Rhinestone-Encrusted Dutch Sabot (Clog) Charm/Pendant
Jewelry (Charm/Pendant) · Unknown; likely a mid-20th-century costume jewelry manufacturer or souvenir producer specializing in novelty charms.
Pattern: Novelty/Souvenir Clog; Dutch Folk Art style
Type
Jewelry (Charm/Pendant)
Maker
Unknown; likely a mid-20th-century costume jewelry manufacturer or souvenir producer specializing in novelty charms.
Material
Likely Silver Plate over a base metal (Pot metal or Brass) or low-grade silver. Set with clear glass rhinestones or crystals.
Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 cm - 2 cm in length; estimated weight 2 to 4 grams. Scales as a 'standard' charm bracelet size.
Description
A charming decorative pendant shaped like a traditional Dutch wooden shoe (Sabot). The exterior is densely packed with clear round-cut rhinestones, providing a brilliant sparkle that contrasts with the smooth, polished silver-toned metal of the heel and interior. It captures the whimsical 'souvenir jewelry' trend of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Full pavé rhinestone coverage; distinct Dutch clog silhouette; integrated suspension bale.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate over a base metal (Pot metal or Brass) or low-grade silver. Set with clear glass rhinestones or crystals.
Finish & Decoration
Pavé-set rhinestones across the body; high-polish silver-toned finish on the heel and interior. The decoration mimics traditional Dutch folk embroidery through stone placement.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image. Such pieces often lack marks or may have a small '925' or 'STERLING' stamp near the jump ring if authentic silver.
Construction Details
Cast body with hand-set or machine-pressed stones. The jump ring is soldered to a small loop on the heel of the clog.
Functional Features
Suspension loop for attachment to a necklace or charm bracelet; hollow interior mimicking a real shoe.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item); features a simple circular jump ring for suspension.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade casting and stone setting. The stones are utilitarian 'chatons' common in period fashion jewelry.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of high-detail hallmarks suggests it is likely silver plate or costume-grade metal. Wear patterns show some base metal peeking through the plating on high-friction areas.
Origin & Manufacturing
Europe (undetermined) or USA. Many such souvenir pieces were mass-produced in jewelry hubs like Providence, RI or Pforzheim, Germany.
Era & Period
Mid-Century (c. 1950s-1970s). This was the peak era for novelty charm bracelets representing travel destinations.
Age Estimate
Likely 1960s based on the cut of the rhinestones and the style of the jump ring attachment.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom in international tourism and the commercialization of national icons into fashionable trinkets.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible tarnish and oxidation in the crevices between stones ('verdigris' appearing near the toe). One or two stones appear dull or yellowed due to moisture affecting the foil backing. Metal shows surface scratches.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD depending on whether the metal is confirmed as sterling silver or remains as costume jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Do not submerge in water or use liquid dips (destroys rhinestone foil). Clean with a dry, soft toothbrush and a specialized jewelry polishing cloth. Store in a dry environment to prevent further verdigris.
Similar Pieces
Enamel-painted Dutch clog charms; filigree silver Dutch charms; solid sterling silver souvenir clogs without stones.
Interesting Facts
Charm bracelets were known as 'travel diaries' in the mid-century; a Dutch clog would represent a visit to Amsterdam or the Netherlands.