Bracelet

With its geometric patterning and use of precious gems, this diamond and emerald bracelet reflects the cool sophistication of Art Deco. Variations of the classic diamond and platinum bracelet became popular in the 1920s and were made by a number of New York jewelers. The silver-colored metal suited well the white diamonds and had the advantage of not oxidizing or tarnishing. This all-white union of diamonds and platinum defined jewelry of the period, sometimes accented with sapphires, rubies, or emeralds, as here.
Although unmarked, the bracelet comes with a family history of having been purchased in the 1920s from Dreicer & Co. The American Wing already owns a superb Edwardian or Belle Époque diamond and pearl necklace by Dreicer, made around 1905 (2012.71). This bracelet was purchased in the 1920s by Samuel Knopf (1862–1932), an advertising executive and financial consultant, for his second wife Lillian (Lillie) Harris Knopf (ca. 1865–1945). Samuel Knopf and his first wife, Ida Japhe Knopf (1864–97), who were parents of the well-known publisher Alfred A. Knopf, also had a daughter, Sophia Celeste, who in 1914 married Alvin Josephy (1887–1958). Samuel’s second wife, Lillie, gave the bracelet to Sophia on the occasion of her 20th wedding anniversary in 1934. Warren Josephy (1917–2014), son of Sophia and Alvin, married Joanne Gershel in 1942, and Sophia gave her daughter-in-law this bracelet for her own 20th wedding anniversary in 1962. Longtime members and supporters of the American Wing, the Josephys generosity continues with the gift of this iconic diamond and emerald bracelet.