Vintage Hammered White Gold Finished Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Bracelet (Hinged Bangle) · White Gold Finished (likely rhodium or nickel plating over a yellow gold alloy or base metal)
Purity: Estimated 10K to 14K Gold Plater or Vermeil; showing signs of base metal exposure
Type
Bracelet (Hinged Bangle)
Purity
Estimated 10K to 14K Gold Plater or Vermeil; showing signs of base metal exposure
Gold Type
White Gold Finished (likely rhodium or nickel plating over a yellow gold alloy or base metal)
Weight
45-60 grams (heavy/chunky construction)
Description
A substantial mid-to-late 20th-century hinged bangle featuring a bold, domed silhouette. The exterior is characterized by a heavy hammered texture that creates a shimmering, pebbled effect, while the interior is finished with a ribbed, textured surface. Its chunky aesthetic reflects the 'Bold Gold' fashion trends of the late 70s, designed to be worn as a statement piece either alone or stacked.
Key Features
Continuous hammered pebbled texture; heavy domed profile; internal ribbing for structural integrity; integrated hinge.
Color & Finish
Dull silver-tone white with a course hammered/pebbled surface finish; visible tarnishing and internal wear
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in current view; potential maker's mark or purity stamp near the hinge area or interior rim
Dimensions Estimate
Inner diameter approximately 60-65mm; width approximately 25-30mm (tapered)
Gemstones & Inlays
None; decorative focus is on the textured metal surface
Clasp & Closure
Hinged side-opening with a hidden tongue-and-groove clasp and likely a safety latch
Chain & Links
Solid domed metal construction with integrated mechanical hinge
Craftsmanship Details
Cast construction with hand-finished hammering; mechanical hinge assembly with internal structural ribbing to prevent denting of the hollow-domed walls.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of clear 14K/18K hallmarks suggests a plated or lower-karat fashion piece; wear patterns on edges indicate a layered metal composition.
Origin & Maker
Mass-produced costume or fashion jewelry; potential American or Italian origin
Era & Period
Vintage 1970s-1980s (Bold Gold Era)
Age Estimate
Latter half of the 20th century, circa 1975-1985
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward 'Power Dressing' and large-scale jewelry that became a hallmark of late 20th-century professional and social fashion for women.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. Visible wear to the plating on the inner rim reveals a darker base metal or aged yellow alloy. Minor surface oxidation and dulling of the original luster.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 (primarily decorative/vintage value rather than melt value due to lack of solid high-purity gold hallmarks)
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, non-abrasive cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners which may damage the remaining plating; store in a separate pouch to prevent scratching against harder gemstones.
Similar Items
David Yurman hammered bangles (higher craft/solid silver or gold); Kenneth Jay Lane costume bangles (non-precious); Ippolita hammered gold collections.
Interesting Facts
During the 1970s, gold prices spiked, leading many designers to create 'heavy looks' using electroforming or heavy plating over base metals to maintain the bold aesthetic while controlling costs.