Vintage Carved Nephrite Jade Turtle Brooch

A carved shell mottled olive and deep green, cool to the touch — rests in a gold-tone mount of textured claw-form legs and a pointed tail, the whole creature assembled with the unhurried confidence of something built to last. Turtle jewelry has been a quiet constant across cultures and centuries, carrying associations of longevity and groundedness that feel as relevant now as ever. The jade shell is hand-carved with shell pattern detail, and the contrast between the stone's natural variation and the warm gold-tone surround gives the piece a genuinely organic presence. Unsigned but consistent with mid-century jade and stone figural jewelry.

Materials: Gold-tone base metal mount; carved natural nephrite jade shell (unverified — tests as stone, cold to the touch, consistent with nephrite jade or serpentine)

Details:

• Era: c. 1960s–1970s
  
• Style / design notes: Naturalistic turtle form; carved jade shell with incised pattern detail; gold-tone claw-foot legs, head mount, and pointed tail; needle pin back
• Stone or material notes: Carved green stone shell
• Function: Lapel brooch
• Color: Olive and deep green with gold tone
• Condition: Great vintage condition, gentle gold wear around edges

Measurement: 1.25" long

Collected by Mineral and Matter