Gold Plate Bracelet

Gold Plate Bracelet

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Description
James Marshall’s discover of gold at Sutter’s mill in California in 1848 transformed the wealth and reach of the nation. Farmers abandoned their homesteads, sailors their ships, and adventurers from China and elsewhere sailed across oceans to seek their fortunes in California’s mines and streams. Extracting gold often left these lands devastated, but these expeditions also financed the growth and statehood of California. Those who didn’t strike out west still participated in gold fever by trading in gold coins and purchasing gold jewelry. During the early 1800s, Englishman Thomas Lowe introduced new gold plating techniques to the American jewelry industry. These innovations were put to good use during the gold rush, and produced delicate pieces like this gold plated bracelet from the mid-to-late 1800s.
Object Name
bracelet
Other Terms
bracelet; Jewelry; Accessories Worn on the Body; Female
date made
1875-1890
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
frosted (overall style)
Measurements
overall: 12.7 mm x 69.85 mm x 57.15 mm; 1/2 in x 2 3/4 in x 2 1/4 in
ID Number
CS.200122.1306
catalog number
200122.1306
accession number
200122
Credit Line
Gift of Lucinda de Leftwich Templin, Ph.D., in memory of Ella Rice Templin
See more items in
Home and Community Life: Costume
Clothing & Accessories
American Enterprise
Exhibition
American Enterprise
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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