Small heart shaped pendent

[slwilliamssr]

Hello,
Ok I was Metal Detecting in my back yard. I got a strong hit and started digging, I got down about 5 or 6 inches and hit this small heart shaped pendent. It looks like at one time there was a small loop at the top where a chain would have been. It is about 1 1/8 inch wide and about 1 1/16 long. It is heavy for the size so I'm not sure if it is made of bronze or what. Any help here would be great.

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

heres one for Breezie

 

[ivan salis]

looks like a copper based gold gilted (plated) type jewelry type item --- common from the late 1870 to say 1920 ish time frame -- pity the tops broke -- thats most likely how it got lost

 

[Monty]

Most of the ones I've seen were two parts that opened up and a picture or lock of hair from the loved one was kept inside. Makes me think maybe a charm for a charm bracelet?Monty

 

[slwilliamssr]

looks like a copper based gold gilted (plated) type jewelry type item --- common from the late 1870 to say 1920 ish time frame -- pity the tops broke -- thats most likely how it got lost

The time frame you have stated here is good to know because my house was built in 1900. I also know the lady who grew up in the house as a child. She stopped by one day out of the blue to take some pictures of the house her grand father built. I now have some really cool old pictures of the house from 1909 Anyway with that date line I would guesssomewhere around the early 1900's as she would have been a little girl and it was found around the area she said she had a play house in.

 

[Breezie]

I agree with Ivan in that it appears to be some type of plate or gilt over copper. The stones are rhinestones, and I can't tell from the pic, but it looks as if they are not pronged set stones. The more expensive rhinestone pieces would have been set with prongs; either 4 or 6. I think it could either be from the Victorian era or the 1950's because in the 50s, rhinestone hearts were very popular, and often copied those from the Victorian era. The ornate decor on the front indicates Victorian more than 50s. Also, as a general rule, those from the 50s were not as heavy as those from the Victorian period. Jewelry is always a fun find whether it's the real deal or whether it is costume. I would try to clean it, but be careful of the rhinestones as they maybe loose. Nice find, Breezie

 

[slwilliamssr]

Thank you very much everyone for all the input. I think now I know more about this item. It was a big rush when I spotted it in the ground, all kinds of thoughts ran through my head. Breezie, thank you for your reply to my PM asking you to come check this out for me and for your feed back. If it was the real deal that would have just been a huge plus but being it is a Victorian period pendent I think it is still a very nice find. Not bad for my third time out metal detecting.

Thanks again for all your help.
Sandy

 

[Breezie]

Thank you very much everyone for all the input. I think now I know more about this item. It was a big rush when I spotted it in the ground, all kinds of thoughts ran through my head. Breezie, thank you for your reply to my PM asking you to come check this out for me and for your feed back. If it was the real deal that would have just been a huge plus but being it is a Victorian period pendent I think it is still a very nice find. Not bad for my third time out metal detecting.

Thanks again for all your help.
Sandy

Sandy, you're welcome and that is a GREAT FIND, especially for your 3rd time out . . .It might just be an indication of even more guuuuuuud stuff on the way. I know how it feels to see those rhinestones in the dirt; your mind starts racing thinking DIAMONDS. Not too long ago I found a circle pin filled with rhinestones, and it made my heart skip a beat or two when I first saw it. Keep up the good work, Breezie

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I would try to clean it, but be careful of the rhinestones as they maybe loose.

peroxide bath?