22K Yellow Gold Traditional Box Clasp Tongue Plate Replacement
Jewelry Component - Box Clasp Tongue · High-Karat Yellow Gold, alloyed with small amounts of copper and silver to maintain a rich, saturated golden hue.
Purity: 22K (916 fineness), containing 91.6% pure gold. High-purity alloy commonly used in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern jewelry.
Type
Jewelry Component - Box Clasp Tongue
Purity
22K (916 fineness), containing 91.6% pure gold. High-purity alloy commonly used in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern jewelry.
Gold Type
High-Karat Yellow Gold, alloyed with small amounts of copper and silver to maintain a rich, saturated golden hue.
Weight
0.5 to 1.5 grams. The item is a small, thin component; its value is predominantly attributed to its gold content rather than its weight as a standalone piece.
Description
This is a replacement tongue plate for a high-karat gold box clasp. The piece is characterized by its distinct 'forked' shape, engineered to provide spring tension for a secure mechanical lock. Its rich color indicates high purity, though it serves as a utility part meant for repair rather than a decorative element.
Key Features
Precision-bent V-shape for tension, flat contact surfaces for solder attachment, and high-karat flexibility which allows for repeated opening/closing without fracturing.
Color & Finish
Intense, deep yellow typical of high-purity 22K gold with a semi-matte to satin finish. Significant surface wear is visible, with scratches and dulling from friction against the clasp housing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps on this specific part of the mechanism. Typically, stamps would be located on the non-moving exterior of the box or the flat bridge of the safety latch, rather than the tongue plate itself.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 10mm-12mm in length, 3-4mm in width. Designed for a medium-width chain or bracelet.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a purely functional mechanical component.
Clasp & Closure
V-shaped tongue plate designed for a box-and-tongue clasp. Features two resilient prongs that compress upon insertion and expand to lock against the interior rim of the box.
Chain & Links
Not shown, but designed to be soldered to high-karat link styles like a Herringbone, Bismark, or a traditional flat figaro/curb chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped and precision-bent. The edges are clean, indicating high-quality die production, though it lacks the hand-finished touch of bespoke artisan findings.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic deep yellow-orange hue of 22K gold; absence of base-metal 'show-through' in scratched areas; geometric symmetry consistent with machine-stamped jewelry findings.
Origin & Maker
Generic manufacturer; likely sourced from a wholesale jewelry findings supplier in India, Thailand, or the UAE given current high-karat jewelry market patterns.
Era & Period
Contemporary (late 20th century to present), though the design has been standard in jewelry for over a century. Minimalist functional design.
Age Estimate
Likely produced within the last 15-20 years based on the precise die-cut shape and moderate mechanical wear patterns.
Cultural Significance
Represents the emphasis on high-purity gold in many Eastern cultures, where jewelry is viewed both as adornment and a portable form of liquid wealth.
Condition Notes
Good functional condition. There is 'thinning' near the bend which can signify metal fatigue, common in high-karat gold which is softer than 14K or 18K alternatives.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value based on 91.6% of current spot price. As a replacement part, it has a modest premium to a jeweler (~$40-$80 depending on exact weight and current gold market).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid aggressive polishing which can remove gold and weaken the spring tension. If the clasp becomes 'loose,' a professional can gently flare the prongs to restore the locking click.
Similar Items
Lobster claw trigger plates, fold-over clasps, or 18K versions of the same component which would appear slightly paler and 'stiffer' to the touch.
Interesting Facts
High-karat gold (22K+) is actually quite soft, meaning these 'tongue' pieces frequently lose their 'spring' over time and must be manually bent back or replaced to ensure the jewelry doesn't fall off.