Cheers - Vintage 10K Gold Natural Ruby & Pearl Jewelled Mechanical Beer Stein Pendant & 14K GF Chain (VP284)

Cheers! - Vintage 10K Gold Natural Ruby & Pearl Jewelled Mechanical Beer Stein Pendant & 14K GF Chain. This fabulous pendant is crafted from 10K gold, hallmarked 10K, and a makers mark GAJ on the bottom of the beer stein. Featuring  3 natural round cut faceted rubies, 16 genuine pearls, antique styling, and quality craftsmanship. This fantastic pendant has the most beautiful deeply carved detail, and a fantastic rich gold patina. The stein is unusual in the fact that it is expertly claw-set with beautiful vibrant red rubies, and lustrous silvery grey pearls. The design is that of an antique beer stein, featuring a wonderful mechanical lid that opes and closes perfectly.  To open and close a small amount of pressure needs to be applied to the handle. There is also a classic 14K gold filled chain that accompanies the pendant, featuring a spring ring clasp in perfect working order. This charming vintage pendant can be used for a small keepsake, truly a wonderful gift or addition to any fine jewelry collection. 

Note: Rare example because of the jewels. 

History: Rubies have been particularly prized in Asian countries. Records suggest that rubies were traded along China's North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Chinese noblemen adorned their armor with rubies because they believed the gem would grant protection. Burma has been a significant ruby source since at least 600 AD.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

The origin of steins: Steins originated in the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and severe; invasions of flies in Europe. Germany established laws to require beverage containers ti be covered for sanitary purposes. Glass, porcelain, and silver steins were introduced several hundred years ago. 

This pendant would have been modelled after a Medieval beer stein. 

Measurements: Beer Stein Pendant  29.50 mm x 23.50 mm    Chain 18" 

Weight: Pendant 8.50 grams    Chain: .06 grams 

Stone Size: Ruby .12 carats      Pearl 2.50 mm each 

Condition: Excellent   Note: Pristine

Origin: Europe. Most likely Germany. 

Date: Circa 1960