Such a welcome and sumptuous surprise from 1905!
If you ever obtain an antique box, don't forget to check if the bottom of the interior lifts up. Some larger boxes were designed to sequester additional fittings. For underneath what was already an amazing find were added treasures.
Inside the main area of the box was draped the original gold chain, along with an amazing star motif pearl pendant & brooch as well as a removable matching bale.
Lifting up the velvet-fitted area revealed a number of goodies.
- The original metal trembler hairpin that screws on or off
- A gold safety chain with natural seed pearls
- Two British Empire Exhibition 1 penny stamps from 1924
- 12 tiny pink glass pink buttons
- A clipping entitled, "Make the Most of Every Chance"
See below for the entire verse; see photos for all
And what a jewel it is. A glorious, large-size, natural pearl star motif, lacy gold pendant can be worn as a brooch or as a hair adornment. Leave on the removable matching bale for slipping it on the paperclip chain.
Remove the fitting and twist on the *trembler* hairpin for an exceptional jewel.
Entirely original and in amazing condition, this was a gift from one to another, fully hand engraved and dated.
Details:
Pendant, brooch, hair ornament & bale
Fifty-two half, natural white pearls
Sizes from 4 mm to less than 1 mm
One old mine cut diamond
.15 carats
18k yellow gold
Dated 1905
Chain:
15k yellow gold
Safety chain of 9k yellow gold and three petite natural seed pearls
The clipping reads, "Make the Most of Every Chance."
Learn to make the most of life.
Lose no happy day;
Time will never bring thee back
Chances swept away.
Leave no tender word unsaid.
Love while love shall last;
The old mill will never grind
With the water that has passed.