We had the opportunity to purchase an unusual Ming’s of Honolulu Carved Jadeite Brooch.

The brooch is a beautiful carved piece and the owner felt that the brooch belonged in our collection.

We are glad the owner felt this way and we were able to acquire it.

The Jade Piece is significantly older than the actual brooch and not the “normal” jade that Ming’s typically used in their jewelry.

The Jade is carved with a (convex) curve upward the way  the jade piece is mounted.

Beautiful little flowers, leaves and vines embellish the jade piece.

The Signature Goldsmithing of Ming’s is evident in the brooch leaf work.

The Piece is also prominently marked with the impressed Ming’s mark.

From the conversation that we had with the owner several questions did come up,

Was that if this was a production piece that Ming’s sold in their retail stores?

Or

Was this a piece that was custom designed for a customer by Ming’s since they often did custom jewelry pieces?

More questions arise about Ming’s Jewelry and the pieces that Ming’s produced.

Many of the custom pieces contained no Ming’s mark.

Was Ming’s inconsistent with marking their pieces?

Or were custom pieces left unmarked to distinguish store inventory and custom designed pieces?

Ming’s of Honolulu Carved Jadeite Brooch with Signature Gold Work

Ming’s of Honolulu, Carved Jadeite Brooch, 

Ming’s also had a collection of older jade pieces, including their Nephrite jewelry pieces which makes this  jade piece a possible production piece.

The Owner mentioned that this may have been once owned by one of the family members of Mings.

More questions about the history of this brooch.

We love a good mystery story!

This makes our work even more interesting and fun!

Ming’s of Honolulu Carved Jadeite Brooch with Signature Gold Work

Ming’s of Honolulu, Carved Jadeite Brooch, 

Happy Treasure Hunting!

Sandy and Craig Watanabe

Aloha Memorabilia Company

alohamemorabilia.com