Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Alfandary Bangle Bracelet
Bracelet (Bangle) · Yellow Gold, likely a higher-grade French alloy with a warm, rich tone characteristic of mid-century high jewelry.
Purity: 18K (750 fineness) meaning 75% pure gold content and 25% alloy metals. Note: The visible marking 'ALFANDARY' is a maker's mark; a 750 or eagle head stamp is expected elsewhere on the piece.
Type
Bracelet (Bangle)
Purity
18K (750 fineness) meaning 75% pure gold content and 25% alloy metals. Note: The visible marking 'ALFANDARY' is a maker's mark; a 750 or eagle head stamp is expected elsewhere on the piece.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, likely a higher-grade French alloy with a warm, rich tone characteristic of mid-century high jewelry.
Weight
35 to 55 grams depending on thickness. High-end bangles of this era feature substantial gold weight to support deep engraving or heavy texture.
Description
A stunning example of French mid-century jewelry, this 18K gold Alfandary bangle showcases the era's preference for architectural weight and textured surfaces. The interior displays a fine horizontal brushing, while the thick rim bears the clear indentation of the designer's hallmark. Pieces by Alfandary are highly sought after by collectors of vintage French gold for their balance of opulence and avant-garde design.
Key Features
Authentic 'ALFANDARY' maker's mark, substantial wall thickness, and a sophisticated contrast between polished edges and textured faces.
Color & Finish
Rich, warm yellow gold with a distinctive satin or brushed interior finish and a high-relief, likely modernist or textured exterior.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the maker's stamp 'ALFANDARY' for the renowned French jeweler. Typically accompanied by the French 'Tête d'Aigle' (Eagle's Head) mark for 18K gold.
Dimensions Estimate
Standard adult female circumference (approx. 17-19cm); width estimated at 10mm to 15mm with a thick, solid wall profile.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible in this detail; focus is on the sculptural quality of the precious metal and the prominent maker's mark.
Clasp & Closure
Likely a concealed tongue-and-groove box clasp with a safety catch or a hinged bypass design, standard for Alfandary's structural pieces.
Chain & Links
Solid, continuous circular or oval band construction with thick, hand-finished walls.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-finished casting with meticulous interior brushing. The hallmark strike indicates it was stamped into solid metal rather than a hollow shell.
Authentication Indicators
Deeply struck maker's mark with era-appropriate typography; gold color consistent with French 18K alloys; heavy hand-finish rather than lightweight mass-production.
Origin & Maker
France; specifically made by Alfandary, a jeweler known for high-quality, sculptural gold work often sold in luxury boutiques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1950s-1970s). Alfandary is famous for the 'Bold Gold' aesthetic of the 60s and 70s Parisian jewelry scene.
Age Estimate
Likely circa 1965-1975 based on the font of the maker's mark and the brutalist-adjacent finishing techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of French 'Prêt-à-Porter' luxury jewelry, where gold was used as a sculptural medium rather than just a setting for stones.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Minor surface abrasions consistent with age; hallmark is clear and crisp. No signs of thinning or structural warping.
Value Estimate
$3,500 - $6,500 USD. Value is based on significant gold melt weight plus a high 'signed-piece' premium for a recognized French maker.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; store in a separate pouch to prevent the 18K gold from scratching against harder gemstones.
Similar Items
Vintage gold bangles by Hermès, Georges Lenfant, or Zolotas. Alfandary pieces are often more architectural and heavy than standard commercial bangles.
Interesting Facts
Alfandary was a prominent name in 20th-century French jewelry, often creating 'Boutique' pieces that captured the chic, liberated spirit of post-war Paris.