Vintage Gold-Tone Mesh Whiting & Davis Style Bracelet
Bracelet (Mesh/Bangle style with slide clasp) · Yellow Gold plating or brass alloy, exhibiting a warm deep golden hue typical of mid-century costume jewelry finishes.
Purity: Likely non-precious base metal with gold-tone plating; lacks visible karat hallmarks (10K, 14K, 18K) typically found on solid gold items.
Type
Bracelet (Mesh/Bangle style with slide clasp)
Purity
Likely non-precious base metal with gold-tone plating; lacks visible karat hallmarks (10K, 14K, 18K) typically found on solid gold items.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating or brass alloy, exhibiting a warm deep golden hue typical of mid-century costume jewelry finishes.
Weight
Estimated 40-60 grams; the hexagonal link mesh creates significant volume and density for a wrist-worn piece.
Description
A striking example of retro costume jewelry, this wide mesh bracelet features individual hexagonal gold-tone scales that catch the light with every movement. The design mimics the fluidity of fabric, a feat of mid-century metalworking engineering. While showing signs of loved wear on the closure, it remains a classic statement piece of the 'Bold Gold' fashion era.
Key Features
Interlocking hexagonal mesh construction; industrial-grade slide clasp; high-luster scale finish; fluid 'liquid metal' drape.
Color & Finish
High-polished yellow gold-tone on the mesh; the clasp shows significant surface wear, oxidation, and loss of plating, revealing a silvery/grey base metal (white metal alloy).
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps in the provided image; the underside of the clasp is plain. Usually, these pieces are unsigned or have a small maker's hang tag.
Dimensions Estimate
Standard 7-inch length; approximately 1-1.5 inches in width based on the scale of the hexagonal link clusters.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the design focuses entirely on the fluid, fabric-like movement of the interlocking metal scales.
Clasp & Closure
Fold-over snap clasp with a secure slide-bar mechanism; utilitarian industrial design integrated into the mesh transition.
Chain & Links
Hexagonal 'scale' mesh; individual stamped metal plates interconnected with hidden wire rings, creating a 'glomesh' or 'liquid gold' effect.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped hexagonal plates; manually or semi-manually assembled linkage. The clasp is riveted to the mesh ends, showing heavy industrial assembly methods.
Authentication Indicators
The exposure of grey metal beneath the gold surface on the clasp is a primary indicator that this is high-quality costume jewelry rather than solid gold.
Origin & Maker
Likely American or West German production; iconic of Whiting & Davis or Oroton styles, though currently unauthenticated as a specific brand.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro (circa 1950s-1970s); characterized by bold geometric shapes and fluid metal mesh popularized by brands like Whiting & Davis.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975 based on the style of the hexagonal links and the specific wear patterns on the base metal clasp.
Cultural Significance
Represented the accessibility of 'luxury looks' during the mid-20th century boom in high-fashion costume jewelry, allowing for bold, chunky styles without the weight or cost of solid gold.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; significant plating loss and surface scratching on the underside of the clasp (exposed base metal). The mesh appears intact without missing scales or broken links.
Value Estimate
Primarily aesthetic/collectible value. Market resale range: $35 - $85 USD depending on brand identification and mesh integrity. Melt value is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemicals and water which will accelerate plating wear; clean only with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Store in a padded box to prevent link snagging.
Similar Items
Whiting & Davis gold-mesh bags and jewelry; 1970s Gucci mesh belts; contemporary 'Glomesh' accessories.
Interesting Facts
Metal mesh jewelry was originally inspired by medieval chainmail armor but was reimagined in the early 20th century as a luxury material for evening bags and haute couture.