River bed find needs id

[russ]

Hi all, went out few days ago on a tidal river bed and among other things found this what to me looks like it could be an old item of
jewelry. possibly off a necklace or pendant.....what do you think? Item measures approx 1.5 inches wide aand weighs 3 grms, gold in colour, could be gold plated and had about 19 stones most of which were missing, one left is a white or clear diamond or looks like a diamond ,havent checked yet.Item looks well made prob by hand ,,,doesnt look machined, and stones were held in on corners not stuck. Nice grooves are cut in to metal to make this look like it must have been a nice quality item....there is a bit of lettering or something on the reverse, but is very faint,as its been in the mud of a river for probably years......anyway any ideas anyone? thanks for looking Russ.

 

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[CRUSADER]

Looks like costume jewelry which had paste stones in it from circa 1880-1920.

 

[russ]

thanks 4 that

 

[CRUSADER]

thanks 4 that

I think its copper, as you know it comes out like that from wet conditions.

 

[russ]

possible but not sure will get back to you on that when weve had a closer look was a bit cleaner than other copper stuff ive found in the river....

 

[vpnavy]

I moved this request from Today's Finds! over to Our Discoveries > What Is It? for more exposure.

 

[CRUSADER]

possible but not sure will get back to you on that when weve had a closer look was a bit cleaner than other copper stuff ive found in the river....

OK,if it tests as Gold then my theory is out the window, they don't normally put paste stones into Gold. However, if you look closely at the fittings it not going to hold precious stones very well as it has not clasps. ie. the method of holding them was some type of glue.

 

[bradyboy]

haven't we seen this before?
Brady

 

[russ]

no it does have tiny clasps 4 on each hole when viewed under a strong lens, thats what I thought ,but my sister looked closer and the stones were held in by tiny corner clasps or lugs,if I can I ll find a way to put a photo of them on for you cheera for now

 

[russ]

cheers

 

[CRUSADER]

no it does have tiny clasps 4 on each hole when viewed under a strong lens, thats what I thought ,but my sister looked closer and the stones were held in by tiny corner clasps or lugs,if I can I ll find a way to put a photo of them on for you cheera for now

OK couldn't see that in the photos, so might be more hope than I thought.

 

[2screwed]

They are hard to see but you can make them out in this screenshot :

 

[russ]

am testin it in the week so should know soon, is not magnetic so poss brass or gold or whatever,,,got one of the original stones and using tests that r online it qualifies as a diamond at moment but thats prob more me hoping it is than actual being one but whatever its a nicely made bit of probable junk jewelry but I aint quite giving up on it yet.....anyone know a site where I can see something very similar? spk u soon cheers all.

 

[russ]

did a white vinegar test, was still shiney when taken out so just waiting for nitric acid kit to get serious......what if it turned out to be real gold? would that mean the diamonds were real? Ive only got one........drat.... ah well back to the river with a dam good magnifying glass... will prob melt with the nitric knowing my luck

 

[russ]

think its brass. never mind still ok but not as ok as gold......

 

[russ]

broach I think?

 

[CRUSADER]

think its brass. never mind still ok but not as ok as gold......

I would have been surprised otherwise, but it does happen.

Brooch? Not so sure. It's hard to work out what the hell it was meant to have been, unless the reverse gives clues?