Bracelet c. 1953 - 1960

This bracelet was designed by Gustav Beran, and made of gold with citrines. The gold is not merely a setting, but an integral part of the design. Notice the radiating pattern of the metal, and how each facet is shaped and polished. This kind of repetitive work is highly skilled, demanding great dexterity with tools and an understanding of the material’s malleability. The citrines are not exceptionally large or rare; the bracelet's value arises from the labor-intensive nature of its construction. Jewelry like this often walks a fine line between craft and design. It belongs to both worlds. Beran not only conceived of its overall appearance, but also likely worked on the piece by hand. The bracelet’s value is thus a combination of material worth, design input, and, most significantly, the countless hours of skilled labor necessary to bring it into being. Understanding this making process allows us to appreciate the full story of the bracelet.