This is a very fine and rare piece of niello work,the bracelet has a cushion shaped centre which is a container for either makeup or perfume.It is of small size so would have been a womans.
This piece which I purchased near Van from an Armenian is very finely done in a technique which seemed to date to the 16th or 17thc and sometimes earlier.Unlike most niello work where the area to be inlaid is carved out in a "v" shape this is notched,the earliest technique used.The wear to the silver and hinges supports a very early date also.The decoration appears to be semi-abstract of scroll work,I cannot work out the main emblem on the container but it does look a bit like two cats.
There is a tiny loss of the niello on one side of the braccelet but apart from that and natural wear the piece is in very good condition.
Open the braccelet is approx 6in. or 13.5cm long although being curved it is actually larger than this.
It could be worn though is more a collectable.

Regional & Ethnic Antiques