Identifying Antique Jewelry: Understanding the 'CLAP' Mark

Question
I have an old piece of jewelry belonging to my deceased grandmother, that is gold in color with tiny pearls, it appears to be off of a necklace , has a clasp that looks like it went on a necklace. It looks like a victorian or edwardian style with small gold thin tassel like hanging from the bottom. On the back is marked CLAP but nothing else. I have been looking everywhere but can't find anything about this marking. Thanks

Answer
Hello Anne and thank you for your inquiry. I have searched all of my resources on and offline and cannot find a mark CLAP. Is it possible some of the mark is worn off ? There are some marks that are just impossible to track down. So many companies were in business and only manufactured small select pieces for a short time. Many of them did not even register their marks, preferring to "test" their items on the market first. Clasps with tassels were popular during the Edwardian period and you might happen onto a similar one while searching Edwardian jewelry online or at your public library. Look for books on Victorian - Edwardian jewelry and fashions. Sorry I couldn't be of any further assistance and good luck in your search.