Vintage 21K Yellow Gold Laser-Cut Calligraphic Nameplate/Pendant Piece
Pendant / Nameplate Fragment · Yellow Gold. The alloy likely contains small amounts of copper and silver to maintain the standard 87.5% fineness while providing structural integrity.
Purity: 21K (87.5% pure gold). This is a common standard in Middle Eastern and Indian jewelry, offering a deep yellow color more saturated than western 14K or 18K standards.
Type
Pendant / Nameplate Fragment
Purity
21K (87.5% pure gold). This is a common standard in Middle Eastern and Indian jewelry, offering a deep yellow color more saturated than western 14K or 18K standards.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. The alloy likely contains small amounts of copper and silver to maintain the standard 87.5% fineness while providing structural integrity.
Weight
Estimated 2 to 4 grams. The item appears to be a thin, flat sheet of gold, likely a fragment or part of a larger nameplate design.
Description
This is a fragment of a custom 21-karat gold nameplate or calligraphic pendant. The deep yellow hue is characteristic of high-purity gold. The piece features a vertical rectangular bar with horizontal protrusions, a style often seen in Arabic or Farsi name jewelry where letters are stylized into geometric shapes. It serves as a high-purity gold asset or a candidate for scrap-gold recycling.
Key Features
High-purity 21K hallmark, geometric calligraphic cutout design, and a flat, thin-gauge construction designed for lightweight wearability.
Color & Finish
Deep yellow with a brushed or semi-matte surface finish. Notable surface scratches and a dulling patina indicate significant handling or age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A faint '21' stamp is visible near the center of the vertical bar. This is a common numerical purity stamp used in international markets to denote 21 karat gold.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 35-45mm; Width of main bar: 5-8mm; Thickness: approx 0.5-0.8mm. It fits the 'petite' to 'standard' category for custom nameplate jewelry.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The piece is strictly metallic with decorative cutouts characteristic of calligraphic or geometric jewelry designs.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable/Missing. There is a visible loop or partial ring on the left protrusion, suggesting it was once connected via a jump ring to a chain.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The item is a flat, stamped or laser-cut plate with a D-shape profile logic on the protruding elements.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped or laser-cut from a gold sheet. The edges are somewhat sharp and the stamping of the purity mark is shallow, indicating commercial-grade rather than artisanal hand-forged production.
Authentication Indicators
The '21' stamp is consistent with high-carat jewelry from the Middle East. The deep yellow color and lack of 'brassing' (base metal showing through) suggest solid gold rather than plating.
Origin & Maker
Likely Middle Eastern (e.g., Dubai, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey) where 21K is the commercial gold standard. Maker is unidentifiable due to the lack of a distinct maker's mark.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 20th Century. The precision of the straight edges suggests industrial stamping or early laser-cutting techniques popular from the 1980s to the present.
Age Estimate
Likely 1990s to early 2010s. The style of the '21' stamp and the wear pattern suggest several decades of use or storage in a jewelry box.
Cultural Significance
Nameplate jewelry and calligraphically inspired pieces are significant in Islamic and South Asian cultures, often representing one's identity or religious devotion in a permanent, high-value medium.
Condition Notes
Fair. The item exhibits significant surface marring, scratches, and potentially uncleaned oxidation/toning. One edge appears roughly cut or detached from a larger assembly.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued for its 'melt value' (Current Spot Price x 0.875 x Weight). Because it appears to be a fragment, the numismatic or artistic premium is low. Estimated melt value: $120 - $250 depending on exact weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid polishing too aggressively as the thin gauge can bend. Store separately to prevent the 'soft' 21K gold from being scratched by harder 14K jewelry.
Similar Items
Similar to Arabic 'Allah' pendants or custom name necklaces found in gold souks. Alternatives include 18K Italian gold plates which are slightly paler and more durable.
Interesting Facts
21K gold is often referred to as '875' gold in the Arab world. It is the preferred purity for wedding dowries in many cultures because it balances the softness of 24K with the durability of lower alloys.