Antique Edwardian Gold-Filled Dog Bone Chain Slide with Opals, Pearls, Emerald, Pen Minder

This wonderful piece is an authentic Edwardian dual-strand watch chain or adorned pen minder featuring a dog-bone shaped sliding utility mechanism. These functional pieces of chain jewelry allowed writing instruments or pocket watches to be adjusted along the chain lengths and kept safe (in a period when many clothes did not have pockets and writing instruments and watches were gold or gold-plated). The dog bone slides freely along the looped chain. Cork can be added to maintain more friction to allow the adornment to remain stationary once adjusted. However, this piece has not been altered in any way, aside from a professional cleaning. No gold appears to have worn off the edges of the mechanism, the clasp, or the chain. The workmanship is very fine and the gemstones have their original luster and brilliance. The chain is about 29 1/2 inches long. The dog bone adornment is 1 1/2 inches long.

The piece is stamped ABCO (American Ball Company) on the dog-clip clasp, firmly dating its manufacture from 1895 to 1915. The clasp is tight and works as it should. The slide is detailed with two genuine multicolored fiery opals, six pearls, and a central emerald stone. The opals have an iridescent shimmer that ranges from blue to aqua to red to rainbow; much like moonstones, the color perceived depends on the ambient lighting and the angle. All the stones are intact and secure in their settings. This 125-year-old piece is unique. While such antique jewelry items still can be found, this large dog bone adornment with its spectacular opals and other gems is quite rare. Shipping is free and extra insurance is included.