Grandfather’s jade pieces and jewelry—should I get an appraisal?

[Pinkmartini87]

Dear all,

My lovely grandfather left me a few pieces of jewelry many years ago that I’m not sure how to tell if they are jade or not. I’m not planning on selling, but would just love to know what they are made of. Is it worthwhile in this case to get an appraisal? And if so, who/where would you recommend and how much do you think it might cost for an appraisal? I’m based in San Fran btw if anyone knows of anybody local also.

Here are some photos to share.

This is all of them (I like the top row better than the bottom row as I feel the pieces in the top row have finer carving):



Here’s a close up of my favorite piece, of two wee monkeys climbing up a stalk of corn:



And here’s a close up of two smaller pendants showing their brownish colors on the borders:

 

[Burmesedaze]

Lovely, probably mostly nephrite jade is my guess. Intrinsic and sentimental value but imho would not require testing and appraisal.

These are old hand carvings, not machine perfection which is the norm nowadays. More skill and time devoted to the arts then.

 

[dk168]

I am admiring the craftsmanship of the designs and carvings!

DK

 

[pwsg07]

Look like nephrite or serpentine. I just realized there is a mermaid. I have never seen any theme of mermaid in Chinese carving.

 

[Pinkmartini87]

Lovely, probably mostly nephrite jade is my guess. Intrinsic and sentimental value but imho would not require testing and appraisal.

These are old hand carvings, not machine perfection which is the norm nowadays. More skill and time devoted to the arts then.

Thanks! I wish more folks still took the time now. It’s a shame we rush so.

 

[Pinkmartini87]

I am admiring the craftsmanship of the designs and carvings!

DK

Thank you for your kind compliments!

 

[Pinkmartini87]

Look like nephrite or serpentine. I just realized there is a mermaid. I have never seen any theme of mermaid in Chinese carving.

I haven’t either! A bit risqué compared to what I typically see depicted (Buddha’s, coins, peaches, etc). Grandfather traveled for his job so hard to say where they all came from. Perhaps the mermaid one is not Chinese.

 

[Burmesedaze]

I got curious about the mermaid an found these Chinese carvings on Google. I've not seen one IRL though

 

[prs]

Look like nephrite or serpentine. I just realized there is a mermaid. I have never seen any theme of mermaid in Chinese carving.

Maybe carved in Hong Kong for the British sailor market? If so, at least 50 years old.

 

[Pinkmartini87]

@Burmesedaze Thanks for sharing! I didn’t think before that mermaids were a popular theme!

@prs Interesting thought! Perhaps a lucky charm for a sailor!

 

[shinyrocks]

Beautiful pieces!

 

[Pinkmartini87]

Beautiful pieces!

Thank you!