Usually I'm a little disdainful of jewelry that's meant to be "cute," especially fine jewelry. Jewelry shaped like animals is the most frequent offender, in my opinion. Don't do that to the diamonds, they deserve better.
There are exceptions to this feeling (obviously, since I am still the same blogger who showed you the rubber duckie ring). This bracelet is another one of those exceptions.
This is vintage Van Cleef and Arpel's, made in France in the 1960's. It's 6.5 inches, which means it would fit my wrist perfectly. I think the chain is beautiful, with its chubby gold links set with 90 diamonds (about 3 carats). I love the basketweave texture of the elephant, its ruby eye, its tiny silver tusk and the stylized retro fabulousness of its diamond-studded ear. The elephant is supposed to be a good-luck charm. It's classy, beautiful, whimsical, and cute; which, in my humble opinion, is almost impossible.
Why do I love this bracelet so much when it exemplifies a genre I dislike? I have no idea. I've always loved elephants and I think this one is adorable, even if it's slightly cartoonish. Which means I should hate it even more, but instead I covet it desperately. Oh well. I never promised to be fair.
This bracelet is for sale by Robin Katz Vintage Jewel, listing available via 1stdibs. All images and info are thanks to Robin Katz and 1stdibs.
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Labels: animal-shaped jewelry, bracelets, diamonds, gold, retro, rubies, Van Cleef and Arpels
