24k Antique Gold Chinese Jewelry

1900s solid gold Straits Chinese bangle set in 24k.

Possibly made before the turn of the last century, this is an early carved gold ‘everyday’ bangle.

It is also considered ‘early’ because such slim ‘line’ bangles, marked by primitive yet perfect slide endings, were dainty before they subsequently ‘upsized’.

Similar bangles featuring carvings in the gold grew wider (less dainty) the more affluent the Malay archipelago became.

In this region, the redness of such old pure gold has been smoked by wood, a reddened wood that colors the gold.

Many of these early versions are lost to us, the earliest would not be dissimilar to mainland Chinese pure gold relics and jewelry.

The bangle is 8mm at the centre, bearing in mind these thin bangles enforce their presence in an ethereal way, nowhere needing ideals of form and function.

No surprise then the bangle is adjustable up to 70mm diameter, the sliding will fit a small wrist or way bigger, between 60mm to 70mm.

Wear one if you haven’t, then wear with other solid gold pieces for the pure warmth of old gold.

The bangle weighs 33.8 grams.

It is in great condition for its age, the very subtle beauty beholden to old virgin gold.