A pretty bracelet composed of cut steel beads that have been separately riveted on. This was a time consuming process and the intended end result was that the cut steel looked like rose diamonds especially when seen in candle light. This bracelet was made in the 1820s when cut steel was very popular and it is in good condition. }

Berlin Iron gained international attention during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) when the Prussian Royal family requested that the aristocracy and upper classes contribute their precious jewellery to help fund the War of Liberation. In return, these citizens were given iron jewellery as gifts for their loyalty, and many of those pieces were inscribed with the phrase "Gold gab ich für Eisen" (I gave gold for iron). The craftsmanship is extraordinary and the pieces were given a matte black lacquer finish to help prevent rusting. The process had originated with the Gleiwitz Foundry in Silesia, Prussia, in the 1790s, it then moved to Berlin in 1804. Berlin iron is highly collectable today because of it's rarity and it's history. This bracelet is an excellent example with fine Gothick detail. }

A stunning pair of Berlin iron bracelets with mirror backed cameos of the Goddess Nike which form the clasps. Nike was a goddess who personified "Victory". Her Roman equivalent was Victoria. She was variously described as the daughter of the Titan Pallas and the goddess Styx, and the sister of Kratos (Strength), Bia (Force), and Zelus (Zeal). The production of iron jewellery reached its peak between 1813 and 1815, when the Prussian royal family urged all citizens to contribute their gold and silver jewellery towards funding the Franco-Prussian war. In return the people were given iron jewellery such as brooches and rings, often with the inscription "Gold gab ich fur eisen" (I gave gold for iron) or, as in this case, with the addition of the cameos depicting "Victory". }