22K/24K Yellow Gold Ottoman Tugrah Coin Pendant on Stainless Steel Figaro Chain
Pendant on Chain (Hybrid Accessory) · Yellow Gold (High Karat). A rich, orange-yellow hue typical of traditional Middle Eastern or Turkish alloys, containing small amounts of copper or silver.
Purity: 22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%) for the pendant body/bail; the chain appears to be non-precious stainless steel. 22K is traditional for Middle Eastern jewelry of this style, offering better durability than pure 24K while maintaining high gold content.
Type
Pendant on Chain (Hybrid Accessory)
Purity
22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%) for the pendant body/bail; the chain appears to be non-precious stainless steel. 22K is traditional for Middle Eastern jewelry of this style, offering better durability than pure 24K while maintaining high gold content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High Karat). A rich, orange-yellow hue typical of traditional Middle Eastern or Turkish alloys, containing small amounts of copper or silver.
Weight
Pendant: 3g - 6g (estimated); Chain: 10g - 15g. The pendant appears to be a lightweight 'jewelry-grade' replica of a coin rather than a heavy bullion piece. Total value is concentrated in the yellow metal component.
Description
This striking pendant features the iconic Ottoman Tuğra, a calligraphic monogram representing the Sultan. Surrounded by a celestial arc of stars and a traditional laurel wreath, the high-karat gold pendant radiates cultural heritage. It is presented on a rugged, stainless steel Figaro chain, creating a mixed-media aesthetic that blends traditional luxury with modern durability.
Key Features
The central Tuğra calligraphy, the distinct orange-yellow hue of high-karat gold, and the contrasting 'High-Low' pairing of gold and steel components.
Color & Finish
Deep saturation yellow. The coin face features a satin/matte background with high-polish relief (bas-relief). The bail shows heavy wear with a duller, burnished finish. The chain is a contrasting cool-toned metallic silver or steel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible stamps on the obverse face. Expected marks would typically be located on the reverse side or the interior of the bail (e.g., '916' or '22K'). The chain likely bears a '316L' or 'Stainless' stamp on its lobster clasp.
Dimensions Estimate
Pendant diameter: Approx 20-22mm (similar to a US Nickel). Chain width: 4mm - 5mm. Chain length: 20-24 inches (Standard men's length).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design relies entirely on the symbolic Tuğra (calligraphic monogram) and surrounding laurel wreath/stars motif.
Clasp & Closure
Chain features a standard stainless steel lobster claw clasp. The pendant is attached via a wide, tapered v-bail over a soldered jump ring.
Chain & Links
Figaro link style (three short round links followed by one elongated oval link). The chain appears machine-made with flat-surface polishing. The pendant is a stamped disc with a flared, hand-applied bail.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck pendant resulting in clean, repetitive detailing. The bail is likely hand-soldered to the jump ring. The Figaro chain is a standard industrial product with high-uniformity links.
Authentication Indicators
The color is characteristic of 21K/22K gold. Note the difference in luster between the pendant and the cold, grey steel of the chain. Professional testing (XRF) is recommended to confirm if the pendant is solid gold or a high-quality gold plating (vermeil) on a lower-grade core.
Origin & Maker
Likely Turkey or Middle Eastern region. The Tuğra is the seal of an Ottoman Sultan, frequently used in Turkish jewelry ('Reşat Altın' style).
Era & Period
Contemporary (2000s-Present) revival style. While the Tuğra design originates from the Ottoman Empire (1299–1922), this specific item is a modern fashion interpretation of the Turkish Lira commemorative coins.
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely manufactured in the last 10-20 years based on the combination of a high-karat pendant with a base-metal Figaro chain.
Cultural Significance
Represents Ottoman heritage and Turkish identity. High-karat gold is a standard form of savings and status across the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The gold bail shows significant surface scratches and 'rounding' from friction against the steel chain. The coin face retains crisp details, though some micro-abrasions are visible on the polished surfaces.
Value Estimate
Pendant: $250 - $450 (assuming solid 22K gold, based on 3-5g weight); Chain: $10 - $20 (base metal value). Value is primarily derived from the gold weight (melt value) plus a small premium for the cultural design.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Keep the gold pendant separate from the steel chain when not wearing, as the steel is harder and will gradually wear away the soft gold bail over time.
Similar Items
Turkish Cumhuriyet Gold Coins, Ottoman Reşat Lira pendants, or 18K gold-plated fashion medallions. The primary difference is the purity and thickness of the gold disc.
Interesting Facts
The Tuğra was a Sultan's signature, designed to be impossible to forge. In Turkish culture, gold coins (or jewelry resembling them) are traditional gifts at weddings and births to provide the recipient with portable wealth.