Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries


Visitors' Forum

Asian Art  Forums - Detail List
Asian Art Forums

Message Listing by Date:
Message Index | Back | Post a New Message | Search | Private Mail | FAQ
Subject:Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: Kevin Mon, Aug 16, 2021 IP: 92.9.21.195

I have a bracelet which I think is made of gold and is fairly old, possibly Japanese. It has three sets of distinct markings on it and I wondered if anyone could help me identify what they mean or even where the jewellery might have come from.







Subject:Re: Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: I.Nagy Tue, Aug 17, 2021

It is Chinese,
Pic.1,
陳 - Chén - Typical Chinese surname
Pic.2,
寳曹 - Băocáo - Probably given name
Pic.3,
宣  - Xuān - Surname
The other two embossed characters are illegible.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: Kevin Tue, Aug 17, 2021

Thank you very much I.Nagy. I have posted a better picture of the final set of symbols and also a picture of both entire bracelets against my original post. If you can tell me more I would be very grateful.

Subject:Re: Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: Kevin Tue, Aug 17, 2021

Thanks for your reply I.Nagy. I am posting a better picture of the last set of symbols here if you can help. I am having to photograph them through a magnifying lens. I actually have two of these bracelets with the same symbols and am also including a picture of the entire bracelets. I realised the symbols on the other one are more clear.

I will get them analysed to prove whether they are gold or not. Does anyone have any ideas where they were made, who made them or what value they might have?





Subject:Re: Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: I.Nagy Wed, Aug 18, 2021

Marking reads,
足金 - Zújīn - Pure gold/ solid gold
To find out the actual purity contact a jeweller with confidence to perform a touchstone test.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: Kevin Sun, Aug 22, 2021

Thank you for your reply, that is very helpful.

Subject:Re: Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: Steve Gridley Wed, Aug 18, 2021

I believe the last mark are Chinese characters for "pure gold". The signature resembles that of Canton silversmith Bao Xing, a.k.a. Bo Hing (1860 - 1910). Reference: Chinese Export Silver by Adrien Von Ferscht, 4th Ed. 2015. Page 129.

A new piece typically is worth the value of the gold. That being said, a newer piece made by a famous jeweler is worth more than the gold value. Additionally, a vintage or antique piece made by a recognized maker would command a much higher price, typically dictated by an auction sale price.

Silversmiths are known to have worked in gold. Many of us began with silver and started in gold with commissioned pieces. You need to do some more research.

Subject:Re: Gold Jewellery Makers Marks
Posted By: Kevin Sun, Aug 22, 2021

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your detailed and helpful response. I have found that the book that you mention is available in digital format so I may get a copy.
I will also look further into Bao Xing.

Kevin


Asianart.com | Associations | Articles | Exhibitions | Galleries |