Armband c. 1881 - 1892

This armband was made by Willem Andries Bogers during a time when jewelry often served as a display of social status and personal identity. Consider how this piece embodies the era's fascination with opulence. The choice of gold and the inclusion of diamonds weren't just aesthetic decisions; they were potent symbols of wealth, power, and, dare I say, a certain kind of cultural dominance. But what does it mean to adorn oneself with such symbols? In the 19th century, jewelry was often deeply entwined with gender roles, with women often being the primary wearers of such pieces to signify their husband's status. This armband presents us with an interesting question: How do objects like this both reflect and shape our understanding of identity and value? The armband is more than an adornment; it's a material expression of the complex interplay between identity, wealth, and societal expectations.