Dear Reni,
I am writing on behalf of my mother, who has a bracelet which we know is over one hundred years old. We are trying to find out anything about this bracelet, when it was made and what it would be valued at now. If you could give us any information on it, we would very much appreciate it.
Thank you,
K.
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I love questions about antique jewelry, my number one passion! Your mom's "bracelet" was originally a vest chain. Traditionally for men, fashionable women on the "move", may also have incorporated this accessory into their attire. The clip on the end is called a "swivel" and held a watch which was carried in the vest pocket. A bar or "toggle" would be attached to the center ring and secured through the vest's button hole. The "fob" ornament dangled out the front of the button hole for weight and a nice decorative look. Both gold and "rolled plate" vest chains were manufactured in the 1890's.
Reni