The British Museum is renowned for its breathtaking examples of antique jewelry. In their collection resides a similar bangle to this stellar one presented here.

That bangle was part of the famed Hull Grundy* collection, donated to the British Museum.

The ram's head motif from ancient Greek jewelry may be familiar to you. In the book, "Jewellery 1789-1910" by the eminent jewellery historian and writer, Shirley Bury, on page 451, notes that the motif was copied from a Greek earring.

In good company, this exceptional bangle's artistry stems from applying wirework and granulation. Both require master-level skills.

It is awe-inspiring to think that each tiny bead of gold is about 1 mm in diameter and appears to rest on the surface with no attachment evident.

Granulation is the technique of applying minute beads of gold directly to a surface. While several methods can be utilized, each is a notoriously painstaking process.

A textured ram's head with precise, striated horns graces one end. This section joins the bangle, creating what appears to be a wrap-around form. The 18k gold top surfaces are entirely embellished with swirling twisted wire and dots of gold.

Hinged, and with a safety chain, it is a marvel to behold.

*Anne Hull Grundy donated over 900 pieces of jewelry to the British Museum in 1978. It is worth a search within the British Museum online catalog to view the amazing images of the collection. They also have a short glimpse into her fascinating life.