Giacinto Melillo (Naples 1845-1915), Archeological revival bracelet, Naples, circa 1870. Gold, pearls and enamel. Length 19 cm. Weight 105 g © A. Aardewerk Antiquair Juwelier 

This archeological style bracelet is a rare example of the work of the renowned jeweller Giacinto Melillo, who started off as a pupil of Castellani. The seven heavy, square panels are joined by large gold hinges with semicircular end plaques. Each panel is decorated with elaborate motifs in the Etruscan style executed in fine granulation and wirework with applied florettes. The reverse of the plaque is decorated with a four-petal motif in applied wirework.

Provenance: Private collection, The Netherlands

Literature: Susan Weber Soros and Stefanie Walker, Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewelry, p. 213, ills. 8-20; Exh. cat. Etrusken, Vrouwen van aanzien, mannen met macht, Leiden 2011-2012, p. 165

Exhibition: Leiden, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Etrusken, Vrouwen van aanzien, mannen met macht, 2011-2012