Rialto Cuff Bracelet I – Silver

Rialto Cuff Bracelet I – Silver

Rialto Cuff Bracelet I incorporates the historic technique of Guilloche into a contemporary jewelry design. Each engraved line was cut individually by hand to create the Chevron pattern on this delicate cuff bracelet.

Guilloche, or Engine Turning, is a handcrafted process utilizing a manual machine to put engraved lines, designs, and patterns into metal. Though the technique has its roots in ancient times, the machines used today, most built before WWI, have their origins in 18^th century France and Switzerland. Brought into mainstream culture by Breguet in the 18^th century and Faberge in the 19^th century, the decoration on silver objects, such as cigarette cases and belt buckles, was extremely popular during the 1920s Art Deco era.

Sadly, my college professor Alfred Ward, an internationally acclaimed silversmith from England, recently passed away. The American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina, where I teach an elective metalsmithing and jewelry class, purchased many of his tools and equipment from his estate. One of those items included a Guilloche Hall Straight Line machine, made in Rhode Island in the early 20^th century, so I have begun learning how to use it for both my artwork and to teach my students.

In the spring of 2025 I traveled to Switzerland to study Guilloche with an expert and the Chevron pattern on this cuff bracelet was one of the skills I learned. Continuing with the Art Deco theme of my Rialto series, this bracelet was designed with the glamour and energy of the period in mind.

High polish finish