Georges Lenfant — Prince of Wales Gold Bracelet, c. 1960–70

An exceptional 18-carat gold bracelet by the Atelier Georges Lenfant, one of the most celebrated Parisian workshops of the twentieth century and renowned for its extraordinary mastery of chains, articulated jewellery and woven gold.

Created circa 1960–70, this substantial bracelet is formed as a broad, remarkably supple ribbon of tightly woven yellow gold, producing the appearance and movement of a continuous textile. Its surface is pressed and textured with an intricate geometric pattern of intersecting diagonal lines, traditionally known as ‘Prince of Wales’.

The bracelet exemplifies the technical virtuosity associated with Jacques Lenfant (1904–1994), who pursued extensive research into gold fabrics, chains and complex articulated structures within the family workshop.

Weighing an impressive 101.7 grams, the bracelet retains an exceptional sense of fluidity despite its considerable presence on the wrist. It is finished with a bar clasp and additional safety fitting.

The reverse bears the Georges Lenfant workshop maker’s mark, comprising the initials ‘GL’ accompanied by a die and a bird’s wing within a lozenge.

The Atelier Georges Lenfant, established at 47 rue des Petits-Champs, Paris, worked for many of the greatest jewellery houses of the twentieth century and became particularly renowned for the quality and ingenuity of its gold chainwork.

A highly collectible example of post-war French goldsmithing, combining sculptural presence, remarkable weight and the distinctive technical sophistication of the Lenfant workshop.

Maker: Jacques Lenfant for Atelier Georges Lenfant, Paris
Date: c.1960–70
Material: 18-carat yellow gold
Length: 18 cm
Width: 2.4 cm
Gross weight: 101.7 g
Maker’s mark: Georges Lenfant workshop mark, ‘GL’ with a die and bird’s wing within a lozenge

Related literature
Jacques Lenfant, Le Livre de la Chaîne, Éditions Scriptar SA, 1996.
Maurice Labarte and Jacques Lenfant, Method of Manufacturing Jewels of Gold or Platinum or Their Alloys, patent filed 29 June 1970, US 3,686,734, published 29 August 1972.

Condition
Light surface wear and minor localised distortions to the mesh, consistent with age and the inherently supple construction of the bracelet. Clasp and safety fitting present.