A GOLD BRACELET, BY CARLO WEINGRILL, CIRCA 1960... Lot 46

A GOLD BRACELET, BY CARLO WEINGRILL, CIRCA 1960 Designed as a series of circular intertwined links with textured gold detailing, each connected with reeded polished gold links, in 18K gold, with maker's mark for Carlo Weingrill, Italian assay mark '15Vr' registered for Weingrill between 1944-68, length 21.5cm Born in Verona in 1856, Carlo Weingrill began his career early, earning an apprenticeship in a goldsmith's shop at the age of eleven. After over a decade of training, Carlo established his own workshop in his hometown in 1879. It specialised in making the finest 18K gold jewels using the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. From the beginning Carlo employed goldsmiths who handcrafted their jewellery rather than using machines. The importance of this kind of artistry and exceptional knowledge of one material was very important to the vision of the Weingrill brand. This tradition of expertise continues within the company and the jewellery produced are timeless pieces, wearable works of art such as heavy gold link chains and bracelets which fit the body perfectly. While intricate in their composition, such as the complex interlinked design of the bracelet in this sale, they are comfortable and also highly elegant everyday pieces. After Carlo's death in 1924, the company was taken over by his two sons Armando and Gastone. They set about expanding this artisan company into a major international name which gained worldwide prestige for its workmanship. However, despite its success, the house has always remained tied to its history, with the fourth generation of the Weingrill family, Carlofilippo, now head of the company. Gold has always been the mainstay of the company's designs, eschewing diamonds and coloured gemstones, which are used sparingly. The distinctive warm yellow tone of the Italian gold has become synonymous with the house, with Weingrill designing some of the most famous signature gold jewellery of the 20th century. For Cartier they created the Trinity bangles, the gold cuff bracelets for Tiffany and probably most notably the tubogas-style bracelets, necklaces and rings for Bulgari.