Question African American Choke
QUESTION: I purchased this at a garage sale - 50 cents is what I paid, maybe a dollar. Was told it is some sort of African American costume piece. It has hung in my closet for approximately 12 years. No tarnish or stains on it. The back is solidly the gold-color plating. Only marking on it is FM on the clasp. I've searched internet sites for it including Avon and such costume jewelry sites to no avail. Can you help identify this piece?
ANSWER: Hello Peg and thank you for your inquiry. You have a beautiful necklace. FM CO was the mark for Finberg Manufacturing Co in Attleboro MA and they were active from 1888 until a later unkonwn period.. They made gold filled and some gold as well as costume so you might want to have it checked for precious metal content. Most of the work was made using various enamels and they made compacts as well as jewelry. I can't tell by the picture if it has rhinestones or enameling but it is lovely. There are several links you can reach on your browser by using the company name that you might find interesting. Hope this helps and enjoy your necklace !
Sally
jarrettsjade.com
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QUESTION: Thank you so much for the info. I do have a follow up comment that may be further helpful: You mentioned rhinestones or enameling. Actually, there is no enameling on it. It is totally emerald green, ruby red, and clear (diamond like) stones and pearls. What could be construed as the enamel areas (the square areas) are actually also all rhinestones. Any other info with this information? Thank you again.
AnswerYour piece sounds beautiful and I wish I could be of more assistance, but with just that mark - I've had no luck in any other possibilities. You might check your library or bookstore for books on rhinestone jewelry and look for similar items. If I find out anything else, I will let you know.
