14K Yellow Gold Sweetheart Heart Locket with US Great Seal Eagle
Pendant (Locket) · Yellow Gold alloy with classic warm tones of copper and silver.
Purity: Likely 10K or 14K (41.7% to 58.5% gold). The appearance suggests a common gold-filled (GF) construction used for mid-20th-century sweetheart jewelry, which contains a layer of gold bonded to a base metal.
Type
Pendant (Locket)
Purity
Likely 10K or 14K (41.7% to 58.5% gold). The appearance suggests a common gold-filled (GF) construction used for mid-20th-century sweetheart jewelry, which contains a layer of gold bonded to a base metal.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold alloy with classic warm tones of copper and silver.
Weight
4-6 grams total including chain (estimated 2.5-3.5g for the locket alone). Pieces of this era are typically hollow-bodied.
Description
A classic piece of American military history, this heart-shaped locket features a raised Great Seal of the United States (the Eagle) against a white backdrop. These lockets served as emotional keepsakes during WWII, designed to hold photos of loved ones serving abroad. It is finished in a warm yellow gold tone with a smooth, rounded heart profile.
Key Features
Raised patriotic eagle emblem; white inlay contrast; hinged locket design for sentimentality; historical military association.
Color & Finish
Deep yellow gold with a high-polish border, featuring a white enamel or mother-of-pearl inlay background for the central emblem. Moderate surface patina and micro-scratches consistent with age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically found on the inside rim or bail; expected markings for this era include '1/20 12K GF' or a maker's mark like 'AMCO' or 'Lustern'. No stamps are visible in the provided exterior view.
Dimensions Estimate
Locket approximately 20mm x 20mm; standard 'petite' to 'medium' fit for a feminine sweetheart pendant.
Gemstones & Inlays
Features a white inlay, possibly mother-of-pearl or hard enamel, providing contrast for the raised metallic Great Seal of the United States.
Clasp & Closure
Pendant hangs from a standard jump ring; the chain likely utilizes a spring-ring or small lobster claw clasp typical of delicate gold-filled ropes.
Chain & Links
Gold-filled rope chain featuring twisted interlocking links for a shimmering, flexible drape.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped heart shells with a hand-applied emblem; internal hinge pin assembly. The 'rope' chain provides a high-sparkle finish through multi-directional facets.
Authentication Indicators
Slight brassy undertones on high-friction areas like the bail may suggest a high-quality gold-filled layer rather than solid 14K gold. The hinge construction is typical of 1940s manufacturing.
Origin & Maker
United States; likely mass-produced by American jewelry firms during the war effort such as Bal-Ron, Coro, or Simmons.
Era & Period
WWII Era / Retro (circa 1940-1945). This style was popular among servicemen as gifts for wives or mothers.
Age Estimate
Circa $1940$s based on the 'sweetheart jewelry' motif and the specific rendering of the eagle emblem.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American wartime domestic life and the emotional bond between the home front and the battlefront during the 1940s.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Visible hinge on the left indicates functional opening. Minor surface wear and softening of the emblem details suggest regular use during its history.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150. Value is primarily historical and collectible (sweetheart jewelry market) rather than based on melt weight, especially if gold-filled.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft polishing cloth only; avoid ultrasonic cleaners which may damage the inlay or the hinge mechanism. Keep dry and away from perfumes.
Similar Items
Sterling silver sweetheart lockets, gold-filled expander bracelets with heart motifs, and military branch-specific (Army/Navy) crest jewelry.
Interesting Facts
Sweetheart jewelry surged during WWII as a way for soldiers to stay 'close to the heart' of those at home; much of it was made of base metal with gold plating due to wartime metal rationing.