Antique Jade Hoop Earrings Gold 20k Chinese
Antique jadeite jade hoops set in 20k.
The jade is Type A, with a bright green jade slightly paler than apple green, deeper than celadon. Jade color like this responds promptly to light, taking on light to become brighter or warmer readily.
These hoops are part of Straits Chinese jade jewellery, a time when all jade was natural, although a particular shade like this was worn by younger women.
The hoops style in jade is so hard to come by now. The jadeite is carved substantially thick, though antique jade hoops are not usually so.
Interestingly this pair is an odd size, not big but not small either. Its size is formed like a pair of Westernised mid-size hoops, clearly another East-West piece so dominant in Straits Chinese Peranakan jewellery. Wearing a pair like this was the flair of affluent families, no where near ‘old fashioned’.
Which of course means this is now a great Chinoiserie beauty, a tad flirty and a tad serious. The minute details of the lever back ear posts, which while hanging will not let the pair swing much, is graceful.
From the front, the token gold seen with the bright jade is just perfect.