Kazakh Bracelet 04.01.220
The fire gilding that has been used in the bracelets is characteristic of Kazak jewellery. The process involved the application of an amalgam of mercury and gold to the surface of the silver. Heating causes the mercury to evaporate leaving a gold layer fixed to the surface. The process was extremely dangerous on account of the mercury fumes. Like the Turkoman, traditionally, the Kazaks had their daughters marry between the ages of 12 and 15. Such a bracelet would have been part of the wedding jewellery. (cit. https://www.michaelbackmanltd.com/object/kazakh-parcel-gilt-silver-bracelet/
