Sentimental in nature and layered with meaning, jewelry of the day was worn on multiple occasions and with various dress, so mutability was a strength. Heirlooms in the making, fine jewelry was handed down and passed along to family members and loved ones.

This exceptional piece of jewelry is both a bracelet and a brooch. Convertible jewelry is a specialized area of jewelry collecting and no wonder, for pieces are scarce, delightful in their clever construction, and afford the opportunity to be worn a myriad of ways.

Belgian in origin, a 14k hinged, panel bracelet's focus is within the center oval. With a pull of one of the gold orbs to the right of center yet that appear as just another part of the decorative elements, this entire brooch slips in and out of the gold bezel frame.

Under the glass, a hair artwork in miniature depicts an intricate and realistic spray of flowers and leaves. From a single hair, to snips of hair together, the corsage is a delicate tribute to the painstaking craft of miniatures. The reverse reveals a glass covered locket with fabric inset.

The bracelet's tapered sides are shaped and hollow panels of gold hand engraved with scrolling designs, flowers and tiny repeated designs. Ingenious, the bracelet is also adjustable for different sized wrists.

With four secure stops to the clasp, it will fit almost any wrist from about 5 1/2 inches upward to more than 8 1/2 inches.