Bracelet

This exceptional bracelet by the Burle Marx brothers’ is a rare and striking example of their all-gold work—an area of their practice that reveals the full power of their modernist vision. While they are often celebrated for their bold use of Brazil’s richly coloured gemstones, some of their most refined creations were made entirely in gold. This bracelet belongs to that category: sculptural, architectural, and quietly powerful.

Crafted in high-karat yellow gold, the piece reflects the brothers’ deep understanding of form, volume, and movement. The metal has been textured and shaped by hand, creating a surface that feels alive—organic yet deliberate. These all-gold jewels are not just adornments; they are miniature sculptures for the body.

This sculptural quality becomes even more meaningful when viewed in light of Roberto Burle Marx’s celebrated career as a modernist landscape architect. Internationally renowned for his groundbreaking public spaces, parks, and gardens, Roberto introduced modernist landscape architecture to Brazil and became known as a “modern nature artist.” The same design language that shaped his urban landscapes—rhythmic, organic, and deeply attuned to natural forms—can be seen here, distilled into wearable scale.

While this bracelet does not feature gemstones, its asymmetrical, flowing lines echo the principles behind the forma livre(free-form) stone cut that the brothers pioneered in the late 1940s. Rather than forcing stones into conventional shapes, the forma livre approach honoured their natural contours—an innovation that came to define Brazilian modernist jewellery. In this gold bracelet, the same sensibility is present: a reverence for material, a freedom of form, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.

Whether working with coloured gems or pure gold, the Burle Marx brothers created jewellery that transcends time and trends. This bracelet is a testament to their genius—a wearable expression of modernist Brazil.