9ct Yellow Gold 8” 5.7mm Bevelled Figaro Bracelet

This estate late 20th century bracelet is crafted in 9ct yellow gold, featuring a bevelled figaro link with a total width of 5.7mm. The bracelet has a total length of 8”/20cm and is complemented with a secure lobster clasp.

Jewellery Odyssey:

The origin of the design is ultimately unknown. Culturally however, the design has a strong Italian connection, that roots back to the 18th century. Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, a French dramatist, created three comedies of intrigue. Each revolving around his central working class hero, a Barber Surgeon turned Valet, named Figaro. The successful operatic adaptations of two of the plays; “The Marriage of Figaro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1786) and “The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini (1816), made them into true masterpieces. In Rossini’s version, the character of Figaro enters the scene, signing “Largo al Factotum”, famous for its repeated “Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!”.

In the late-18th and early-19th Century Italy, these classical operatic showpieces were a great success and very popular. As too, was the wearing of the chain that was designed with an elongated link intersecting three smaller links. The chain became eponymous with the famous witty character, who rebelled against aristocracy and high social classes, and so it was coined Figaro.

The repeated pattern of two or three smaller links, separated by a single elongated oval link, has made this chain both unique and distinctive in its design. Classically the two or three smaller links are made using curb. However variations of the Figaro design, have seen the iconic elongated link, separating smaller sections of: belcher, trace, cable and many other alternative design links.

Bracelets:

For a more comfortable fit, the length of the bracelet may need altering. If you require the length to be shorter or longer, please let use know. You can either fill out the enquiry form below, or contact us directly. We will see if we can help to make any bespoke alterations for your request, or advise you further.

Jewellery Care Precautions:

Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).

Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.

Yellow Gold:

Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.

To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.