Chinese White Nephrite Jade 'Twin Fish' Pendant, late 20th Century

Name: Chinese White Nephrite Jade 'Twin Fish' Pendant, late 20th Century
Brand: bruinsma
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Carved white jade pendant featuring two fish tied together with a ribbon and coin, with orange coloration at the bottom. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$150 - $350

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

CHINESE WHITE NEPHRITE JADE 'TWIN FISH' PENDANT, LATE 20TH CENTURY: IDENTIFICATION

A reticulated pendant carved from pale celadon-to-white nephrite jade depicting two carp (nian nian you yu) joined at the mouth by a silk ribbon and coin (lu) motif. The stone displays characteristic waxy luster and significant russet-orange inclusions focused at the base and tail sections, likely intended to simulate natural river skin or secondary weathering. The carving utilizes incised line work to define scales and radial grooves for the fins, typical of modern lapidary production.

Compare with other jewelry in the archive: Edwardian Peridot & Diamond Garland Brooch/Pendant c.1905, Victorian / Edwardian Era Floral Lapel Pin with Chain and Pendant, Art Deco Style Marcasite Sterling Silver Necklace.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%

CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 27 jewelry items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Moderate production runs
Common at estate sales
Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

The russet 'skin' at the base is very concentrated, a common feature in modern 'treated' jade to mimic aged artifacts.
Tool marks in the reticulated areas suggest high-speed rotary tools rather than hand-abraded finishing.
Nephrite must be distinguished from common serpentinite (Bownite) or quartz substitutes via a scratch or gravity test.

How does authenticity detection work?

GEMOLOGIST'S ASSESSMENT

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

The identification of the motif and material is highly stable, but the distinction between natural 'skin' and artificial color enhancement requires physical testing beyond photos.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Material shows the greasy luster typical of nephrite jade rather than the glassy shine of jadeite.
2Traditional 'double fish' (shuangyu) composition with a standard lotus/coin top motif.
3Carving depth and finish suggest 20th-century production rather than 18th/19th-century lapidary work.
4Color distribution of the russet areas follows modern staining techniques often applied to lower-grade nephrite.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Suspected dye or heat treatment to enhance the orange russet color at the base.
•Uniformity of the scale patterns suggests semi-industrial manufacturing.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Conduct a specific gravity test to confirm the material as nephrite (density approx. 2.90–3.03).
→Examine under a 10x jeweler's loupe for microscopic air bubbles (indicating glass) or dye concentrations in fissures.
→Perform a hardness test on an inconspicuous edge; jade should not be scratched by a steel blade.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The piece appears structurally sound with no visible fractures or chips; the russet coloring at the base appears at home within the stone's natural fissures, though its intensity suggests possible artificial enhancement ('dyed skin').

GEMSTONE & METAL VALUE

$150 - $350

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of Chinese amulets, scholars of jade iconography, and buyers seeking traditional auspicious gifts.

What increases value

•Translucency of the white stone area
•Complexity of the reticulation (pierced work)
•Uniformity of color in the primary body

What lowers value

•Confirmation of artificial dye will significantly lower value to decorative levels
•Detection of common stone substitutes such as 'Bowenite' or 'Henan Jade' (Serpentine)