Ming's Jade Link Bracelet Early Unsigned

About

Founded in 1861, Gump's of San Francisco became an iconic seller of fine jade jewelry but in 1940 they were suddenly confronted with something they had never before had: competition. In the form of Ming's Jewelry of Hawaii. Wook Moon was the founder of Ming's and he shared with Richard Gump and Richard's father, A.L. a love for natural and untreated jade, both nephrite and jadeite. And, much like Gump's, Ming's seemed to favor a color palate that extended well beyond the familiar green most associated with jade. This is an early Ming's bracelet dating to the mid to late 1940s. Though it bears no maker's mark, this is sometimes the case with early Ming's jewelry. The clasp is unique to Ming's; the design and materials consistent with their oeuvre. Composed of four hand-carved tubular segments of slightly curved jade in white, yellowish-brown and russet-red. Each jade segment is capped at both ends by a solid 14K gold fitting. An oval frame centered with a caligraphy Shòu character —representing longevity— links each of the jade segments together. The clasp is a simple, sturdy folding mechanism Ming's used for many of their bracelets. It is marked for 14K gold. The bracelet measures 8" but because the links are very thick (10.20 mm), the inner diameter is tricky to measure given the construction but my wrist is 62 mm across and I can wear the bracelet with room to spare. It would actually make a great bracelet for a guy. This is a beautiful and unique jade bracelet in warm colors with rich coppery gold hardware, designed and created by the master jewelers of Ming's, affectionally known as the "Tiffany & Co. of Hawaii." As is the case with all of Ming's jade jewelry, the jade is natural and untreated.

Details

Creator
Ming's of Hawaii
In the Style Of
Retro
Place of Origin
China
Date of Manufacture
Circa 1945-1950

Period
1940-1949
Metal
14k Gold
Stone
Jade
Condition
Excellent
See Condition Descriptions

Condition Details
Beautiful condition with no signs of damage or repair.
Wear
Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions
D 8 in.D 203.2 mm
Length
8 in. (203.2 mm)

Weight
38.58 g
Seller Location
Southbury, CT
Reference Number
LU158918714652

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