A Rare Thrift Store Treasure
A small, gold-colored charm shaped like a lantern recently caught attention online. Measuring about an inch long, it features a crystal center and a 14K stamp on the bottom. The base is magnetic, the top is not, and the bottom clicks into place. This vintage piece isn’t just decorative—its switch and crystal suggest it’s a functional mechanical charm, reflecting a fascinating era of jewelry design.Mid-Century Mechanical Jewelry
From the late 1950s through the 1960s, jewelers began creating mechanical charms. Many of these tiny works moved, opened, or even lit up using watch batteries. This lantern charm housed a grain-of-wheat bulb powered by a tiny button-cell battery. When activated, it cast a realistic glow through the crystal, showcasing the ingenuity of the time.
Jewelry Meets Micro-Engineering
These charms combined artistry with engineering:
14K gold casing for durability and shine
Crystal or glass top designed to resemble a flame
Spring-loaded base switch to control the bulb
Tiny button-cell battery powering the internal light
