Gilded Art Nouveau "Garland of Flowers" Cuff Bracelet with Faceted Amethyst Center

Exquisitely handcrafted in Jill Garber’s USA studio, this Art Nouveau-inspired cuff celebrates the romantic elegance and flowing artistry of the turn of the 20th century. At its center is an elongated gilded medallion adorned with a faceted paste amethyst, bezel-set to catch the light with subtle brilliance. Surrounding the medallion are ornate figural details of wildflowers reminiscent of crisp bluebonnets, with delicately trailing leaves that flow gracefully across the top of the bracelet.

Jill Garber has long been captivated by the poetic beauty and organic forms of the Art Nouveau period, drawing inspiration from its fluid lines, natural motifs, and expressive artistry. Every floral element is carefully bezel-set and framed with delicate sterling silver beading, emphasizing her meticulous craftsmanship and devotion to historical and artistic authenticity. The .75-inch hand-pressed floral wristband provides a sculptural yet wearable foundation, making this cuff ideal as a statement piece on its own or layered with other favorites.

This piece is a true fusion of historical inspiration, artisanal mastery, and contemporary luxury, embodying timeless elegance and the poetry of nature captured in wearable art.

• Antique Art Nouveau gold vermeil figural medallion with faceted paste amethyst

• Exclusively hand-wrought .75" floral sterling silver wristband

• Handcrafted with signature patina in Jill Garber’s USA studio, signed JG

• Ideal for everyday wear or curated stacking in a personal collection

• Antique Art Nouveau gold vermeil figural medallion with faceted paste amethyst

• Exclusively hand-wrought .75" floral sterling silver wristband

• Handcrafted with signature patina in Jill Garber’s USA studio, signed JG

• Ideal for everyday wear or curated stacking in a personal collection

* Art Nouveau (c. 1890–1910) was a revolutionary artistic movement that celebrated nature, fluidity, and craftsmanship, influencing architecture, decorative arts, and jewelry design. Jewelry of this period is recognized for its organic forms, flowing lines, and motifs inspired by flowers, plants, animals, and feminine figures. Designers sought to break free from rigid geometric patterns of the past, favoring asymmetry, curves, and expressive detailing to create pieces that were both artistic and wearable.

Paste stones—high-quality glass gems—were often incorporated into Art Nouveau jewelry for several reasons:

• Accessibility: Paste allowed artisans to emulate the sparkle of precious gemstones without the exorbitant cost, making exquisite designs attainable for a broader audience.
• Versatility in Color and Shape: Glass could be cut, faceted, or colored in ways that natural stones could not, allowing designers to achieve unique hues and artistic effects to complement the organic motifs of the period.
• Enhancing Artistic Expression: Paste stones reflected light beautifully and could be used to accentuate delicate florals, flowing lines, or figurative details, amplifying the whimsical and romantic qualities central to Art Nouveau aesthetics.

Art Nouveau jewelry is celebrated today for its timeless beauty, poetic designs, and masterful craftsmanship, and paste stones remain an essential hallmark of the period, highlighting both artistic ingenuity and the era’s democratic approach to luxury.

• Traditional gold vermeil is sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) or fine metal coated with a thick layer of high-karat gold, usually 18K or 22K, applied using mechanical, fire-gilding, or electroplating techniques of the period.

In France and Italy during the 18th–19th centuries, gold vermeil was prized for its luxurious appearance and durability, often used in fine jewelry, cameos, lockets, and decorative objects.

The gold layer was typically thicker and more enduring than most modern coatings, giving the piece a long-lasting brilliance that could endure daily wear.

• Modern gold plating is usually thinly electroplated gold (often 10K–14K) applied over base metals such as brass, copper, or low-grade silver.The gold layer is much thinner than traditional vermeil, often only a few microns thick, making it more prone to wear, tarnish, and fading over time.