By 1850, after the California Gold Rush, California became the 31st state of the United States and San Francisco had been transformed from a ghost town into a major city of 25,000 residents. 

The easily accessible gold was mostly gone by the end of 1850 and new techniques were necessary to retrieve the more difficult veins of gold embedded in quartz. By 1851 “hard rock” mining was the major industry in Northern California, something that most gold seekers were not equipped to accomplish. The business of gold mining was now in the hands of medium to large companies who could amass the resources necessary to continue to remove the gold from the ground.

This stunning shield pendant features 14k gold, marbling, turquoise enamel, and very detailed designs throughout. A heft piece for any chain, this is quite the statement! Boasting the letters "S" and "W" in the center, this could many a nice gift for anyone with those initials. 

Materials and Features: 14k gold, quartz

Age/Origin: c.1865

Measurements: 17.3 grams, about 2" in length 

Condition: Excellent condition.

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.