Chinese Multi-Gemstone Necklace-Export

The Jade Wedding set in my previous posting was an example of Chinese ornaments made for the Chinese market; the symbols have little meaning for the Westerner.

[click on images to enlarge photos by: RidgewoodEntrust]

This is an example of what I call Chinese export silver jewelry. This multi-gemstone necklace is from the first quarter of the 20th century. Tourmaline, jade, amethyst, rose quartz and blue quartz set in vermeil.

The design is targeted to appeal to the non-Asian market but contains traditional Chinese details.

The round link that contains a square represents a Chinese coin in/good fortune…but it also works as a contrast with the jeweled links…


The gemstones are decorated with flowers and grapes-fertility symbols in China…but also popular symbols for Westerners.