14k Gold and Natural Emerald Boy Charm or Pendant
Jewelry (Pendant/Charm) · Unmarked Boutique Jeweler; styled after Lebe lulo or similar sentimental jewelry designers of the late 20th century. While not a major house like Tiffany, it represents high-quality commercial fine jewelry of its era.
Pattern: Figurative Boy Motiv; part of a wider tradition of 'Mother\'s Charms' or 'Family Jewelry' popular in the 1960s-1990s.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant/Charm)
Maker
Unmarked Boutique Jeweler; styled after Lebe lulo or similar sentimental jewelry designers of the late 20th century. While not a major house like Tiffany, it represents high-quality commercial fine jewelry of its era.
Material
14k Yellow Gold (confirmed by user) with a faceted natural emerald body and a likely colorless gemstone (white sapphire or diamond) head. Construction features solid gold beads for limbs.
Dimensions
Estimated 20-25mm in height including jump ring; approximate weight between 0.8g and 1.5g based on the size and thinness of the wire/bead construction.
Description
An adorable and nostalgic 14k yellow gold charm depicting a young boy. The torso is comprised of a deep green faceted natural emerald, while the head features a bright clear gemstone. The limbs are artfully crafted from graduated gold beads, giving the piece a playful, 'stick-figure' charm that resonates with family-oriented collectors.
Key Features
The use of a faceted emerald for the body is the standout feature, elevating it above standard all-gold charms. The beaded limb construction provides a unique textural contrast to the smooth gemstones.
Material & Composition
14k Yellow Gold (confirmed by user) with a faceted natural emerald body and a likely colorless gemstone (white sapphire or diamond) head. Construction features solid gold beads for limbs.
Finish & Decoration
Polished high-shine finish; the decoration uses granulation-style gold beads to form the arms and legs. Simple prong or 'tab' settings hold the gemstones in place.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped '14k' or '585' on the reverse of the body or on the jump ring. No specific maker\'s mark is visible in the image, suggesting a smaller workshop or retail jeweler.
Construction Details
Assembled construction; the head and body settings are likely cast or die-struck components, with the beaded limbs and jump ring hand-soldered to the frame.
Functional Features
Single jump ring attachment for suspension on a chain or charm bracelet. Beaded limbs are fixed (non-articulated).
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a pendant/charm; the jump ring serves as the attachment point and is in good circular condition.
Craftsmanship Details
Moderate quality bench-work. The soldering of the small beads requires precision, though the tab-style stone setting is a standard commercial method.
Authentication Indicators
Solder points at the limbs are consistent with period jeweler techniques. The color of the 14k gold is appropriate. Emerald inclusions suggest a natural origin rather than synthetic glass.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Italy, given the commonality of 14k gold in these markets during the late 20th century. Manufactured using a combination of casting and bench-soldering.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Post-War 1960s to 1990s). The stylized 'stick figure' aesthetic is a hallmark of mid-to-late century sentimental jewelry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1985. The prong style and bead-wire limbs are very characteristic of jewelry from this twenty-year span.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Motherhood Jewelry' trend of the 20th century, where jewelry served as a portable family tree, allowing women to wear tokens of their children as status symbols and sentimental keepsakes.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The stones appear secure in their prongs. There is light surface wear on the gold consistent with age. The emerald shows natural internal inclusions (jardin) typical of the species.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 USD, depending on the exact carat weight of the gold and the clarity/origin of the natural emerald.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as emeralds are brittle and often oil-treated. Clean with warm, mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Store separately to prevent the gold beads from scratching the gemstones.
Similar Pieces
Lebe lulo articulated 'ragdoll' pendants (usually larger and more expensive), generic 14k gold flat-profile silhouettes, and Movado-style 'Sun' charms.
Interesting Facts
These charms were often gifted to mothers to represent their children, frequently customized with birthstones (Emerald for May) to indicate the child's birth month.
Notes
14k gold with natural emerald