Posted 9 years ago
Hoipolloi
(25 items)
I've only been interested in antique and vintage curios, glass and jewellery since getting a bump on the head last year (true!) and what I love about it the most is researching an item. I'm always tempted to pop anything new on here immediate but I like the challenge. My ability to absorb information I read startles me but I've learned quite a lot over the past 6 months or so. But not about these!!!
I picked these pendants up in my local charity shop and I'd never seen anything quite like them before. All I know about them is they're old and belonged to a lady who collected curios from around the world. Sadly she's now passed away and they've fallen into my hands by chance.
My problem has been trying to find out what they're made of. I'm guessing Jade because of the Chinese Zodiac carvings but there is so much contradictory information out there about what is Jade, Jadeite, Nephrite or imitations. Can anybody help me out with this. They've become my lucky talismans and I carry them around with me. They always feel icy to the touch and clink together very musically.
Thank you oldandsilly. I did wonder if they may be tortoise or turtle shell too. They're both very different in looks and weight, however I've never seen a piece of either of those to compare it with. Lovely though, aren't they? Thanks again x
Lovely pieces, Hoipolloi, enjoy them, and thanks for sharing, and for sharing your story. :)
Good eye, OAS, and also interesting to hear how you got started as a collector. :)
Very interesting symbolism in those!
The ram is for chinese zodiacal sign goat, and agree with OAS for auspicious rat and money!
I think it is rather a kind of pressed resin than carved, but only a feeling :-)
The famous "red hot pin poke" applied near the hole at the back will tell for material (organic will let a burned hair smelling smoke, resin will melt at the poke with chemical smell).
Anyway, they have some age, and are very attractive :-)
Thanks you guys. It's always great to have feedback with fellow enthusiasts. Under the loupe I can see little marks that have made me think they were carved; pressing hadn't occurred to me, nor resin, although I did wonder if the Goat was a kind of Amber. They both look amazing over a light box; especially my goatee friend.
Anyway, any more ideas would be welcome and I wish you all a happy Sunday. Xx
Sure nothing better to have the piece in person, to feel it and taste it! ;-P
Amber could be an eventuality too.
The rat one has an agate look to the back of it and under the loupe it looks very deep, hard to explain but like clouds in 3D. I'm glad it's auspicious for money matters. I'm going to wear it around my neck when I go on my collectable trails - it might help me find more collectables for less money. I'm a spendthrift.
stunning!!!!
Val, I've enjoyed this thread, too, so nice when everybody schmoozes on something like this. :)
I especially like kyratango's tried and true advice to either poke it with a hot pin or taste it, too funny!!! :))
I've enjoyed it too. Thanks everybody xx