Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is an ingenious mid-century articulated expansion cuff bracelet, engineered with a scissor or 'lazy tong' lattice mechanism. Set with brilliant pink chaton-cut glass rhinestones at the pivotal joints, it fluidly expands to slip over the hand and retracts to hug the wrist.
Story
Patented scissor-link jewelry surged in popularity during the 1950s, marrying industrial linkage mechanics with glamorous evening sparkle. This clever design eliminated clasps entirely.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, expanding accordion bracelets of this construction were popularized by makers like Kramer of New York, Apex Art Novelty, and various costume jewelry houses in Providence, Rhode Island. They adapted early 20th-century expanding watchband patents into full decorative cuffs.
Condition & Value
All pink rhinestones appear present, intact, and reasonably bright. The silver-tone base metal shows noticeable finish wear, surface oxidation, and brassing consistent with age and frequent friction across the moving joints. The finish wear reduces value by about 25-35% compared to mint-condition examples.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.