24K Yellow Gold Traditional Nepali Kada Bangle Shell Fragments
Bracelet (Kada Bangle fragments) · Yellow Gold. High-purity 24K gold has a distinctively rich, saturated orange-yellow hue due to the absence of alloying metals like copper or silver.
Purity: 24K (99.9% pure gold). Also known as 'Chapa' or 'Tezaabi' gold in the South Asian market, representing the highest fineness used in jewelry.
Type
Bracelet (Kada Bangle fragments)
Purity
24K (99.9% pure gold). Also known as 'Chapa' or 'Tezaabi' gold in the South Asian market, representing the highest fineness used in jewelry.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. High-purity 24K gold has a distinctively rich, saturated orange-yellow hue due to the absence of alloying metals like copper or silver.
Weight
Estimated 20 to 50 grams (approx. 2 to 4.3 Tolas). Based on the visible thickness and the common weight of solid or thick-shell 24K Kadas, these fragments suggest a heavy original piece.
Description
These are broken fragments of a high-purity 24K gold Kada (bangle). The fragments display intricate, hand-tooled traditional motifs. This type of jewelry is highly valued in Nepali culture as both a status symbol and a portable form of wealth. The deep yellow luster is characteristic of investment-grade gold jewelry common in South Asia.
Key Features
High-carat saturation, hand-engraved traditional floral motifs, and its state as broken scrap gold for refining or melting.
Color & Finish
Deep, buttery yellow typical of 24K gold with a semi-matte to textured finish. The surface features traditional hand-engraved scrollwork and floral patterning.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible on fragments. Typically found on the inner circumference of the original bangle; often include the jeweler's initials and a '999' or '24K' stamp.
Dimensions Estimate
Curvatures suggest an original inner diameter of approx. 58-62mm (standard bangle size). The cross-section is approximately 4-6mm in thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item relies on repoussé and chasing techniques for decorative floral and geometric metal designs.
Clasp & Closure
None. Traditional Kadas are either solid continuous loops or have a screw-hinge mechanism, which appears to have been severed.
Chain & Links
Solid/Thick-walled shell construction. Not a chain. The cross-section reveals the item may be hollow or filled with a resin/lac core (common in traditional Nepali and Indian jewelry to prevent denting), though the broken edges suggest a heavy gold wall.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-chased engraving. The uneven nature of the pattern suggests traditional hand-tooling rather than modern machine casting, which adds to its traditional appeal even as scrap.
Authentication Indicators
The characteristic 'buttery' color and extreme malleability (indicated by the jagged, soft-edged breaks) are strong indicators of 24K purity. The inner core surface at the break points should be inspected to ensure it is gold throughout and not gold-plated over a base metal base.
Origin & Maker
Nepal or India. Typically hand-crafted by Sunar (goldsmith) communities specializing in 24K bridal and ritual jewelry.
Era & Period
Contemporary production in a Traditional South Asian/Himalayan style. These designs have remained consistent from the 20th century to the present.
Age Estimate
Recent (Last 10-20 years). The sharpness of the engraving and the specific style of the break suggest modern wear and tear or intentional dismantling.
Cultural Significance
The Kada is a symbol of strength and protection. In Nepali culture, gold (Sun) is considered auspicious and is a mandatory part of dowries and religious ceremonies like Dashain.
Condition Notes
Poor/Scrap. The item is severely damaged, broken into four separate pieces. The structural integrity is lost, and it is now considered 'melt' gold for recycling.
Value Estimate
Estimated value: 250,000 to 650,000 NPR depending on exact weight. Value is based strictly on the current Nepal Gold & Silver Dealers' Association (FENEGOSIDA) rate for 'Tezaabi' or 'Chapa' gold, minus a small refining fee. At approx. 130,000-140,000 NPR per Tola, the value is essentially its weight in gold.
Care & Maintenance
As these are broken, the only maintenance is to keep the pieces together in a secure pouch. If repaired, 24K is very soft and should not be worn during heavy manual labor.
Similar Items
22K Indian Bangles (slightly harder/redder), 24K Gold Thai Baht Jewelry (different link styles), or Gold Bullion Bars.
Interesting Facts
In Nepal, 24K gold jewelry is often bought as 'emergency money.' Unlike Western jewelry, which is valued for its design, South Asian 24K jewelry is bought primarily for its weight and purity, making it easily tradable for cash at gold shops.
Notes
tell me its price in npr