This bracelet was inspired by Morocco’s ancient medinas. Medinas are distinct areas of a city, often the oldest and most historic parts. Comprised of narrow, maze-like streets and high walls, they are usually free of cars yet filled with a bustling energy!
- Medina cuff bracelet
- Oxidized sterling silver with brass
- Brass design measures 2 x 0.875 inches
- Silver band measures 6.5 inches around
- Band has an open design that fits most
- Handmade in the USA
Beauty isn't perfect, it's authentic. This piece is artistically created by hand where beauty and imperfections go together wonderfully. Please accept and appreciate minor imperfections and variations which are true characteristics of this craft.
design: An open cuff in oxidized sterling silver, crossed front and back by two hand-cut brass blades that taper to points and meet at the center in a narrow diamond, with a row of hand-filed notches running along each brass edge.
size: Brass design measures 2 x 0.875 inches; silver band measures 6.5 inches around. Open-back design flexes to fit most wrists.
material: Oxidized sterling silver with a brass overlay.
features: Open, adjustable cuff back, oxidized silver finish for tonal contrast against the brass, hand-filed notch detailing along the brass edges, mixed-metal construction
care: Wipe with a soft polishing cloth after wear and store in a fabric pouch away from humidity to slow natural retarnishing; skip metal polish or dip cleaners, which will strip the oxidized finish.
disclaimer: Because each cuff is cut, filed, and oxidized by hand, slight variations in brass tone, notch spacing, and the depth of the silver's darkened finish are normal and make every piece one of a kind.
The Story
The word medina comes from the Arabic for "city," and it names the old walled quarters found at the historic center of many North African cities, including Fez and Marrakech in Morocco. These districts are dense with narrow, winding streets and high walls that were built for shade, defense, and close-knit daily life, and many are still lived in and worked in today, not preserved as relics.
This cuff takes that layout as a starting point rather than a copy: the two brass blades cross like intersecting streets, and the notched edges echo the rhythm of a walled skyline seen from a distance. It's a design homage to that urban geometry, made independently in the USA rather than sourced from a Moroccan workshop, so think of it as an American maker's interpretation of a form rather than a traditional Moroccan craft object.
The pairing of a cool, darkened silver frame with warm brass is a deliberate contrast choice, letting the geometry of the medina-inspired shape read clearly against the skin.
The brass center is cut from flat sheet stock into its tapered form, then hand-filed along both edges to cut the short, evenly spaced notches that catch the light. The sterling silver band is hand-formed into its open cuff shape and chemically oxidized to darken the metal, after which the high points are worked back to bring out the contrast between the blackened recesses and the bright silver surface. The brass piece is then set onto the silver band, and the open ends are finished so the cuff flexes to fit a range of wrist sizes.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: United States
- Ideal For: Anyone drawn to bold, architectural jewelry that mixes warm and cool metals.
- Wear It With: Wear it alone as a statement cuff, or stack it with other oxidized silver pieces for a tonal look.
- Purpose: Everyday wear, statement accessory, gifting
- Metal: Oxidized sterling silver and brass
Questions & Answers
Will this cuff fit my wrist?
Yes. The silver band has an open back, so it flexes gently to adjust and fits most wrist sizes.
What does "oxidized" mean, and will the finish wear off?
Oxidizing is a chemical process that darkens sterling silver on purpose to create contrast with the brass. The darkened areas may soften slightly with wear over time, which is normal for this finish.
Will the brass tarnish?
Brass will naturally develop a deeper patina with age and air exposure. Wiping it down after wear and storing it away from moisture will slow the process.
Where is this bracelet made?
It's handmade in the USA. The design draws its name and geometry from the medinas, or old walled city quarters, found in Morocco.
Can I wear this every day?
Yes, it's built for regular wear, though we'd suggest removing it before swimming or heavy exercise to protect the finish.
