Featured Chinese? Green Turquoise Necklace on String With Sou Symbol

Recently bought this necklace. Looks like turquoise hand strung on cotton string. Has an unmarked box clasp with a Chinese Shou symbol. Measures 19" long when undone. Any idea on age? Maybe mid century?

 

It's Chinese turquoise for sure. The beads could have been reused, but it doesn't look like it. Age....you've got me.

 

Thanks, If I play around enough with google lens it tells me Chinese export, possibly mid century.

 

Doesn't look the least bit like 1940s-1960s to my eye. Jewelry from that period, even Asian imports, was refined. And typically shorter in length.

Debora

 

The clasps were still in use right into the 90s, so it's actually zero help.

 

This new member reads like AI & attempt to see profile led to error message.

 

Thank you everyone for the input. I do have some better pictures. The metal is not silver.

 

Lovely photos. I still think it's a modern piece.

Debra

 

I will reply once the AI agent has gone.

 

And they are gone.

The turquoise is Hubei turquoise. Hubei turquoise has different colours, and this is one of them.
It may not be top quality Hubei, but the stones are pretty and have a natural look. It reminds me of neolithic necklaces and beads, which give it a nice historic feel which I like.

I do think it is mid-century, partly based on the base metal clasp. More recently Chinese Shou clasps are generally silver, a result of the subsidies the Chinese state gives to export crafts.
Also, the condition of the thread as well as the discolouration and hardening of the end knots point to extended wear.

 

Thank you Any! Good info.