Chinese Jade Bi Disc Pendant with 14K Gold 'Love' Character Motif

This is a circular 'Bi' style pendant featuring a polished jadeite jade stone. The jade displays a mottled white to pale lavender base color with distinct vivid green 'mossy' patches scattered across the lower half. The stone is carved into a flat, donut-shaped disc with a smooth, high-luster finish. Measuring approximately 35-40mm in diameter, the central aperture of the jade is inset with a yellow gold medallion. This medallion features a pierced Chinese 'Ai' (Love) character, showcasing delicate openwork craftsmanship. The gold element is secured by a polished gold bail that wraps over the top edge of the jade disc, leading to a simple jump ring. The metal appears to be at least 14K yellow gold based on the color and luster, which is characteristic of mid-20th-century 'East meets West' jewelry styles. The condition appears excellent with no visible fractures or chips in the stone, and the gold shows only minor surface scratches consistent with light wear. The craftsmanship is refined, featuring well-balanced proportions and a secure mounting. The style is typical of export jewelry from the 1960s to the 1980s, often produced in Hong Kong.

I have examined the digital images of this jadeite jade 'Bi' disc pendant. The piece features a characteristic mottled white to pale lavender ground with desirable vivid green 'apple' or 'mossy' inclusions. The stone exhibits a high vitreous luster and appears free of structural fractures, though internal crystalline 'cloudiness' is visible, which is typical for commercial-grade jadeite handled in the mid-to-late 20th century. The 14K gold 'Love' character insert is well-executed with clean openwork. This style was highly popular in the export market, particularly from Hong Kong between 1960 and 1985. The current secondary market for vintage 'East meets West' gold jewelry remains stable, with demand driven by the symbolic nature of the 'Ai' character and the trend toward chunky, mid-century Asian motifs. Comparables for 35-40mm discs with similar color saturation typically realize between $400 and $700 at auction and specialized estate retail. The value is primarily influenced by the presence of the vivid green patches against the paler background. However, several critical factors cannot be determined via imagery: I cannot definitively confirm if the jade has undergone Type B (bleaching/polymer impregnation) or Type C (dyeing) treatments, which are common and would significantly decrease the value. A physical examination is required to verify the '14K' hallmark and conduct a refractive index test. To finalize this appraisal for insurance purposes, GIA laboratory certification would be necessary to confirm the jade is 'Type A' (natural and untreated).