One popular accessory dating from WWI, WWII and the Korean War eras are sweetheart bracelets. A popular token of love and courtship between soldiers and their girls at home, sweetheart bracelets are typically expandable links surrounding a heart made of gold, silver, mother of pearl or other decorative material, sometimes adorned with semi-precious stones. Many of the hearts open as lockets that hold tiny pictures or bits of hair.
The first sweetheart bracelet in my personal collection is pictured below; the mother of pearl heart has the gold emblem "USN" (U.S. Navy) atop an anchor. It dates back to the Korean War, making it nearly 60 years old. I wear my sweetheart bracelet with any outfit that calls for gold accessories; it's also fun to contrast with a distinctly mod look ~ destressed jeans, faux fur vests, leather bomber jackets.
Wearing a sweetheart bracelet is wearing someone's personal history, which makes them so much more meaningful. Very cool vintage finds, indeed.
