Here at Kirsten’s Corner, we love gold nugget jewelry—we are inspired by the freeform and organic nature of the nuggets and the history that comes along with it. This gold nugget bracelet is from the Alaskan Gold Rush and tribal influences can be found in its incredible details. The bracelet is wide, yet consists of delicate chains, giving it both an airy, feminine look and a physical presence on the wrist. Five bar link elements feature a central diamond detail, hand made with a crude feel to them that we love. The bars have finials at the top and bottom that add texture and replicate the gold nugget. Between the bars are tiny chains of gold nuggets, held together by bar links. The bracelet features a cool hand made oval clasp with a matte texture that was built up by etching. It is adorned with three nuggets placed in engraved stars. The clasp closes with a nice, sturdy snap, and evidence of the hand made nature of this piece can even be seen in the file marks of the clasp, which was made specifically for this piece. A lot of jewelry from the Alaskan Gold Rush has Native American Indian influences, which are present in this bracelet.
Gold nuggets are formed by hot fluids flowing through cracks deep in the Earth’s crust. Weather eventually releases the nuggets into streams and bodies of water, where they are shaped by erosion and time. The free form dimensions of nuggets are organic and poetic, highlighting the buttery gold and extraordinary crevices—a beautiful display of gold in its natural, unaltered state.
The bracelet fits up to a 6.25” wrist. Its width is 7/8” and each section of chain is 1”. The piece weighs 16.2 grams. The nuggets test as 22k gold; the rest of the piece tests as 14k. Unmarked.
Circa 1910. This is truly a one of a kind piece.
