22K Yellow Gold Brutalist Pierced Cuff Bangle
Bracelet (Cuff Bangle) · Yellow Gold, likely alloyed with small amounts of copper and silver to maintain the rich golden hue while providing minimal structural durability.
Purity: Estimated 22K (91.6% gold content). The high luster and deep yellow saturation are characteristic of high-karat alloys commonly found in Southeast Asian or Middle Eastern jewelry.
Type
Bracelet (Cuff Bangle)
Purity
Estimated 22K (91.6% gold content). The high luster and deep yellow saturation are characteristic of high-karat alloys commonly found in Southeast Asian or Middle Eastern jewelry.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, likely alloyed with small amounts of copper and silver to maintain the rich golden hue while providing minimal structural durability.
Weight
35 - 55 grams. Due to the wide, domed profile and significant surface area, this is high-weight jewelry, likely hollow-cast to manage wearability while maintaining a bold appearance.
Description
A striking high-karat yellow gold cuff featuring an avant-garde 'holed' design. The piece utilizes organic, asymmetrical cut-outs framed by meticulous granulation. The domed architecture provides a commanding presence on the wrist, while the open-work ensures the piece remains breathable and light-reflective. This is a statement accessory that bridges the gap between investment-grade bullion and wearable art.
Key Features
Organic asymmetric piercing, dense surface granulation (beaded texture), and high-karat gold saturation. The 'Swiss cheese' motif creates a play of light and shadow unique to 3D-cast jewelry.
Color & Finish
Rich, saturated deep yellow with a dual-texture finish featuring high-polish raised granules (beading) against a semi-matte, open-work 'Swiss cheese' pierced background.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Potential internal stamps near the rim or hinge (not visible in image). Likely would feature a numerical purity stamp like '916' or a local maker's cartouche if of Indian or Thai origin.
Dimensions Estimate
Width: 25-30mm; Interior Diameter: 58-62mm (Standard Medium); Thickness: 3-5mm domed profile.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design relies entirely on 'Brutalist' metalwork and geometric negative space for aesthetic impact.
Clasp & Closure
Hidden box clasp with a safety figure-eight latch, integrated into the organic pattern to ensure a seamless circular appearance.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid cuff construction with a hinged opening. The hinge appears robust and integrated into the cast frame.
Craftsmanship Details
Lost-wax casting method likely used for the main body, followed by hand-soldered or pressure-set granulation. The internal finishing is smooth for comfort, contrasting with the highly textured exterior.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic deep yellow color of high-purity gold; hand-finished consistency in the granulation; lack of base metal 'bleeding' at friction points suggesting solid composition. XRF testing is required to confirm exact purity.
Origin & Maker
Likely Southeast Asian (Thailand or Singapore) or Middle Eastern (Dubai), where high-karat gold 'bold' jewelry is culturally preferred and manufactured using sophisticated casting methods.
Era & Period
Modern/Contemporary with Retro-Brutalist influences. The style reflects a mid-20th-century aesthetic (1960s-70s) but the manufacturing technique suggests a more recent production, likely 1990s-present.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2015. The precision of the granules and the specific hinge style are indicative of late 20th to early 21st-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold as Wealth' tradition in Eastern cultures, where jewelry is worn as a portable investment. The bold design reflects a shift from traditional filigree to modern architectural styles in luxury markets.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle wear. No visible dents or structural warping. Granules appear intact with no significant flattening.
Value Estimate
$3,200 - $4,800. Value is primarily driven by current gold spot prices for the estimated 45g weight, plus a 15-25% premium for the complex casting and high-karat craftsmanship.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with mild dish soap and a very soft brush (to reach into the cut-outs). Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as they can weaken hinges. Store in its own soft pouch to prevent the 22K gold from scratching harder materials.
Similar Items
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Perlée' bracelets (different scale), Cartier 'Crash' aesthetics, or traditional 22K Indian 'Kada' bangles which use similar high-purity alloys but often more floral motifs.
Interesting Facts
High-karat gold (22K+) is much softer than standard 14K jewelry, making large pieces like this prone to denting; however, its resistance to tarnish is significantly higher, preserving the 'sun-like' glow indefinitely.