We love jewels with a hidden secret and this vintage gold over sterling silver orb charm/pendant opens up to reveal lots of different hand engraved Masonic symbols inside!
 
Discreet on the outside, this charm/pendant would have likely originally been worn by a Freemason to show their allegiance, but only to those in the know - a little hidden secret tucked well inside! When the orb opens up, it reveals six segments that fold together to make the orb and each of these segments have four symbols engraved on them, including a ladded, all seeing eye, cross, wine glass/goblet, star and scroll to name but a few. All of these symbols have their own meanings attributed to them.
 
The charm is made of sterling silver which has a 9ct gold top layer to give the look of solid gold. The frame that holds the orb together when closed is made of 9ct gold, with British hallmarks for 9ct. Inside, one of the sections has British hallmarks including the maker's mark 'F BROS', the lion passant for sterling silver, Birmingham and the date letter 'E' for 1979.
 
The charm measures approx 20.3mm tall (not including the jump ring) when closed by approx 17.3mm wide weighs approx 9.4g. When open, the charm measures approx 54mm tall (including the 9c gold cage fitting when pushed fully open) by approx 31.9mm wide. The six segments that make up the orb are hollow in the middle.
 
Condition - The charm is in good vintage condition but does show significant signs of age and wear, including surface wear to both the inside and out. There is patina to the gold over silver to the outside throughout, especially where the gold cage fitting rubs the orb when closed. We have tried to show this the best we can in the photos but please note that the gold surface to the outside is quite reflective. The hinge mechanisms still work well. The jump ring is currently pushed closed. Please see photos.
 
*Please note the box and chain pictured are not included in the sale but the charm will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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