Faceted Amethyst Link Bracelet

A bracelet whose links are faceted hollow squares, faceted on both sides, each set with a bezel-mounted amethyst, this First Design Period piece marries crisp geometry to rich color. The double-sided faceting means the bracelet catches light from every angle.

The combination of a strong geometric module with a set stone is characteristic of Spratling's early jewelry, where a simple repeated form carried the design and a stone supplied the accent. The amethysts, set one to a link in bezels, punctuate the row of silver squares.

The hollow, double-faceted squares were demanding to build by the early workshop's hand methods, the silver hammered and formed without rolling mills (Morrill, Mexican Silver, 1994, p. 36). Making them hollow kept the bracelet wearable despite its size.

A faceted-square amethyst link bracelet is a substantial example of Spratling's First Period stone-set work, combining geometry, color, and demanding hand construction in a single documented design.