Jade Bangle: Hinge?

[persimmonfan]

I inherited a jade bangle from a family member. Unfortunately, it’s too small for my hand.

I was planning to have it cut and have a jeweler attach a hinge. However, I am not sure if this is a bad idea to cut into a single piece of jade - if it would negatively impact the qualities or value of the piece. If there’s sometime more informed than me, please do let me know. I was told this was Burmese jade.

 

[persimmonfan]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/mason-kay-jade-bangle—worth-the-price.253714/ Also found this old thread. I hope it's okay to tag people! @YC @lucida818 who seemed very informed - if you have any insight, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Timor]

From my personal understanding and experience, cutting into it would negatively impact the monetary value of the piece. Except for very rare cases, sellers would only do this if there’s an imperfection they want to get rid of/hide. If all else is the same, the price difference between uncut and cut jade/nephrite bangles is pretty significant. And it is expected to negatively impact the durability of the bangle to an extent.
However, if you want to wear the bangle yourself, cutting it doesn’t necessarily detract from the beauty and certainly not the sentimental value of it. Carvings and hinges can be done beautifully by skilled artists, and I have seen people wear hinged ones for a long time without problem, so if you are careful it should be fine

 

[persimmonfan]

From my personal understanding and experience, cutting into it would negatively impact the monetary value of the piece. Except for very rare cases, sellers would only do this if there’s an imperfection they want to get rid of/hide. If all else is the same, the price difference between uncut and cut jade/nephrite bangles is pretty significant. And it is expected to negatively impact the durability of the bangle to an extent.
However, if you want to wear the bangle yourself, cutting it doesn’t necessarily detract from the beauty and certainly not the sentimental value of it. Carvings and hinges can be done beautifully by skilled artists, and I have seen people wear hinged ones for a long time without problem, so if you are careful it should be fine

You’ve put your finger on the issue exactly. I don’t want to damage an heirloom, but everyone in my family would rather see me wear it instead of having it sit in a box. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit anyone else either, so that’s not an option.

Thank you for your perspective!

 

[Timor]

You’ve put your finger on the issue exactly. I don’t want to damage an heirloom, but everyone in my family would rather see me wear it instead of having it sit in a box. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit anyone else either, so that’s not an option.

Thank you for your perspective!

If you are not planning on selling it I think your family is right that it's better to have the bangle worn with love than sitting in a box Before you go ahead with cutting it you may want to 1) Make sure that it actually is too small! Sometimes hand cream and the right angle makes a lot of difference! 2) Have a professional look at it regarding any structural risks, as that could depend on the original quality of the material.
Whatever you decide to do with it I hope all turns out well. And do share pics!

 

[persimmonfan]

Also updating with some better pictures of the jade

 

[glitterata]

That is so beautiful! It would be a pity to cut it, especially if there's any chance someone in your family might eventually be able to wear it.

Are you SURE you can't wear it if you use methods like lotion or a plastic bag? Is there a chance there might someday be children with smaller hands? Could you incorporate it into something you use, like a handbag or box?

Here's a photo of a vintage handbag I have that uses a jade bangle as a handle, just as an example--but you can look on ebay for examples of simpler, easier ways to attach a bangle to a purse as a handle.

 

[persimmonfan]

That is so beautiful! It would be a pity to cut it, especially if there's any chance someone in your family might eventually be able to wear it.

Are you SURE you can't wear it if you use methods like lotion or a plastic bag? Is there a chance there might someday be children with smaller hands? Could you incorporate it into something you use, like a handbag or box?

Here's a photo of a vintage handbag I have that uses a jade bangle as a handle, just as an example--but you can look on ebay for examples of simpler, easier ways to attach a bangle to a purse as a handle.

That’s an interesting idea.

No, I definitely cannot wear it. I have the smallest hands in the family (a six-inch bangle with hinge is best for me) and 3.5 ring finger, and it doesn’t fit. My grandmother never took her bangles off until she was over 100 years old and she was much smaller then, because she was elderly.

It also doesn’t suit my lifestyle to wear a jade bangle without being able to take it off. I am too active, and it won’t work for any of my preferred sports. Very sad.

 

[seaurchin]

I don't know how to weigh in because I don't have any idea how much it's worth now, what it would likely be worth after cut and hinged or how much you want to be able to wear it. More details, maybe?

 

[persimmonfan]

I don't know how to weigh in because I don't have any idea how much it's worth now, what it would likely be worth after cut and hinged or how much you want to be able to wear it. More details, maybe?

That’s fair! I have no idea what it is worth or what it would be worth after. Jade is an extremely specific area.

I’d probably wear it about once a week on average if hinged. So it would go from zero wear to around 50 times a year. Also, other people in my family could wear it if interested.

 

[seaurchin]

That’s fair! I have no idea what it is worth or what it would be worth after. Jade is an extremely specific area.

I’d probably wear it about once a week on average if hinged. So it would go from zero wear to around 50 times a year. Also, other people in my family could wear it if interested.

Well then, just my opinion but unless it would cause some kind of gigantic loss in value, I'd rather get the hinge and be able to wear it.

 

[JPie]

I would rather not wear it than to cut it and add a hinge. Chinese people believe that jade protects its wearer, and it breaks when it blocks bad luck for you.

My grandmother wore a jade bangle for decades and it broke when she died. I guess you could argue that it didn’t protect her if she died anyway, but that’s the reason why it is now a hinged bracelet.

Basically, your ancestors would be rolling over in their graves if they knew you were intentionally cutting a jade bangle.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

That’s an interesting idea.

No, I definitely cannot wear it. I have the smallest hands in the family (a six-inch bangle with hinge is best for me) and 3.5 ring finger, and it doesn’t fit. My grandmother never took her bangles off until she was over 100 years old and she was much smaller then, because she was elderly.

It also doesn’t suit my lifestyle to wear a jade bangle without being able to take it off. I am too active, and it won’t work for any of my preferred sports. Very sad.

i would get the hinge done
wear it, dont warehouse it

 

[purplesilk]

I would rather not wear it than to cut it and add a hinge. Chinese people believe that jade protects its wearer, and it breaks when it blocks bad luck for you.

My grandmother wore a jade bangle for decades and it broke when she died. I guess you could argue that it didn’t protect her if she died anyway, but that’s the reason why it is now a hinged bracelet.

Basically, your ancestors would be rolling over in their graves if they knew you were intentionally cutting a jade bangle.

Ditto.
Intentionally cutting a jade bangle is a no-no.
You'd better keep the bangle as it is and pass it to another family member (daughter, niece,...)

 

[persimmonfan]

I would rather not wear it than to cut it and add a hinge. Chinese people believe that jade protects its wearer, and it breaks when it blocks bad luck for you.

My grandmother wore a jade bangle for decades and it broke when she died. I guess you could argue that it didn’t protect her if she died anyway, but that’s the reason why it is now a hinged bracelet.

Basically, your ancestors would be rolling over in their graves if they knew you were intentionally cutting a jade bangle.

lol this is the information I came here for! My aunt said, “You should cut it. I’m not superstitious. She would be happy for it to be worn,” and then clammed up which immediately made me suspicious. But no one else in my family knew or was willing to share.

 

[JPie]

lol this is the information I came here for! My aunt said, “You should cut it. I’m not superstitious. She would be happy for it to be worn,” and then clammed up which immediately made me suspicious. But no one else in my family knew or was willing to share.

I suppose she meant well. This is one of the few things I am superstitious about!

 

[persimmonfan]

I suppose she meant well. This is one of the few things I am superstitious about!

She actually gave it to me, so it was a very sweet attempt to not bother me. I appreciate learning more, thank you.