We spend a lot of time admiring the elaborate carving achieved by the early 18th and 19th century Chinese artisans trained from childhood to carve gemstones.
So, this bracelet was a surprise when we found it… just three huge pieces of tourmaline in a simple silver setting that reminds me of the work of the native North American Navajo silver work.
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I’ve noticed that the use of tourmaline in antique Chinese jewelery seems to be both much rarer than jade, carnelian, turquoise, quartz, and other typical materials, and usually (or possibly always?) uncarved. I wonder if this material was only produced by a particular region or group that preferred the look of it uncarved or emphasized the silver work.
Hi… I am wondering if you saw the post in PictureBook
Thanks for commenting, Susan
What beautiful jewelry indeed. The antique jewelry the Chinese are accustomed to in the elaborate carvings, rare to behold and highly valued by traders alike. Much more rare than even jade and quartz.