East Asia, Southern China, Miao culture, ca. mid-20th century CE. A lovely, handcrafted silver necklace chain with a strand of turquoise and coral beads that coalesce at the center with a silver lock pendant and dangling charms. The silver chain and charms range from 66% to 93% silver with a gold wash added to the lock pendant, and a 39% gold and 33% silver alloy used on the dangling golden flowers. The hollow silver lock is repousse decorated with a Chinese inscription that translates to "longevity." Additional chains with silver cone shaped bells dangle to the sides- tinkling and announcing the wearer even with the slightest movements. The lock pendants represent security and longevity, a talisman of protection and these were often commissioned by a family for their newborn to wear. Size of strand doubled: 25" L (63.5 cm); lock pendant: 2" L x 1.5" W (5.1 cm x 3.8 cm); silver quality: 33% to 93%; gold quality: 4% to 39%; weight: 72.4 grams

Provenance: private Burbank, California, USA collection; ex-private collection of actress Chanin Hale (1928 to 2020).

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#179188

Patina and toning to silver and minor nicks to stone beads. Intact and wearable. Overall great condition.