20k Antique Pearl Bracelet Peranakan
Antique Straits Chinese gold bracelet set with natural pearls in 20k gold.
This pearl cluster bracelet is dainty, at 6″, for a petite wrist. It is part of the fine jewellery of the Straits Chinese community in this region, with at least 80 years of history.
The pearls are strung together against the gold work, not glued, as much of antique pearl jewellery. You can see this from the back of the bracelet.
The design of the gold links remind our modern eyes of Chinese screens in Chinoiserie decorated rooms. Did you notice the two floral shaped charms at each end of the bracelet?
Rather like ‘Van Cleef Arpels’ I find, and I note that in that era, its design was a definitive nod to Western influence. This piece has an East West layout not typical of Straits jewellery, typical insofar as being delicate.
Due to its nature, old pearl jewelry pieces do not come to us well kept, especially these smaller pearls, but this set is in fine condition.
The bracelet is hallmarked with a faint Chinese jeweller’s stamp.
These period pieces of Straits jewellery demonstrate distinctly the art of Straits Chinese craftsmanship, distinct from export jewellery of China, in both their size and culture.