Mizpah Necklace

My amateur search skills tell me this necklace is possibly 19th Century?.
Would that be likely with its construction? Is it possible to date it further?
Marked Mizpah and the arrow on both the pendant and the clasp so definitely contemporary.
Low quality white plated metal although the amethysts(?) and pearls seem to have fared pretty well.
Thanks for any information.

 

This info says after 1946..... https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/249750-mizpah-scottish-brooch

 

Ah, so not old at all really!
I'll had no idea it was a trade name rather than a sentiment!.
Thankyou very much, that's a great resource.

 

By that link Quarrier Ward and Ward Brothers used this stamp.

'Established in the 19th Century in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Ward Brothers and its successor Quarrier Ward were absorbed into our business (Miracle)over 10 years ago. Their range of Scottish jewellery which carried the Mizpah trade mark continues to find popularity.

The range features Scottish brooches, kilt pins, real feather plumes, grouse claws and pendants. The chromium plated finished ensures that the pieces stand out when worn inside or out and are especially hard wearing in all conditions'.

'You may also see Miracle pieces stamped with “Mizpah” on the back. Mizpah chrome finished jewellery incorporating the library of original designs from Quarrier Ward and Ward Bros some of which go back over 100 years. Most are set mainly with Bohemian glass Amethyst and Cairngorm stones'

 

Checking both UK and US papers, the earliest references I'm finding to Mizpah jewelry is the 1880s.

 

Just cuz they were at arms length

 

From what I've read the Mizpah trade name and the arrow was used on jewellery that predates Miracles (1946 start)by Scottish designers Quarrier Ward and Ward Bros. Miracle then bought the designs from QW. Who knows what age this necklace is as the date records are very flimsy.

 

I think the catch is older than 1946, but I have no proof.

 

It's just a barrel clasp and could have been from the 1960's.

 

maaaan, I can dismiss "could have been" with a blink.

It's like you're not even trying to make me research this.

 

You're conflating two different things here, I suspect.

Victorian mizpah jewellery is typically precious metal and at least semi precious stones. That's what is referenced in that newspaper cutting, NOT the Birmingham costume maker.

The Miracle Mizpah stuff, typically chrome, is indeed a copy of other designs, but it's well post WW2. That one looks 1960s ish.

 

ah well.

 

It was interesting to read that article Jivvy to recognise the difference.
I did stumble across another piece yesterday marked with the same stamps that was obviously chromed and fairly modern so think mine has just had a hard life. On the plus side I now know more about Mizpah trade name and Victorian Mizpah.

 

Ward Bros were Brummie silver and gold smiths who made "proper" mizpah.

 

Quarrier Ward and Ward brothers used the mark according to this vv

 

Hm. That entry is awfully confused to say the least.

 

This is the current company: https://www.miraclejewellery.co.uk/

Started as Hill and Co, 1946. Bought out the Ward costume designs a bit later, can't remember when, maybe 70s ish.

Ward Bros/Quarrier Ward did precious metals then branched out into Costume after WW2. Quarrier Ward did Mizpah branded originally and also Sol d'Or which for some insane reason was irish style stuff. All of that is post war. Miracle bought out both brands, now owned by St Just who make rather nice tin, pewter and precious metal stuff.

As to that bit about a factory in Coldstream, first I've heard of it.