Featured Unusual bracelet...

Hi all,

I don't have this bracelet with me so I can't have a look with the loupe (took your advice and invested in one...game changer, thank you!) but my sister says it doesn't have any hallmarks. It does seem to have a hinge but she can't get it open. Apparently, it's "spongey" inside if you poke a pin through the holes in the thistle. Some kind of perfume diffuser? Just wondering about possible age more than anything. Also, if this is a genuine antique, where on earth would we start in terms of getting it valued/sold? I'm assuming eBay is not really the best place for this kind of item.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

The charm looks gold plated at best - analyzed for gold content?

 

Very nice thistle with an amethyst.

I don't think that's a conventional hinge, I suspect it's a pin fastening clasp. The links certainly look Victorian and I'll lay odds it's silver.

 

The hinge says the thistle opens... carefully try to inset a thin blade in the two parts junction opposite to the hinge
Metal needs to be tested to say what it is, but this nearly invisible hinge says it isn't junk

 

Duh, thought she meant the bracelet hinge! That's what I meant by pin clasp.

Yes, agreed, it's probably a vinaigrette.

https://petercameronantiquesilver.c...-novelty-scottish-silver-thistle-vinaigrette/

https://www.steppeshillfarmantiques...ilver-thistle-vinaigrette-dinna-forget/230622

 

Thank you! My sister's too scared to open it in case she breaks it . When lockdown is over, I'll give it a go if it is indeed a hinge. I don't have a gold testing kit. I was going to order one from Amazon but am not sure where to start. Any cheap and cheerful recommendations?

 

Interesting! Thank you. Spent a few minutes wondering why on earth people would carry round a vial of vinegar (though I've often wished I had one when I've walked too far away from the fish and chip shop and my chips are all dry halfway down) but I get it now. ha ha.

 

It looks goldy in the picture but I think it's silver. Great to get an estimate on the timeframe for the bracelet. Thank you!

 

GREAT EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Doesn't HAVE to be expensive....others may have better input, but here's a selection on Amazon.....maybe one of the other members might make a suggestion from the choices, but I wouldn't get too elaborate......
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gold+testing+kit+10k+14k+18k+22k+silver+platinum&crid=28GATHN9IKDWE&sprefix=Gold+testing+,aps,157&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_2_13

 

Love love love this! LUCKY YOU!
Leslie

 

It looks more like a watch fob than a bracelet to me. The thistle looks like an unengraved seal.

 

I did wonder if it could be a seal. Could it be a seal AND a vinaigrette?

 

Yes. Have seen ones that are a seal & a locket, so a vinaigrette shouldn't be out of the question.

 

It absolutely could be both.

 

Great unusual item. My idea of heaven trying to find out the history of things like this.

 

And mine!

 

Me three!!