Description
Ostby & Barton
Sapphire and Diamond
14k Gold Bracelet
If you’re a connoisseur of of fine Art Deco Jewelry and World History, your heart may have just skipped a beat. There are few words which can accurately describe, a piece of jewelry like this one.
This beauty is crisp, clean, and in near mint condition. This is a spectacular, 14k White Gold, Ostby & Barton, Art Deco bracelet, created nearly 100 years ago. This was and will always be, a “high end” piece of fine jewelry.
The bracelet measures 6 1/2” long. The band is approximately 3/8” wide, with the center increasing to approximately 5/8” at it’s widest point. The bracelet weighs 10.4 grams.
The scintillating, natural, earth mined diamond, is accented by four, bright blue, marquise cut, natural, earth mined sapphires, measuring approximately 2.0 mm x 4.0 mm, estimated to be 0.50+ctw. All gemstones are original, bezel set, and accented with finely detailed filigree and millgrain. The natural, single cut diamond, is approximately 1.6mm round.
This piece was created using natural, earth mined sapphires. This was authenticated by a GIA Graduate Gemologist. We were surprised and tickled to learn this, as many high end pieces of Art Deco jewelry, were created using synthetic sapphires.
Measuring Wrist
Please measure your wrist carefully, prior to purchasing. This piece was exceptionally well made, but gold does not stretch. The circumference of your wrist, should be no more than 5 3/4” in diameter. Please don’t purchase this beautiful bracelet, without confirming its length will be sufficient. This bracelet cannot be lengthened and should not altered. No stress should be put on any bracelet, especially one made of gold. Please know, this bracelet is a rare and fine piece of authentic Art Deco jewelry and should be thoughtfully worn.
History:
The Ostby & Barton Company was started in 1879, by Nathan B. Barton and Englehart C. Ostby. Ostby, a goldsmith and designer, was a Norwegian immigrant. The Ostby & Barton Company grew to be one of the largest jewelry companies, in the United States.
Ostby, a widower, began traveling to Europe in the early 1900’s. His daughter Helene joined him on many of his trips overseas. Traveling overseas, allowed them to study European design, and purchase needed gemstones.
On the 10 April, 1912, Englehart and his daughter Helene, set sail to return home, on the R.M.S. Titanic. Englehart Ostby perished when the Titanic sank, on the 14th and 15th of April, 1912.
Helene survived and with her brother Harold and his daughter, became joint owners of the Ostby & Barton Company. The Ostby & Barton Company continued to produce jewelry, into the 1950’s. Helene passed away in 1978, and is buried next to her father.
White Gold and Rhodium Plating
Rhodium is a member of the Platinum family. It is a precious and extremely expensive metal. Depending on the market, Rhodium can cost twice that of gold and platinum.
The basis of all gold jewelry, is 24k pure gold, which is yellow. Jewelry made of “White Gold” (10k, 14k, 18k) is almost always, plated with Rhodium. Rhodium resists scratching and tarnishing, giving the white, reflective appearance many designers, jewelers and jewelry owners desire.
When a piece of “White Gold” jewelry begins to show yellow or gold color, it simply needs to be taken to a competent goldsmith or jeweler, who will clean and Rhodium Plate the piece for you.
