1890’s Yukon Gold Rush Era Natural Raw 20k Gold Nugget Cross Fob Watch Chain Necklace (16.5”)

A true piece of history, this is not only a rare and astounding piece of jewelry but an antique artifact of the past. During the middle to late 1890’s the second North American gold rush was in full effect yet this time further north of California and into the Yukon Klondike region of Canada and Alaska. These raw gold nuggets are formed over millions of years by hot temperatures, hydro thermal fluids,  and the pressure of the earths core releasing through cracks into the earths crust. Natural weather phenomenon then deposits these nuggets up and into rivers and streams which then knock loose, shape, and erode over time. Unlike gold from quartz vein deposits, these deep seated placer deposits are far less common. Hundreds of thousands headed north in the harsh environment to strike it rich yet very few came back with anything. Those who did were sure to flaunt it and they did that in many ways with the jewelry they had made with their findings. This chain is a true representation of the beliefs and wealth amongst that time. The 16.5” necklace portion of the chain uses 31 raw nuggets all similar in size and tone attached to one another by 14k yellow gold handcrafted and soldered circular links at 4mm wide with a large spring ring clasp on the end as the center of the chain has a 2.5” drop including the large cross centerpiece. As you see the cross was crafted by hand out of 14k yellow gold and then embedded and thickly encrusted over the top with raw natural nuggets. As you see in pictures #10-12 the nuggets throughout the entire piece themselves test out anywhere from around 16k-21k in the multiple spots that were tested. This is indicative of the natural gold alloy content of raw Klondike nuggets. At a chunky and heavyweight of 31.71g this is not only a conversation starting piece of jewelry but an investment monetarily and socially. Museum quality pieces like this are not making it out for sale on the open public often and if they do they are fetching huge premiums. This is one I can honestly say I do not mind one bit if it never sells and I end up keeping forever, especially at this low price point I’m selling it for.

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