Vintage Virgin Mary Miraculous Medal Heart Slap/Snake Chain Bracelet
Unbranded (likely Italian or French religious jewelry maker) · Jewelry & Watches > Vintage Costume Jewelry
Era / Decade
Late 1950s to Early 1970s based on the snake chain style and the small fold-over clasp mechanism.
Material
Gold-tone base metal (likely brass with gold plating), mother of pearl inlay, blue enamel, and a metal alloy Virgin Mary relief.
Condition
Good. The metal shows some surface wear and patina. The mother of pearl inlay appears intact, and the blue enamel is still vibrant. The snake chain shows some slight kinking consistent with age.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a consistent niche market for vintage Catholic/Marian jewelry, particularly pieces with unique heart designs.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25.00 - $48.00
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $65.00 (comparable high-end religious gift shop prices)
Comparable Sales
Similar vintage religious enamel bracelets sell between $20 and $55 on Etsy and eBay depending on the intricacy and the presence of any maker's marks like 'Creed' or Italian stamps.
Description
Beautiful vintage religious devotional bracelet featuring a heart-shaped centerpiece. The heart is inlaid with iridescent mother of pearl and a central blue enamel oval containing a raised relief of the Virgin Mary (Miraculous Medal). It is set on a flexible gold-tone snake/gaspipe style chain with a secure fold-over clasp. Perfect for Catholic collectors or vintage jewelry enthusiasts. Approximately 7 inches in length.
Key Features
Desirable heart shape, religious theme (Miraculous Medal), mother of pearl material, and the mid-century snake chain style which is currently trending in vintage jewelry circles.
Authenticity Indicators
Construction indicators including the fold-over clasp and the style of the relief suggest mid-century production. High confidence in its status as a vintage costume piece; low confidence in high precious metal content without testing.
Flaws to Note
Minor tarnishing and 'brassing' on the back of the heart and along the clasp where the gold plating has worn. Slight stiffness in the snake chain joints. No visible hallmark or metal stamps.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy (for the vintage/handmade market), eBay (reaching a global collector base), and Poshmark (for fashion-conscious vintage buyers).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Miraculous Medal', 'Mother of Pearl', 'Catholic Gift', and 'Vintage Heart Jewelry'. Photograph the bracelet against a dark velvet background to make the gold and pearl pop. Ensure you capture a clear macro shot of the Virgin Mary figure and the clasp.