Identifying & Valuing Vintage Gold-Plated Bracelet - Bates & B

Question
I have my grandmother's gold (plated?) bracelet that has a latch that releases with a small button.  The top has a scroll type design.  The inside of one side reads:  Bates&B.  The inside of the other side reads:  PATD.DEC26'05.  It is personally engraved on the bottom:  Edna 12-25-07.  These dates are the 1900's not 2000's.  I am trying to find out if it really gold or gold plated and the approx. value of such a piece of jewelry.  Any insight you can shed on this would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Answer
Hello JoAnne and thank you for your inquiry. Your bracelet was made by Bates & Bacon in Attleboro Massachusetts c. 1900-1940's. They manufactured jewelry, chains, pencils and fobs. Most of their items were gold plated or gold filled and any value would have to be determined on the metal value and the desirability of the design. Monogram jewelry is usually less valuable than non-inscribed jewelry. Unless your bracelet is marked as to gold content, to determine the metal quality of your bracelet would require a test for karat gold by a professional jeweler or gemologist. It requires the use of acid but if done by a professional, will not harm your bracelet. Once you find this out, you can better determine value. You might get a referral to someone who could do this for you from your local museum or antique shop.

Hope this helps and enjoy your bracelet !

Sally
jarrettsjade.com