Souvenir

When closed, this bracelet folds up into a small, engraved silver book with a rounded spine. When open, the links which look like pages, open out to become eight pages, each with one of the letters that spell out "SOUVENIR". The pages are easily refolded and held tight with a clasp. This bracelet format has been made in several variants of materials and decorative techniques, including the use of gold, inset precious stones and enameling. The idea of the souvenir developed during the nineteenth century, when people were traveling and collecting mementos as they went. The meaning of this bracelet relates to souvenirs as memories, as in the word's French translation. This piece would have been purchased as a commemorative love token. -- description by Mindell Dubansky in consultation with Lynn Heckman