Antique Jade and Coral Link Bracelet, circa 1900 or Earlier

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Antique Jade and Coral Link Bracelet, circa 1900 or Earlier

About the Item

Thick bars of cool green Nephrite jade, succulent and translucent, their original antique polish a thing to behold. Each link is secured by gilt-silver caps, encircled with thick textured wire, and joined by bezel-set natural precious coral cabochons. This absolutely stunning bracelet was created around 1900, possibly a bit earlier. The jade a dense, deep sage green and feels so smooth —but not machined beneath the fingers. The human touch is sensitive enough to detect what the eye cannot: the slight irregularities of the polish. No electric tools and diamond paste was used to form these beautiful jade links: instead, a foot-powered treddle together with bamboo and garnet dust would have been deployed. It took an enormous amount of time to achieve a polish this fine. Nephrite is a very tough stone. In fact, in ancient China, chains were carved from nephrite and these used for horses to pull carts. It is the toughest gemstone. The metalsmithing is impressive and whimsical: a pair of bats, wings spread, faces each reddish-orange coral cabochon. Bats are a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture. Considering the fact that nephrite jade was regarded as the most precious gem —of material substance— on this earth and that coral was likewise revered for its natural purity and beauty, this bracelet, indeed, would have been an impressive symbol of success. This beautiful and substantive bracelet measures approximately 7 ½ inches. In the last image, you can see the bracelet photographed in the dimmest natural light, filtering through the door in the last moments of daylight. Just look at it. Even in such dim light, it communicates: it glows with life. This bracelet ships with a certificate from Stone Group Labs stating that both the nephrite jade and precious coral are natural and untreated.

Metal:
Silver
Stone:
Coral,Jade
Stone Cut:
Cabochon
Weight:
68.57 g
Dimensions:
Length: 7.5 in (190.5 mm)
Style:
Artisan
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1899
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Southbury, CT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1589110315712