Unakite Stone Power Bracelet with Gold-Plated Silver Pi Xiu Charm
Jewelry - Beaded Bracelet with Amulet Charm · Unknown mass-market workshop or artisan jeweler, likely contemporary Asian manufacture. These items are generally unbranded and produced in large quantities in regional jewelry hubs.
Pattern: Feng Shui Wealth/Prosperity Bracelet; stylized 'Pi Xiu' (Mythical Lion) motif.
Type
Jewelry - Beaded Bracelet with Amulet Charm
Maker
Unknown mass-market workshop or artisan jeweler, likely contemporary Asian manufacture. These items are generally unbranded and produced in large quantities in regional jewelry hubs.
Material
Likely Silver-plated base metal or Sterling Silver (.925) charm with gold-tone vermeil/electroplating. The beads are natural Unakite (Epidote, Orthoclase Feldspar, and Quartz) on elastic cord. Base-metal rings seen in background.
Dimensions
Standard 8mm to 10mm beads; bracelet inner diameter approx. 6.5-7 inches. Estimated weight 25-35 grams including stones.
Description
An attractive example of a Feng Shui 'wealth-attracting' bracelet. It combines the earthy, mottled green and pink tones of natural Unakite stone with a gilded Pi Xiu charm. The Pi Xiu is a powerful protector in Chinese culture, often depicted with a winged lion body, thought to bring fortune and prevent wealth from leaving the home. The piece serves both as a decorative accessory and a spiritual amulet.
Key Features
Unakite stone beads; detailed Pi Xiu charm with coin/shell motifs; elastic construction; gold-over-silver or gold-tone plating.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-plated base metal or Sterling Silver (.925) charm with gold-tone vermeil/electroplating. The beads are natural Unakite (Epidote, Orthoclase Feldspar, and Quartz) on elastic cord. Base-metal rings seen in background.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish green/pink stone beads; the charm features an antiqued gold finish with textured casting to highlight the scales, coin patterns, and mythical features of the Pi Xiu creature in a traditional Chinese folk-art style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible on the charm or beads. Small 925 stamps may be present on the underside of the charm or on the ring shanks in the background, though typical for this price point, marks are often omitted or generic.
Construction Details
Cast metal charm using lost-wax or centrifugal methods with electroplated surface finish. Beads are tumbled and drilled stone. Strung on synthetic elastic/rubber thread for comfort.
Functional Features
Single-strand elasticized stretch design for universal fit; the Pi Xiu charm acts as a central 'guru' bead or focal point. The charm features coin textures meant to symbolize wealth attraction.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; item is a piece of jewelry. The elastic tension provides the 'grip' for the wearer's wrist.
Craftsmanship Details
Production-grade casting for the charm; stones are standard lapidary-quality tumbled beads. Assembly is simple hand-stringing.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of specific hallmarks suggests a lower silver content or plated base metal. Natural patterns in Unakite confirm the stones are genuine minerals rather than plastic or glass.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely East Asian manufacture (China, Hong Kong, or Thailand). These are staple products of gemstone and silver markets in Bangkok and Guangzhou.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Modern Era (Late 20th to 21st Century), utilizing traditional Chinese mythological symbology and New Age crystal healing trends.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010s to present. The condition of the elastic and the style of the plating suggest a modern, factory-made piece.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of traditional Asian prosperity beliefs (Feng Shui) with global fashion and the 'crystal healing' movement, where Unakite is associated with emotional balance and spiritual growth.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall. Surface tarnish is visible in the recessed areas of the charm (antiquing). One bead shows a slight chip near the drill hole. Elastic appears to have good tension. Plating shows minor thinning on high-relief points.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD depending on silver purity and retail venue.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid over-stretching the elastic. Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid silver dips or chemicals which can strip the thin gold plating and damage the Unakite finish.
Similar Pieces
Obsidian wealth bracelets with Pi Xiu charms (black stones), Jade Pi Xiu bracelets, or 24k gold foil 'Mantra' bead bracelets common in Southeast Asian jewelry shops.
Interesting Facts
The Pi Xiu is unique in Chinese mythology because it has an appetite for only gold, silver, and jewels, but no anus, symbolizing a person's ability to take in wealth without ever losing it.