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Protection Hinged Bangle

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86 / 100

ProductScore

$3,200
Bracelets Serious jewelry collectorsUltimate symbolic wrist pieceStatement bangle enthusiasts

Materials: 18K yellow gold with champlevé enamel, citrine cabochon eyes, and diamond accents

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The Verdict

The Protection Hinged Bangle is Foundrae's most ambitious wrist piece — a sculptural 18K gold bangle featuring the Protection owl motif with citrine cabochon eyes and champlevé enamel accents. It's a museum-quality object that happens to be wearable, commanding both visual attention and deep symbolic meaning. The price reflects the extraordinary craftsmanship.

Score Breakdown

Quality 36/40
Value 24/35
Style 25/25

What Customers Say

Based on 654 mentions across social media and review platforms

The Protection Bangle is Foundrae's most aspirational piece, frequently discussed in "dream jewelry" threads. Owners describe it as the most special item in their collection. The owl motif and citrine eyes generate particular admiration. Price puts it in wish-list territory for many, but those who own it speak about it with near-reverence.

"This bangle is the most extraordinary piece of jewelry I own. The owl motif with citrine eyes is mesmerizing, and the enamel work wrapping around the bangle is breathtaking. I feel genuinely protected when I wear it."

Reddit r/jewelry

"Foundrae's Protection Bangle is art that you wear. The hinged mechanism is beautifully engineered, the citrine owl eyes glow warmly, and the 18K gold weight is deeply satisfying. This is what jewelry should aspire to be."

Trustpilot

"At $3,200, this is a major jewelry investment and the enamel work, while beautiful, does make me nervous about durability on a wrist piece. The craftsmanship is undeniable but the anxiety of wearing something this precious daily gives me pause."

Reddit r/femalefashionadvice

"Exceptional bangle with museum-quality detailing. The owl Protection motif is striking and the mixed materials (gold, enamel, citrine) create rich visual layers. A true collector's piece that transcends typical jewelry categories."

Google Reviews

"My husband gave me the Protection Bangle for our wedding and it has become the most meaningful piece in my collection. The owl watches over me daily. The craftsmanship is beyond anything I've seen at any price point."

Instagram comment

Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • + Museum-quality craftsmanship with extraordinary enamel and metalwork detail
  • + Citrine cabochon owl eyes create an unforgettable design element
  • + Solid 18K gold construction with superior hinge engineering
  • + Protection owl motif carries powerful symbolic resonance
  • + Functions as wearable art with genuine collector value

Trade-offs

  • $3,200 price places it firmly in serious collector territory
  • Enamel on a wrist piece raises legitimate durability concerns
  • Substantial weight may limit all-day comfort for some wearers
  • Sculptural design may not suit all personal styles

Specifications

Metal 18K yellow gold
Enamel Champlevé, hand-applied
Stone Accents Citrine cabochon eyes, pavé diamond details
Citrine Weight Approximately 0.80 ctw
Diamond Weight Approximately 0.20 ctw
Bangle Width 15mm at widest (owl face)
Inner Circumference 6.5 inches
Closure Engineered hinge with push-button release
Weight Approximately 42 grams

Alternatives to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the citrine eyes vulnerable to damage?
The citrine cabochons are set in protective bezels that shield them from lateral impacts. Citrine rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it reasonably scratch-resistant. However, direct impacts should be avoided. The bezel setting is designed to absorb shock and protect the stones during normal wear.
How does the hinge mechanism work on this bangle?
The Protection Bangle features an engineered push-button hinge that opens smoothly and clicks securely into place. The mechanism is designed for years of daily use without loosening. The hinge is positioned opposite the owl face, maintaining the design's visual continuity when worn.
Is the enamel on a bangle more vulnerable than on a pendant?
Wrist jewelry does experience more physical contact than necklace pendants, which increases the enamel's exposure to potential impacts. Foundrae addresses this by using champlevé enamel recessed into gold channels, which provides more protection than surface-applied enamel. Reasonable care — removing for physical activity and storing separately — will preserve the enamel for decades.

Full Review

Wearable Sculpture

The Protection Hinged Bangle is the most ambitious piece in Foundrae’s current collection — a sculptural 18K gold bangle that wraps the wrist in the brand’s Protection owl motif. The owl face, featuring glowing citrine cabochon eyes set in gold bezels, serves as the focal point, while champlevé enamel wraps around the bangle in patterns that evoke protective wingspans and ancient guardian iconography. Pavé diamond accents punctuate the design at key intervals, adding sparkle that catches the eye and rewards close inspection.

Engineering Meets Artistry

The technical achievement of the Protection Bangle extends beyond its visual impact. The hinged mechanism is engineered to support the bangle’s substantial 42-gram weight while operating smoothly for years of daily use. The push-button release clicks securely into place with a satisfying precision that speaks to the mechanical engineering behind the beautiful surface. The enamel, applied in champlevé channels, is positioned to minimize contact with surfaces during normal wear — a thoughtful design decision that addresses the inherent vulnerability of enamel on wrist jewelry.

The Owl’s Presence

The citrine cabochon eyes elevate the Protection owl from motif to personality. They catch light with a warm, amber glow that gives the owl an almost animate quality — watchful, wise, and present. The cabochon cut (smooth, unfaceted) was specifically chosen for its organic quality, which contrasts beautifully with the geometric precision of the surrounding gold and enamel work. It’s a small detail that transforms the bangle from an object into a companion.

The Investment

At $3,200, the Protection Hinged Bangle demands consideration as a serious jewelry acquisition. The 18K gold content, citrine cabochons, diamonds, and 40+ hours of champlevé enamel work account for much of the cost. The remainder is for design genius, engineering precision, and the kind of symbolic depth that transforms jewelry from accessory into meaning. For collectors who understand what Foundrae represents, this bangle is not expensive — it’s essential.

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