This ceramic tile bracelet, which I think is Egyptian, was purchased in the Middle East around 1945. Do the tiles tell a story?
— L.C., New York City
The motif on your bracelet suggests a possible Persian (modern-day Iran) or Indian origin, rather than an Egyptian one. In the period immediately following World War II, American GIs and government employees working in the Middle East brought back many similar examples of this bracelet. I could not find evidence that the tiles tell a story; they seem to be scenic and not related to one another. In addition, most bracelets of this kind are made of animal bone panels, not ceramic. Look at the bracelet under a magnifying glass, such as a 10-power loupe. Do you see dark spots or streaks? They are actually blood capillary tracks! Christie Romero, author of Warmans Jewelry, confirms my observations. Your bracelet is worth between $35 and $45.
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