Antique Indian Silver and Enamel Double Elephant Head Bracelet from Benares

Rare antique Indian silver bracelet made in the Benares (today Varanasi) style of enameling and dating to the late 1800s. The bangle opens through a screw in between the elephant heads. This unique bangle is made of silver and adorned with gems around the body and on top of the elephant heads.  The enameling, known as menakari, extends to all the surfaces of the bracelet.  Predominant colors are green and pink with blue accents.  

Similar examples of this type of bracelet can be seen at the Met Meuseum collection: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/448661?rpp=60&pg=1&ft=emerald+jewelry&pos=31

and the Victoria and Albert Museum http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O68455/jewellery-unknown/

This bracelet has not survived all these years unscathed. There is a small chip to the enamel ear the hinge and a little wear to the enamel in a couple of places, but otherwise in fantastic condition for its age..

Inner circumference is 17 cm (6 3/4"). Inner diameter is just short of 5.8 cm (2 3/8"). Width is 1 cm or 3/8 inches.  Weight is 51.3 g.