Inge 14K Plumb Gold Carved Mother of Pearl Gaming Chip Counter 3-Strand Bracelet

Description

Inge 14K Plumb Gold Carved Mother of Pearl Gaming Chip Counter 3-Strand Bracelet
Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold, this 3-strand pearl bracelet by Inge is a wearable Work of Art, featuring a vintage gaming chip, token or counter of mother of pearl, finely hand carved on both sides.  On one side, against a textured background, there is a house in a lush, leafy setting with two people in the foreground.  The detailing is remarkable, extending to its use of perspective, as seen in a staircase in the house which clearly portrays the rise of the stairs and a wall on one side.  On the back, there is a lion prancing on hind legs with semi-circular lines separating it from a bird in foliage in front of a house that also has stairs.  The degree of "readability" changes with movement in the play of light and shadow and the carving rewards close inspection.  (The photos are taken at different angles, illustrating the effect.)  The mother of pearl has a lovely opalescent luster, in nuanced, creamy seashell shades with subtle auras of rose and blue adding to its soft glow.  The pearls, of course, are most harmonious, echoing the luminous shades of the shell.  The elegantly elongated oval counter is bezel-set in gold, which makes it stand out, giving it a finished look, framing it like a painting.
Mother of Pearl pieces like this have a long and interesting history.  Originally carved in China, they were commissioned by Chinese and British aristocracy, who used them as gaming chips.  Motifs dating to the 18th century include fascinating scenes of daily life and family crests or monograms.
The bracelet measures just under 7-1/4", extended (wearable length) and has a well-working push-in V-spring and box clasp.  The mother of pearl centerpiece measures just over 1-1/4" long by about 5/8" wide.  Each of the three strands has 38 pearls so there are a total of 114.  The bracelet weighs 12.9 grams.
It is signed on one side of the centerpiece "INGE" for the maker and "14K P" for plumb, meaning it is exactly 14 karat gold (as anything over 13 karat may legally be marked "14K") and on the tongue of the clasp, "14K".  (Last photo.)
The bracelet is in Very Good / Excellent vintage / pre-owned condition with just expected irregularities in the natural materials, surface dirt, scratches and a little tarnish / patina on the gold.  It has a lovely patina; cleaning and polishing are left to the buyer's discretion.  There are no flaws of consequence and the bracelet is simply Lovely.
Jewelry like this never goes out of style or down in value.  So versatile, it will go with everything and is appropriate to any occasion, year round.  It would also make a terrific gift, although I doubt you will want to part with it, and will come to you in a gift box, just in case.  Beautifully designed and expertly crafted, this elegant 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Pearl and Hand Carved Mother of Pearl Bracelet is a beautiful piece of jewelry that is a work of art and a piece of history as well.  A superb addition to your collection!
Please see our other listings for more great vintage jewelry.
Please note: the listing is for the bracelet only - anything else in the photos is a prop and is NOT included in the listing.
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