Articulated Fold-Over Clasp Component in Yellow Gold Finish
Jewelry Finding / Clasp Component · Yellow Gold Alloy (Finish); warm mid-yellow tone, indicative of a standard jewelers' alloy using copper and silver in balance.
Purity: Indeterminate; lacks clear fineness stamps such as 10K, 14K, or 585. Visually resembles 14K yellow gold but surface wear suggests potential gold-plating or gold-filled (GF) composition.
Type
Jewelry Finding / Clasp Component
Purity
Indeterminate; lacks clear fineness stamps such as 10K, 14K, or 585. Visually resembles 14K yellow gold but surface wear suggests potential gold-plating or gold-filled (GF) composition.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Alloy (Finish); warm mid-yellow tone, indicative of a standard jewelers' alloy using copper and silver in balance.
Weight
0.1 to 0.5 grams; very lightweight as it is a single component of a larger assembly.
Description
A functional yellow gold-toned metal component, specifically the inner tongue or safety fold-over latch for a jewelry clasp. It features a tapered rectangular body, a curved lip for grip, and an articulated base with two pivot points. The item is utilitarian in nature, designed to provide security for a bracelet or timepiece.
Key Features
Single embossed 'C' mark, twin-rivet articulation base, and a curved pressure-fit lip.
Color & Finish
Yellow gold with a polished surface. Exhibits significant surface scratching, micro-pitting, and edge wear consistent with high-friction mechanical use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A singular, large sans-serif 'C' is embossed on the flat body. This is likely a maker's mark or part of a patent identification rather than a purity stamp. No standard fineness hallmarks are visible.
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 5-8mm; Width: 3-4mm. Small-scale component for a watch band or delicate bracelet clasp.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a purely functional mechanical hardware piece.
Clasp & Closure
Tongue or safety-latch component for a fold-over or box-style clasp. Features two small pivot holes or rivets at the base for articulation.
Chain & Links
N/A; this is an individual attachment piece meant for a linked bracelet or watch strap.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped from a flat sheet of metal and then bent into shape. The 'C' is struck into the piece during the stamping process. Edges are deburred but show standard mass-production quality.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of Karat stamps (10K, 14K, 18K) is a significant red flag for solid gold. The 'C' stamp is a proprietary mark, not a legal hallmark. The density appears low relative to high-karat gold.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-produced. The 'C' mark could suggest brands like Citizen or Seiko for watch hardware, or a specialized jewelry findings manufacturer.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (Late 20th Century to present). The stamping style and precision-cut shape suggest industrial mass-production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s - 2010s. The 'C' stamp and stamped-metal construction are typical of mid-to-late 20th-century jewelry manufacturing.
Cultural Significance
Represents the industrialization of jewelry, moving from hand-forged closures to standardized, interchangeable mechanical findings.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows significant evidence of friction-based wear. The gold tone appears thin on the edges, which might indicate a base metal core (plating wear).
Value Estimate
Negligible ($0.50 - $5.00). Value is strictly as a replacement part. If solid 14K, melt value would be approximately $10-$20, but the piece currently lacks hallmark verification.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid over-bending the articulated base. Clean with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners as any plating will likely strip off, revealing the base metal underneath.
Similar Items
Sister-hook clasps, box-tab inserts, and deployment buckle components for luxury watches.
Interesting Facts
Clasp components are the most common failure point in jewelry. Because they require spring-tension or high friction, they are often made of harder, lower-karat alloys or plated steel to prevent the gold from 'stretching' or deforming.