
Lorenz Baumer
'Light Painting' cuff from the 'Black Magic' collection with 27.56ct tourmaline, sapphires and onyx in rhodium plated white gold
Hueb
Hueb
Cuff in diamonds and 18K yellow gold
Piaget
Piaget
'Golden Sunlight' manchette cuff from 'Sunlight Escape' collection in diamonds, white feather marquetry and 18K yellow gold
Graff
Graff
Cuff in fancy cut heart shaped rubies with marquise and brilliant cut diamonds
Rosior
Rosior
'Bow' cuff in diamonds and sapphires
Glenn Spiro
Glenn Spiro
Cuff in turquoise, moonstone and diamonds
Neha Dani
Neha Dani
'Aialick' cuff from the 'Glacier' collection with moonstone and diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels
'Lumière' cuff from the 'Musicians de Breme' collection in colourless and fancy pink diamonds, onyx and spinels
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co.
'Bone' cuff in 18K yellow gold
Saboo
Saboo
Saboo cuff in sapphires, diamonds and titanium
Reza
Reza
'Mont Blanc' manchette cuff in spinels, diamonds and 18K white gold
Pomellato
Pomellato
'Tango' cuff in 18K rose gold
Miseno
Miseno
'Raggi' cuff bracelet in 18K polished gold and brilliant-cut diamonds
Reza
Reza
'Dune' cuff in sanded rose gold with round brilliant cut diamonds
Seaman Sсhepps
Seaman Sсhepps
'Jazz' cuff in aquamarine, sapphire, and diamond set in 18K yellow gold
WORDS
Jodie Smith is a San Francisco based writer, trend forecaster and creative consultant specialising in the jewellery and luxury industries.
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