14K Yellow Gold Heart Locket with Military Crest on Rope Chain
Necklace (Locket and Rope Chain) · Yellow Gold. The item exhibits a warm, rich tone characteristic of a yellow gold alloyed with copper and silver.
Purity: Likely 14K (58.5% gold). Given the jewelry style and clasp type, this is standard for mid-century and modern US consumer jewelry. It appears to be solid gold but requires testing for gold-fill or plate.
Type
Necklace (Locket and Rope Chain)
Purity
Likely 14K (58.5% gold). Given the jewelry style and clasp type, this is standard for mid-century and modern US consumer jewelry. It appears to be solid gold but requires testing for gold-fill or plate.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. The item exhibits a warm, rich tone characteristic of a yellow gold alloyed with copper and silver.
Weight
Total weight approximately 4-6 grams. The rope chain appears relatively thin (1.5mm) and the locket is likely hollow to provide storage space inside, making it lightweight for its size.
Description
A sentimental and patriotic gold necklace featuring a heart-shaped locket. The locket is bordered in high-polish yellow gold, framing a white inlay that supports a detailed eagle crest (Great Seal of the USA). It hangs on a classic rope chain that provides a shimmering, textural contrast to the smooth locket face.
Key Features
Heart locket functionality for two photos; detailed Great Seal of the United States crest; contrasting white inlay; classic 1.5mm rope chain.
Color & Finish
High polish finish on the heart locket's outer bezel; textured/matte finish on the central crest element. The rope chain has a standard reflective diamond-cut or polished finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks: '14K' or '585' on the spring ring clasp and on the back or interior rim of the locket. May include a manufacturer's mark like 'JGI' or '14KT ITALY'.
Dimensions Estimate
Chain length: Approximately 18 inches. Chain width: 1.5mm. Locket: Approximately 20mm x 20mm (3/4 inch).
Gemstones & Inlays
The center of the heart appears to feature a white material, possibly mother-of-pearl or white enamel, which provides contrast for the gold Great Seal/Military crest in the center.
Clasp & Closure
Spring ring clasp. This is a common, lightweight, and secure closure for thin rope chains. The gold purity stamp is usually located on the small pull-tab or the connecting jump ring.
Chain & Links
Rope chain construction. It consists of multiple small oval links woven together to resemble a hemp rope. It is likely machine-made with high flexibility.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-woven rope chain; die-struck crest element soldered to the locket face. The locket hinge is a critical point of craftsmanship, typically pin-and-barrel construction.
Authentication Indicators
Color uniformity across the chain and locket; spring ring clasp functionality; depth of the eagle crest casting. Red flag: If the edges show silver or copper tones, it may be gold-filled.
Origin & Maker
Likely United States origin. The crest is the Great Seal of the United States, suggesting an American manufacturer specializing in commemorative or military jewelry.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Late 20th Century (1970s-1990s). The combination of a heart locket with a military eagle crest is a common commemorative or 'sweetheart' jewelry style popular during Mid-Century and later.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2000. The style of the spring ring and the crispness of the die-struck eagle crest suggest modern mass-production techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of romantic love and patriotic duty/service. Heart lockets are traditional symbols of keeping a loved one's memory 'close to the heart.'
Condition Notes
Good condition. The chain shows no visible kinks. The locket appears to close flush. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with light wear on the polished gold surfaces.
Value Estimate
Market value: $250 - $450. Primarily based on gold weight (melt value) plus a 30-50% premium for the jewelry design and locket functionality.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the white inlay is mother-of-pearl, as it is organic and porous. Store in a soft pouch to prevent the rope links from catching.
Similar Items
10K Gold 'Sweetheart' WWII-era pins; 14K Gold Eagle Coins in heart bezels; Sterling Silver military locket pendants.
Interesting Facts
Heart-shaped military jewelry, often called 'Sweetheart Jewelry,' became extremely popular during WWII as tokens given by soldiers to their wives or mothers before deployment.