Vintage Heart Locket Expansion Sweetheart Bracelet with Miraculous Medal
Unbranded (Likely Pitman & Keeler or Speidel) · Jewelry & Watches > Vintage Fashion Jewelry
Era / Decade
1940s (WWII Era)
Material
Gold-filled or gold-plated metal base with a mother-of-pearl or faux-shell heart inlay and enamel Miraculous Medal (Virgin Mary) detail.
Condition
Good to Very Good; slight tarnishing on the enamel medal and minor surface scratches on the heart locket. The expansion links appear intact.
Demand Level
Moderate (High interest among vintage jewelry collectors and Catholic buyers).
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$35.00 - $75.00
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $65.00 (Historical adjustment)
Comparable Sales
Similar WWII-era sweetheart locket bracelets sell between $40 and $90 on Etsy and eBay depending on the material (Gold Filled vs. Plated) and the rarity of the religious motif.
Description
A beautiful WWII-era 'sweetheart' expansion bracelet featuring a gold-toned heart-shaped locket. The locket is adorned with a white inlay and a blue enamel Miraculous Medal of the Virgin Mary. The band uses a classic expandable 'snake' or 'crawford' link chain common in the 1940s. The locket opens to reveal space for two small photos.
Key Features
WWII-era sentimentality, religious Catholic iconography (Miraculous Medal), functional locket, and a trendy expansion 'sweetheart' style band.
Authenticity Indicators
Construction style of the expansion band and the specific use of mother-of-pearl inlays in heart motifs are hallmarks of 1940s costume jewelry manufacturers. High confidence it is a period-authentic vintage piece.
Flaws to Note
Aged patina on the metal and small chips in the blue enamel of the center medal. Possible wear to the gold plating on the underside of the expansion links.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (best for vintage), eBay (good for jewelry collectors), or Poshmark (lifestyle buyers).
Selling Tips
Price higher if you can find a '1/20 12K GF' stamp on the inside. Use keywords like 'WWII Sweetheart Bracelet', 'Sentimental Locket', and 'Catholic Jewelry'. High-quality macro photos of the locket interior and the enamel detail are essential.