Posted 4 years ago
Watchsearc…
(88 items)
I bought this on EBay several years ago because I love old jewelry, especially ladies’ antique watch chains with slides and mens’ watch ornaments/fobs.
The chain is 48” long, has a slide with one opal and 6 tiny pearls- 2 of those pearls are on the sides surrounded by a raised swirl design. I cannot tell for sure but there may have originally been several more stones on the sides.
The swivel locket has a floral design with pretty dark blue stones that I believe are sapphires.
Inside the locket is an 1854 Emperor Napoleon III 5 centime French coin.
The coin seems securely affixed somehow and I don’t want to risk forcing it out just to see if there is any attributing information inscribed under it.
I’ve learned the Napoleon III was emperor of France from 1852 to 1870.
These bronze coins were minted 1852-1865 and were demonetized in 1935.
Lost in time is the reason for the coin being secured in the locket.....maybe a sentimental date or the remembrance of a honeymoon in France.....I’ll never know.
But, it’s mine now - opal is my birthstone, I’ve visited France a couple of times, I love sapphires and old jewelry - so I wear it now in appreciation and remembrance of special people, events and places in my own life. Time rolls on.....
Beautiful locket & lovely story, it is so nice to find something very special like this
Thank you, Newfld, for the kind words and the love!
Thank you, Vynil33rpm and Aura, for the loves!
I appreciate you all!
there is so much going on within this one item, beautiful.
I love how these blue stones stand out so well in the silver, love that coin type medallion, so pleasing, but would be easy to find out if a coin and also has no country shown which a coin normally does on the reverse. You did a smashing job finding this gem !~
Phil, thanks so much for the input and love!
At some point, I will have the locket checked out to confirm what the blue stones are and to find out more about it, such as metal composition of locket.
I’m confident it is an authentic French coin based on internet comparisons and information. Mine measures 25mm in diameter just as the 5 centime coin should.
The coin should weigh 5 grams, but, lacking a gram scale, I’m only going by feel to say the locket feels heavy enough for it to contain an authentic coin.
The coins have smooth edges -I can see that part well enough to know the edges are smooth.
To my eye, it looks to be bronze (I know you must be laughing!). At least, I know it’s not gold. :-(
CW is a huge learning experience to me with so many knowledgeable folks such as yourself offering input...so I thank you! And keep the input coming!
I love jewelry. Both real and costume. I've collected so much in the past and posted quite a bit here a few years back. This is really beautiful what a great find ! :)
sweet.............
Eileen, thank you so very much for that sweet comment! I hope when I’m gone, the next lady who wears it will attach some sentimental feelings of her own to it…..maybe she will…..
Thanks to all for the 17 loves! I appreciate you all!