Brass Bracelet / Armband: "Shield of Ganesha"
This brass shield bracelet is decorated with the mankolam, a stylized mango image we call the paisley, a sacred symbol of the elephant-faced Hindu Lord Ganesha.
I chose a 2 7/8" by 2 1/16" (73x52mm) raw brass scrolled paisley cartouche as the foundation for this bracelet/armband. I oxidized, waxed and buffed the piece to bring out the beautiful details of the stamping. I then used various methods to gently mold it into a curve.
Then I applied a total of nine Swarovski crystal flatback rhinestones in Montana Blue to each paisley and the center of the cartouche to add a bit of sparkle.
The bracelet/armband secures using antique brass-plated twisted double link with rollo links curb chain and a ball-and-socket clasp.
The inside measurement of this item is 6¾“ (17.145cm) and is meant to be worn a bit snug. This bracelet doesn’t fit me perfectly (although my wrist measures exactly 6½“ (16.51cm)) as can be seen in the accompanying photos.
You can flatten or continue to deepen the curve to fit your wrist exactly by placing the bracelet/armband on an unbreakable curved surface (such as a wooden rolling pin) and gently pressing on the stamping from the edges inward.
Ganesha can be interpreted as "Lord of Categories" (from gan meaning "to count or reckon" and Isha meaning "lord") or as "Lord of Attendants” (from gana).
Ganesha is a Mahadeva, the beloved elephant-faced deity honored by Hindus of every sect. He is also the Lord of Obstacles, revered for His great wisdom, and is always invoked first before any undertaking because He knows all of the intricacies of each soul's karma and the perfect path of dharma that will make each action successful.
The mankolam is what we call today the paisley, but which is actually an Indian and Persian stylized image of the mango. Resembling a twisted teardrop, the kidney-shaped paisley derives its modern name from the town of Paisley in central Scotland.
From roughly 1800 to 1850, the weavers of the town of Paisley in Renfrewshire, Scotland, became the foremost producers of less costly silk and cashmere wool Kashmir shawl knock-offs. Unique additions to their handlooms and Jacquard looms permitted them to work in five colors when most weavers were producing paisley using only two. Thus, the design became known as the Paisley pattern.
For assistance in determining whether this size bracelet is right for you, please see my Additional Policies and FAQs at http://www.etsy.com/shop_policy.php?user_id=6478601
This treasure is featured in the following Etsy Treasuries:
"Palace of Illusions":
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dcf3041b6b18eef09c33af6
I'll only make this treasure once, which makes it OOAK (one of a kind) and means you will receive the exact item shown in the photographs, ready to ship. I may be able to re-size a treasure, change a clasp style, or modify the type of ear wire at no additional cost, so if you desire a modification, please Etsy convo me BEFORE placing your order.
Your treasure will arrive in a custom handmade gift box using recycled materials, such as beautiful faerie calendar pages, that you can reuse on a vanity or fill with scented cotton balls and place into your lingerie drawer.
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