Expert: Bill Finkler - 12/25/2011

Question
My best friend gave me sweetheart bracelet for Christmas.  He spent some time looking at different ones and found this to be the most unique.  All I know is that it is Phoenix Speidel made and there is a date of 1942.  I would really love to know more about the bracelet.  What type of metal is it?  What is the center made of? How unique is the design? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Martina,
Thanks for e-mail and question.
The bracelet you have is an expansion band sweetheart bracelet. These were made in many different styles during the 1930-50 period and many were given to "military sweethearts" as well as non military sweethearts(this one is not a military sweetheart bracelet). They were made with heart centers, round centers and locket centers, some were profusely engraved. The ones that were military had the branch of service logo on the front of the bracelet. The metal on these bracelets was mostly just gold in color. The center of the bracelet that you have seems to have "mother of pearl" inlays, commonly used in the jewelry of the day.  The double hearts design is one of the more unique designs used during the period.
The piece being in good condition is a very nice and thoughtful gift as well as being from a bygone era.
I hope this is of some help to you.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Sincerely, Bill