Antique Estate Sterling Silver Bracelet & Earring Set Made In Siam Nielloware
Siam Sterling silver black neillo or nielloware bracelet. If youve ever come across big black enameled jewellery depicting dancing figures, then it might be a piece of Siam Silver jewellery. These stunning creations were hand made in Siam (now called Thailand), and the figures, buildings or animals created in the jewellery usually depict characters and scenes from Buddhist and Hindu tales and religious text.
The country of Siam changed its name to Thailand in 1939, changing it back to Siam in 1945, and then was finally renamed Thailand in 1949. The above photo shows a typical Mekkalah, Goddess of Lightening Siam Silver vintage niello brooch. Jewellery is usually stamped Made in Siam on the back, though later pieces were could be stamped either Siam and Thailand. Most Siam jewellery you find is made from some grade of silver (often 925 sterling), with black enamel style detail. The black and silver jewellery is called Siam Silver nielloware, after the black enamel style technique called niello used in its creation. Occasionally you may see fabulous coloured Siam Silver, with green, blue, red and white enameling instead of black niellowork. To make niello jewellery, a highly trained artisan carves out the metal so the it has a raised border and raised character, picture or pattern. The hollow area (ie the bit they have just carved out) is then filled with the niello compound, and baked in an oven until hard and set. The jewellery is given a final buff and polish and any final details to the characters are added by engraving techniques. Though basic in theory, this technique can produce some truly spectacular results. Actual recipes for the niello used in Siam Silver were a guarded secret of the artisans, which may explain the difference in quality and lustre of the jewellery. The item "ANTIQUE ESTATE STERLING SILVER BRACELET & EARRING SET MADE IN SIAM NIELLOWARE" is in sale since Monday, April 13, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Retro, Vintage 1930s-1980s\Bracelets". The seller is "4744366" and is located in Andover, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped worldwide.- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Thailand
- Style: chain panel
- Material: Enamel
- Metal: Sterling Silver
- Brand: Estate
- Featured Refinements: Antique Sterling Silver Bracelet earrings
- lot: No