True Peranakan jewelry is always delicately designed, however much the gold in a piece of jewelry. This bracelet has its ‘intan’ diamonds positioned quite far apart (compared to the this third bracelet), making use of spacious filigree to depict distinct motifs. There is no ‘right’ side to this bracelet, either way you wear it, the central motif figures either a phoenix or a butterfly. It is quite brilliant, this harmonious jewelry art of the Peranakans, but not all pieces need be this way. Compared to the first and second bracelets we offered, this piece should date somewhere in between to the ’50s latest, about 70 years old.

What is consistent in old Peranakan bracelets is the articulating three-part of the frontal piece. This means even if the bracelet is too small or too big, it will however wrap nicely to every wrist. In fact, this particular piece features the biggest frontal piece we have, and spanning across 4cm, this would cover most of one petite wrist, an interesting look for a filigree bracelet. The articulating work flows along the branches and are ‘hidden’ by the filigree perfectly.

This 20-22k bracelet is still a dainty piece, excepting a wider frontal piece at about 2.5cm tall; from there it gradually thins until oval links that come to under 3mm.

The mood is mellow elegance, in view of its bigger centerpiece. Hand fabricated throughout.

(Antique Peranakan Bracelet, Butterfly Intan Jewellery)