Antique jadeite jade bangle. Made in China, early 20th century.
Measurements:
Diameter approximately 7.5cm. Inner diameter approx.6.6cm. Weighs 45.1grams.
Description:
A single piece of solid jade with apple-olive-green color, mottled with darker areas in parts and some parts translucent when held up to the light. The outer circumference is engraved with a pair of contesting dragons and a number of Chinese characters. The engraving was gilded. Hand carved from a single piece of jade.
Condition:
The gilding inside the carved lines has largely faded. Unfortunately, I dropped the bangle and it has a very fine crack across one side, visible if you are looking for it.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions, which I will do my best to answer.
The Story:
There are a number of criteria that make a particular jade jewel more valuable than other jewelry. A bangle carved from a single piece of jade is a particularly luxurious feature. This bangle, displaying semi-translucence and classic Chinese carving in jadeite jade, all in one solid piece, is a fine example — with one honest caveat below.
This bangle was acquired prior to 2000, one of a pair, from a Sotheby's sale overseas. As is typical for a piece of this vintage, it does not come with a modern laboratory certificate; the jadeite's quality can be seen clearly in the enlarged photos.
Some years ago, I dropped this bangle, and it developed a fine crack — a lesson that a clumsy person is perhaps not the best custodian of rare jade. I do not believe that the crack affects the bangle's wearability, but I want any buyer to go in with full knowledge.
Please see the companion jade bangle (in perfect condition) that originally came with this one.
