Can anyone read Chinese /Japanese hallmarks?

This shot was small enough to load; the ones of the bracelet will need resizing. It's half of the clasp on a very short but heavy bracelet. I have a feeling it's better than sterling, given the wear, but I don't read Asian languages worth anything. It doesn't look like a standard Japanese mark, but what do I know?

 

I bought it for about melt if it's sterling.

 

Upside down, it's marked 利興紋銀 "Li Xing Wen Yin [Sterling Silver]."

("Li Xing" is the modern reading of this name; as an old shop name it probably would have been different.)

Edit: Looking at this again, I suppose it's possible the first character is 和 not 利, which would make the name He Xing. It's hard to tell because the mark was made with a well-worn chop.

 

1. Thanks! I'll have to do some digging and see if I can find anything on those names.

2. Does this style of bracelet have a Chinese name? Or is it just a bracelet?

 

I know nothing about jewelry, Chinese or otherwise, but if you put these characters into Google Images you'll find a lot: 泰银手链 . Literally, that means Peaceful-Silver-Hand-Chain. Looks like they're more for men. You can also compare "Dragon Bracelet."

 

Not unless the men are VERY small, in this case; it's too small for me.

 

That dangly heart tells me this is for a woman too. Most men wouldn't put up with that thing swinging about.

 

Too bad. I guess you won't be selling it at a bikers' convention:

http://www.dhgate.com/product/gothic-biker-men-s-curb-chain-bracelet-men/216989744.html

 

NOT to go off topic, but you would be surprised at the current trends in men's jewellery. Lots of white & black sapphires, diamonds, dangling things, etc. Check out King Baby and Steven Webster. Bubba Bling fa showa.........

 

Uhmm, I think I'll pass. Then again, if I can find some of it cheap enough at a rummage sale....