FRASCAROLO: A COLLECTABLE ENAMEL, RUBY AND DIAMOND BRACELET,...
FRASCAROLO: A COLLECTABLE ENAMEL, RUBY AND DIAMOND BRACELET, CIRCA 1970 Designed as a stylised elephant, the head and tail applied with shaded green enamel, the tusks and hinged bangle body in polished yellow gold, the forehead applied with a flowerhead cluster set with a cabochon ruby to the centre within a surround of brilliant-cut diamonds, the trunk and tail curled to circular panel pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18K gold, with maker's mark 'FC' for Frascarolo, Italian registry mark, inner diameter 5.8cm
Pierino 'Rino' Frascarolo was born in Milan in 1928. He began his jewellery career as an apprentice with the Fratelli Lunati company, before going on to find his own firm with his partner, Aldo Lenti. In 1948, he moved his factory to Valenza in Corso Matteotti. It was here that Frascarolo began to design and craft his signature enamel and gold animal creations, the 'Bestiario', for which he would become best known.
Frascarolo's animal jewels were produced throughout the 1960s and proved so popular that he was unofficially dubbed the 'David Webb of Italy'. Admirers included HRH The Princess Margaret, who owned a tiger bangle and ring by him. It was during this time that the maison of Frascarolo was at its height and his exquisite creations attracted clientele from all over Europe and beyond, who were enchanted by his lively and colourful portrayal of animals in the form of wearable pieces.
The manufacture of these pieces was not an easy feat, and their huge popularity is a credit to Frascarolo's skill as a craftsman. He used casting techniques and machinery that was hugely advanced for the time and employed up to fifty craftsmen at once. Frascarolo and his partner Lenti went their separate ways, and the former then established his own brand, Frascarolo & Co., in New York City. Through this venture, Frascarolo brought the work of Italian jewellery masters to new heights of international renown.
Pierino Frascarolo died in Valenza in 1976 at just forty-eight years old, whilst his jewellery business was at its peak. Following Pierino's untimely death, Frascarolo & Co closed its business activities the same year, but due to their collectable nature, his pieces remain in very high demand.
More Information
Enamel: no particular loss observed
Diamonds: bright and lively
ruby cabochon: of purplish-red hue, medium tone
Clasp closes securely
With maker's mark FC for Frascarolo & Italian registry mark
Normal signs of wear, overall in good condition
Total gross weight approx. 95.4g
FRASCAROLO: A COLLECTABLE ENAMEL, RUBY AND DIAMOND BRACELET, CIRCA 1970 Designed as a stylised elephant, the head and tail applied with shaded green enamel, the tusks and hinged bangle body in polished yellow gold, the forehead applied with a flowerhead cluster set with a cabochon ruby to the centre within a surround of brilliant-cut diamonds, the trunk and tail curled to circular panel pavé-set with brilliant-cut diamonds, mounted in 18K gold, with maker's mark 'FC' for Frascarolo, Italian registry mark, inner diameter 5.8cm
Pierino 'Rino' Frascarolo was born in Milan in 1928. He began his jewellery career as an apprentice with the Fratelli Lunati company, before going on to find his own firm with his partner, Aldo Lenti. In 1948, he moved his factory to Valenza in Corso Matteotti. It was here that Frascarolo began to design and craft his signature enamel and gold animal creations, the 'Bestiario', for which he would become best known.
Frascarolo's animal jewels were produced throughout the 1960s and proved so popular that he was unofficially dubbed the 'David Webb of Italy'. Admirers included HRH The Princess Margaret, who owned a tiger bangle and ring by him. It was during this time that the maison of Frascarolo was at its height and his exquisite creations attracted clientele from all over Europe and beyond, who were enchanted by his lively and colourful portrayal of animals in the form of wearable pieces.
The manufacture of these pieces was not an easy feat, and their huge popularity is a credit to Frascarolo's skill as a craftsman. He used casting techniques and machinery that was hugely advanced for the time and employed up to fifty craftsmen at once. Frascarolo and his partner Lenti went their separate ways, and the former then established his own brand, Frascarolo & Co., in New York City. Through this venture, Frascarolo brought the work of Italian jewellery masters to new heights of international renown.
Pierino Frascarolo died in Valenza in 1976 at just forty-eight years old, whilst his jewellery business was at its peak. Following Pierino's untimely death, Frascarolo & Co closed its business activities the same year, but due to their collectable nature, his pieces remain in very high demand.
More Information
Enamel: no particular loss observed
Diamonds: bright and lively
ruby cabochon: of purplish-red hue, medium tone
Clasp closes securely
With maker's mark FC for Frascarolo & Italian registry mark
Normal signs of wear, overall in good condition
Total gross weight approx. 95.4g
