Early to mid 20th century Straits Chinese bracelet set with Old European Cut diamonds in 20k.

The Art Deco form, a feminized ‘buckle’ motif, is fused the same way other Straits bracelets are made, in a wrist-covered centrepiece, caught amidst non ornate, individually-linked petite links.

In this way the centrepiece always ‘rocks’, and it is this ornate-simple placement that gives it its distinctive Straits identity. Situating design like this has in mind like or unalike bracelets to be worn together.

The bracelet is a classic Art Deco piece of this region, though it was originally crafted using yellow gold.

This is evidence of the era it was made in; jewellery was bodied in yellow gold and plated over should the whim arise, and plated back when desired. White gold then would mean using gold of a lower karat composition, not a good thing for a Straits gold lover.

This piece is likely to be made as early as the 1920s. Its gold work is robust, unfussy and neat, a trademark of earlier craftsmanship.

The OEC diamonds are white and eye clean, and considered very fine old cuts. They weigh a combined 6ctw.

The bracelet measures 6.5″ and 0.5″ wide. The centrepiece spans 7cm.