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Lovebirds - Vintage Victorian Revival Signed 'Franklin Mint' Sterling Silver Ruby Floral Heart Pendant & Chain. This charming pendant and chain is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked STERLING, and 925 with a makers mark FM (For Franklin Mint)81. The chain is hallmarked STERLING. Featuring one natural round cut ruby, vintage Victorian revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. This lovely pendant is made in the form of a heart, which is decorated with flowers, lovebirds, and an expertly claw-set red ruby, displaying reddish/pinkish hues. The beautiful pendant's decoration is raised, which gives the piece dimension and character. The chain is a pretty twisted rope design, with a spring ring clasp in perfect working order. This vintage pendant would make a perfect gift for that special someone. 

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.

Silver was discovered after gold and copper about 4000 bce, when it was used in jewelry and as a medium of exchange. The earliest known workings of significant size were those of the pre-Hittites of Cappadocia in eastern Anatolia.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

The Franklin Mint is a private mint founded by Joseph Segel in 1964 in Wawa, Pennsylvania. The building is in Middletown Township. The brand name was previously owned by Sequential Brands Group headquartered in New York City. It is currently owned by Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV).

Measurements: Pendant 25.50 mm x 20.00 mm         Chain 16" 

Stone Size: Ruby .05 carats 

Weight: 5.50 grams 

Origin: Canada 

Date: Dated 1981 (81 mark is for 1981)