Chan Luu Pegasus Motif Sterling Silver Coin Charm Leather Bracelet
Jewelry (Bracelet / Charm) · Chan Luu. Established in 1996 by Vietnamese-born designer Chan Luu in Los Angeles, the brand is renowned for pioneering the 'wrap bracelet' and utilizing a mix of semi-precious stones, leather, and handcrafted silver elements.
Pattern: Signature Bohemian Leather Wrap Collection; Pegasus Motif. This is a recurring ethno-chic design element within her artisanal jewelry line.
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet / Charm)
Maker
Chan Luu. Established in 1996 by Vietnamese-born designer Chan Luu in Los Angeles, the brand is renowned for pioneering the 'wrap bracelet' and utilizing a mix of semi-precious stones, leather, and handcrafted silver elements.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) charm and toggle. Combined with genuine leather cords, semi-precious stone beads (likely adventurine or jade and carnelian), and nylon/silk thread wrapping.
Dimensions
Charm: Approx. 15-18mm diameter. Bracelet: Standard adjustable 6-8 inches. Total silver weight is approximately 5-8 grams.
Description
An iconic example of Chan Luu’s bohemian aesthetic, this bracelet features a rustic sterling silver coin charm embossed with a mythical Pegasus. The piece balances the ruggedness of brown leather with the delicate craftsmanship of hand-wrapped silk threads and soft-hued semi-precious beads. The silver exhibits a deliberate aged patina, giving it the appearance of an ancient excavated coin paired with modern textile artistry.
Key Features
Pegasus iconography, mixed media construction (leather/silver/silk), high-quality .925 sterling silver with heavy oxidation, and the signature Chan Luu toggle clasp.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) charm and toggle. Combined with genuine leather cords, semi-precious stone beads (likely adventurine or jade and carnelian), and nylon/silk thread wrapping.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and distressed finish. The silver charm features a raised Pegasus (winged horse) in a primitive, coin-like relief. The toggle bar uses a 'twisted rope' or 'guilloche-type' texture. Decoration is primarily 'Boho-chic' with hand-wrapped thread details in contrasting colors.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'CHAN LUU' and '925' on the reverse of the coin charm or on the toggle button/bar. Due to the artisanal nature, these are often small and can be obscured by the oxidized finish.
Construction Details
Cast silver charm with a hand-drilled hole. The bracelet is hand-assembled using knotting and wrapping techniques. The toggle is cast with a high-polish ball finial.
Functional Features
T-bar and loop (toggle) closure system. The charm is attached via a textile loop, allowing it to move freely. Multi-strand leather construction provides durability.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; The 'grip' element of the toggle is a twisted sterling silver bar designed for easy one-handed fastening.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-finishing on the coin edges and manual thread-tensioning in the wrap. The casting of the Pegasus is intentionally 'primitive' to mimic ancient coinage, a hallmark of artisanal quality over machine precision.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Pegasus casting (specific to Chan Luu), high-quality textile wrapping that doesn't unravel, and the specific 'twist' pattern on the silver toggle bar. Genuine pieces use high-grade Sterling rather than base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in USA (Los Angeles); Manufactured in Vietnam or India by skilled artisans under the Chan Luu workshop system, maintaining traditional hand-wrapping techniques.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Modern (21st Century). It reflects the late 20th and early 21st-century movement toward 'Ethno-luxury' and handmade artisanal aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010-2022. This style gained peak popularity in the mid-2010s and remains a staple of the brand's production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of Western accessory trends with Eastern handicraft traditions. It helped shift the 2000s jewelry market away from high-polish mass production toward a 'found object' and 'earthbound' aesthetic.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The leather shows minor darkening from wear which is expected. The silver has heavy intentionally-added tarnish (oxidation) to highlight detail. Thread wrapping appears intact without fraying.
Value Estimate
$75 - $165 USD depending on the specific stones used and if the original branded pouch is present.
Care & Maintenance
Do not submerge in water (damages leather). Clean the silver charm with a dry polishing cloth if desired, but avoid 'silver dips' which will remove the intentional black oxidation in the recessed areas. Store in a dry place to prevent leather rot.
Similar Pieces
Me & Ro (similar matte silver aesthetic), Dogeared (simpler charms), or generic 'Boho wrap' bracelets which usually use silver-plated pewter rather than solid Sterling.
Interesting Facts
Chan Luu's designs became a global sensation after being worn by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Lady Gaga. The Pegasus symbol is often used in her work to represent freedom and inspiration.