Blue Cloisonne & Vermeil Koi Fish Charm Bracelet and Hoop Earrings China Export

  

That, with a nod to our favorite Dr. Seuss's book "One Fish, Two Fish". , is the number of fanciful fishies showcased in our vermeil and cloisonne charm bracelet and earrings. A China export from the 1960s or maybe even earlier, our demi catches the eye with well-articulated, very detailed depictions of the koi fish, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity in that culture.

The koi are made of (and marked as) silver and shades of blue cloisonne. The bracelet charm and dangles are two sizes of the koi. The hoop earrings are a rarity among similar Chinese export jewelry they feature an extra pair of lapis or bright blue enameled fishies on the hoops. I've seen a lot of these Chinese made earrings, but none of those, nor those online that I've found, are exactly like ours here.

This rare feature is why we believe our set may be older thabn 1960, maybe dating to the beginning of the 20th century. Behold the cutest koi around in our demi.

Both the charm and the dangles are rotund renditions of this colorful fish, with very wiggly, articulated bodies, big heads with protruding or bulging vermeil eyes. The predominant enamel hue is lapis, with highlights of pale aqua blue. The features are delineated by vermeil trim. The fine detailing is most evident in the body scales, which are scalloped and segmented in rows that move.

The 2 long bracelet charm has eight rows of scales, a lapis blue enamel top fin and a pair of movable bottom fins. Its tail is big and imitate the live koi's lush tailfins. The fish dangles on the earrings are a smaller version of the bracelet charm, each with six segmented rows of scale and a smaller, simpler two-pronged tail fin. Each earring has a non-articulated and arched fish on the lower half of the hoop.

These hoop koi are lapis enameled, with the fins and tail decorated by fine vermeil protrusions. Each hoop is hinged on the mouth portion, and a half circle of vermeil wire connects to the tail fin. All pieces are marked "Silver" on the tiny connector hoops.

The silver mark, in China export pieces, usually indicate 900 silver. The hoop koi are also marked Silver on the inside portion of their bodies. The bracelet comes with a fine sterling silver vermeil chain, about 6 1/2 long and with a locking c-clasp. The charm is about 3/4 wide.

The earrings are 2" long and 7/8" wide. In overall excellent condition, with all the cloisonne still bright and vivid, and the vermeil trim still golden in hue.

Some wear to the sterling vermeil chain, which we found already with the koi charm. The charm can also be paired with a necklace chain. If we find a fine necklace chain, we'll add it to this set so you can use the charm as a pendant as well.