22K-24K High Purity Yellow Gold Bead Fragment
Jewelry Component (Bead/Spacer Fragment) · High-Purity Yellow Gold
Purity: Estimated 22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%) based on deep saturated color and high malleability demonstrated by the tears and crushing. This purity indicates a gold content of 91.6% to 99.9%.
Type
Jewelry Component (Bead/Spacer Fragment)
Purity
Estimated 22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%) based on deep saturated color and high malleability demonstrated by the tears and crushing. This purity indicates a gold content of 91.6% to 99.9%.
Gold Type
High-Purity Yellow Gold
Weight
0.1g to 0.5g (Estimated based on visible thinness and hollow nature of the fragment)
Description
A fragment of a hollow, high-karat gold corrugated bead. The piece shows significant structural failure, including crushing and tearing, which reveals the paper-thin nature of the gold foil used in its construction. Its rich color suggests a very high purity, common in traditional wedding jewelry from the East.
Key Features
Deep yellow color, corrugated horizontal ribbing, extremely thin-walled hollow construction, jagged tear edges indicating high ductility.
Color & Finish
Deep, saturated buttery yellow with a matte/satin luster. The surface shows a ribbed or fluted texture resulting from machine or hand-stamping.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible on this fragment. Stamps are typically located on the interior rim or accompanying claps of the full piece.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 4mm - 6mm in width/diameter. The gold foil appears extremely thin, likely less than 0.2mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (component piece)
Chain & Links
Corrugated/ribbed bead construction, designed to be strung on a silk cord or gold chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck or electroformed construction. The ribbing provides some structural rigidity to an otherwise fragile gold foil. Soldering would have been minimal or non-existent on the bead body itself.
Authentication Indicators
Saturated color is consistent with 22K-24K gold; the way the metal has 'crinkled' rather than snapped suggests high purity; no base metal is visible at the tear sites, indicating solid (though thin) gold.
Origin & Maker
Likely of Southeast Asian, Indian, or Middle Eastern origin where high-karat gold jewelry is standard. No specific maker identifiable.
Era & Period
Contemporary design but utilizes ancient textures. Likely late 20th century to present.
Age Estimate
Modern (last 20-30 years). High-karat hollow beads are common in contemporary 'investment' jewelry found in Asia.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold Standard' of traditional jewelry in Southeast Asia and India, where gold is often treated as a liquid asset and an essential part of a dowry or family savings.
Condition Notes
Poor/Scrap condition. The item is a crushed fragment, missing significant portions and exhibiting severe structural deformation and tearing.
Value Estimate
Melt value only. Based on current gold spot prices, a fragment of this size is worth approximately $10-$30 USD depending on its exact weight in grams.
Care & Maintenance
Due to the extreme thinness of the metal, this item should be handled with tweezers only. It is effectively bullion/scrap at this stage.
Similar Items
Gold-plated silver beads (would show white core), 14K gold-filled beads (would be stiffer and show brassy core), or solid 14K beads (would usually be thicker-walled).
Interesting Facts
In many cultures, high-karat gold beads are sold by weight and used as a form of portable wealth. They are often hollow to provide maximum visual volume with minimum weight.