14K Yellow Gold Vintage Charm / Miniature Shoe and Fan
Charm / Pendant · Yellow Gold, featuring a classic warm tone typical of traditional mid-century gold alloyed with copper and silver.
Purity: 14K / 585 fineness, representing approximately 58.3% pure gold content, standard solid gold jewelry alloy.
Type
Charm / Pendant
Purity
14K / 585 fineness, representing approximately 58.3% pure gold content, standard solid gold jewelry alloy.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, featuring a classic warm tone typical of traditional mid-century gold alloyed with copper and silver.
Weight
Estimated lightweight small charm, approximately 1.5 to 2.5 grams, hollow or stamped construction typical of vintage charm bracelets.
Description
A delightful vintage 14K yellow gold charm featuring a figural miniature shoe alongside a delicate fluted fan accent. The piece exhibits charming engraved starburst patterns and detailed texturing, capturing the whimsical aesthetic of mid-century charm jewelry designed to dangle and catch the light.
Key Features
Whimsical figural design, dual-element dangling components (shoe and fan), fine hand-chased surface engraving, and warm vintage gold patina.
Color & Finish
Warm yellow gold with a polished and hand-engraved/textured finish, displaying fine surface lines and starburst engraving patterns.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Purity stamp likely located on the suspension ring or reverse side, potentially indicating 14K or .585, though not clearly legible in the current view.
Dimensions Estimate
Compact scale; the primary shoe charm is roughly 15mm in length, and the accompanying fan is approximately 8mm in diameter, suitable for a standard charm bracelet.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones or inlays; entirely metal decorative piece featuring chased and engraved surface detailing.
Clasp & Closure
Equipped with a soldered jump ring or small suspension loop for attachment to a charm bracelet or necklace chain.
Chain & Links
Not applicable to this charm item, though it includes a small round suspension loop.
Craftsmanship Details
Stamped sheet metal construction combined with hand-engraved surface details and secure soldered jump rings, reflecting standard mid-century charm production techniques.
Authentication Indicators
Warm golden luster, appropriate weight-to-size proportion for hollow-stamped vintage charms, and characteristic tool marks from mid-century mechanical stamping and hand-engraving.
Origin & Maker
Likely American or European manufacture, mass-produced or artisan-made during the mid-20th century charm boom by regional jewelry workshops.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Retro Period, popular from the 1940s through the 1960s when whimsical, thematic gold charms were heavily collected.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s-1960s, based on the stylistic conventions of vintage charm bracelets and hand-engraved motifs.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war American and European fascination with personalized, storytelling jewelry, serving as a sentimental marker of personal identity and mid-century fashion trends.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Minor surface wear consistent with age, light rubbing to the high points of the engraving, and sound structural integrity with intact suspension loops.
Value Estimate
Valued primarily for its collectible antique charm appeal and gold melt value, typically ranging from $100 to $250 on the vintage secondary market depending on exact weight and maker.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid harsh chemical dips that can damage the detailed surface texture. Store individually in a soft pouch to prevent scratching.
Similar Items
Other vintage 14K gold figural charms such as miniature books, teapots, animals, and vehicles from makers like Sloan or Jacoby-Bender.
Interesting Facts
Charm bracelets surged in popularity during the post-WWII era, often used by collectors to commemorate travels, milestones, and personal hobbies, turning everyday jewelry into wearable memory books.