French chunky silver horseshoe mesh bracelet c.1890

This oversized bracelet from France, dating back to the 1890s, is crafted entirely from silver. The band is hand-woven and features a French boar's head hallmark along with the maker's mark.

The horseshoe shape has long been considered a symbol of luck in Western cultures. Horses have been crucial modes of transportation in Europe since ancient times, and only the wealthy could afford them, thus granting them high status. Consequently, horseshoes, which protect the horse's hooves, became symbols of good fortune and wealth.

Wearing a lucky horseshoe was one of the many superstitions of the late 19th century. People believed that wearing a horseshoe could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and success to the wearer. This fortunate symbol, much like the four-leaf clover, infuses life with positive superstitions and remains a popular jewelry motif to this day.

The piece is large and striking, with the horseshoe adorned with sleek geometric rivet decorations. The asymmetrical arrangement of rivets forms the lucky number 7, showcasing a delightful touch of serendipity.

Another highlight of the bracelet is its wide mesh band, which is intricately and smoothly woven. It has a soft, flexible structure, making it both elastic and comfortably fitting around the wrist. The belt-like fastening allows for adjustable tightness, ensuring no size restrictions. The multifaceted ball at the end adds a thoughtful touch, increasing the bracelet's weight at the end to prevent it from slipping off due to imbalance.

The bracelet bears the French boar's head hallmark, indicating a silver purity of 800/1000, and the maker's mark by Dussart, a goldsmith active in Paris from 1883.

The piece shows visible oxidation and signs of wear, which are typical for its material and age. As the assessment of condition is highly subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to view more detailed images for your evaluation.