Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

Antique Book Chain Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Chrysoprase Box Clasp

About the Item

This unusual chain is a segment from an 18 karat gold 40" long necklace that one of our customers inherited from a great-great-great-blah-blah aunt. We know it's European, because her people immigrated from Poland, and we know it's at least a hundred years old (by the number of "greats" in front of the distant aunt) but that's about it. The mark on the original clasp just says "18K," with no tasty hallmarks to help with identification. We've never seen a chain like this. It resembles a book chain, but the construction is different. Basically, it's two lengths of rolo-style cable chain connected to each other by horizontal oval loops with links on each end. It's got great, loose-snaky movement, and every other center loop has been stamped with a bubbly pattern, just to give it a little more visual oomph. We're going to cut this chain down for various projects because it doesn't really work as a necklace. (It's the kind of thing you'd wear with your metals of office, which you don't have, and neither does anyone else.) Project numero uno is this one-of-a-kind, absolutely unique bracelet, which combines the chain with a fantastic vintage 14 karat box clasp, salvaged from an ugly bead bracelet, that's been sitting around the shop just waiting for this chain to come along. It's a big oval box clasp set with a chewy chrysoprase cabochon, nicely cut, great color, and about 15 carats. The clasp is stamped "585" and "14" on the back, along with the maker's mark (MG) for Manchu Gems, which was a Hong Kong jeweler that produced a lot of distinctively "oriental" jade, coral and chrysoprase jewelry in 14k gold in the 1960s and 1970s. The clasp is 7/8" long and 5/8" wide. It has a figure 8 safety catch. The chain is 3/8" wide. The length of the bracelet is up to you. We recommend a length that is closely fitted to your wrist so that the chain and clasp lie flat (and flatteringly) against your wrist, so more like your wristwatch size than your bangle size. Just let us know your preferred length when you check out and Eytan will make it so. The total weight of the bracelet, assuming a length of 6-5/8", will be approximately 15.7 grams.
  • Metal:
  • Stone:
  • Stone Cut:
  • Weight:
    15.67 g
  • Dimensions:
    Width: 0.375 in (9.53 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    2022
  • Condition:
    Polished. Additions or alterations made to the original: The clasp is probably around 50 years old. The chain is over 100 years old. Both pieces have been cleaned and polished with no defects to report.
  • Seller Location:
    Sherman Oaks, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: FD03951stDibs: LU1673116875802

More From This Seller

View All
"Ring & Connector" Chain, 16.5" Long in Hammered 18K Gold with Oversized Clasp
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This striking and sexy handmade chain in rich 18 karat yellow gold features hammered gold oval links that lie flat against the skin, nicely separated, thanks to figure eight connecto...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Chain Necklace with Oversized and Textured Links in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The big, airy links in this striking 19" long necklace come in five sizes and two shapes (ovals and circles). Each flattened link has two flat sides: one side is stamped with an abs...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Reversible Diamond and Emerald Quatrefoil Chain Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes cast little quatrefoils from a very old station chain brought in by a customer many years ago. Her chain was pot metal, and in terrible condition, but had a lot of sen...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Aries or Ram Plaque Pendant in 18 Karat Gold on Yellow Gold Cable Wire Chain
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes modeled this pendant from an old sterling silver bracelet link. It looks oodles better as a pendant and in 18 karat yellow gold. It's perfect for an Aries, or for som...
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

"Staghorn Coral" Handmade Openwork Cuff Bracelet in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This stunning abstract/brutalist cuff was designed, sculpted and finished here in our shop by Eytan Brandes. He says he was inspired by the rough but naturally evocative look of fossilized coral.  Other opinions around the shop hold that it looks like the shadows of a long line of ecstatic dancers, or what a Giacometti statue...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Cuff Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

250 Carat Black Diamond Bead Choker Necklace with Garnet Clasp in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This stunning choker boasts 55 sparkling black diamond beads. Each bead is different, but they're all roughly 8mm in size, weighing about 4.5 carats apiece. The box-shaped mystery clasp...
Category

Early 2000s American Contemporary Choker Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

You May Also Like

18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Link Twin Chain Bracelet w Large Box Clasp
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
You will first notice the outstanding shine from the elegant diamond cut 18 karat yellow gold double links that create this impressive twin chain gold bracelet. Making a bold gold st...
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Chain Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet with a Diamonds Clasp
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet with a Diamonds Clasp This Classic chain bracelet is crafted in 14K Yellow Gold and the chain ends with a stunning diamond clasp. 1.05 carat ro...
Category

2010s French Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

La Pepita Woven Chain Bracelet with Diamond Box Clasp in 18 Karat Brushed Gold
By La Pepita
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing a wonderfully woven chain bracelet by La Pepita, an embodiment of refined elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. This luxurious bracelet features a double woven chain desi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Argentine Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stackable Emerald Charm Chain Bracelet in 18K Yellow Gold with Lobster Clasp
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Emerald Charm Chain Bracelet in 18K gold showcases 7 endlessly sparkling natural emerald, weighing 3.5 carat. It measures 7.25 inches long in length. Emerald enhances the intel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chain Bracelets

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Chunky Chain with Sapphire Clasp Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
An Italian design with a contemporary feel, this 18K yellow gold bracelet has rounded double links alternating with connecting links. The clasp is decorated with a round cabochon cut...
Category

2010s Italian Chain Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Bead Station Box Chain Bracelet 6 3/4" - 18k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Chain Style: Box Bracelet Style: Chain Bead Station Fastening Type: Spring Ring Clasp Measurements Chain Width: 1/16" (1.2mm) Width at Stations: 3/1...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chain Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recently Viewed

View All