This bracelet has been passed down since my great-great-grandmother bought in China when the family was quite wealthy. The cicadas carved around the outside of the bracelet represent someone of lower status rising up in social standing and wealth. The tradition has been for the female head to pass it down to a daughter in law that she likes, regardless of the rank of the son. My dad, for example, is actually the youngest son but he received this bracelet along with other heirlooms from his mother. I really appreciate the detailing of the cicadas, the striations in the jade, and just how long this piece of jewelry has stayed in my family.

– Michelle Cheng

Relationship:  unknown unknown