Antique Rosary Bracelet by Arthus Bertrand of Paris, Silver Cross and Chain, Blue Rock Crystal Hand Faceted Beads. Circa 1930

Antique Rosary Bracelet by Arthus Bertrand of Paris, Silver Cross and Chain, Blue Rock Crystal Hand Faceted Beads. Circa 1930

A beautiful and very unusual rosary bracelet that was made by the famous jewelery house of Arthus Bertrand in Paris.

It has two 'Our Father' beads and ten 'Hail Mary' beads and the total length is 25 cm. All the beads are beautifully cut crystal and each 'Our Father' bead is capped in silver which is a mark of the quality of this bracelet.

The cross is solid silver and hallmarked and has the inscription IHS at the top and the chalice in the centre. Each 'Our Father' bead measures 1.2cm in diameter and each 'Hail Mary bead is also 1.2 cm in diameter. The bracelet weighs 32 grams.

Arthus-Bertrand, a maker of medals and decorations, was founded in Paris in 1803 by Claude Arthus-Bertrand, an army officer during the French Revolution. Artists who have designed for the firm include Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (sculptor of the Statue of Liberty) and Fernand Léger.

Arthus-Bertrand has had many distinguished clients to include the French government. It is the official manufacturer of the French Legion of Honor and has made insignia for the Society of the Cincinnati and the Order of Lafayette.

The history of the medal, the engraver and the subject are fascinating for me and I apologise if I give you too much to read.