This listing is for a gorgeous Chrysoprase and sterling silver bracelet made by the Fratelli Peruzzi company in Florence, Italy. The company is now being run by the 4th generation of Peruzzi silversmiths. The bracelet comes from an estate that included quite a bit of fine jewelry and antiques. We do not know the actual age of this piece. It features 5 beautiful cabochons of Chrysoprase set in sterling silver. The bracelet measures just under 7" inches long including the clasp. The gemstones measure about 1/2" long and 3/8" wide. The back is stamped 'F lli Peruzzi Sterling'. It is in excellent overall condition with some wear on the round clasp. Don't miss your chance to add this lovely piece to your collection!
Called the stone of Venus, chrysoprase is the rarest and most valuable rich apple-green gemstone in the chalcedony family and was often mistaken for emeralds by ancient jewelers. Unlike emeralds, which owe their color to the presence of chromium, the bright spring green of chrysoprase is a result of trace amounts of nickel.
Chrysoprase was used by the Greeks, Roman and Egyptians to make seals, signets, jewelry and other ornamental objects because of its vivid color. The modern word comes from the literal Greek translation chrusos meaning golden and prason, meaning leek, indicating the golden-leek green color of the stone.