1980s Heavy Curb Link Liberty Coin Necklace

Dating to circa 1980, this substantial 14KT yellow gold necklace features a 1915 United States $10 Indian Head gold coin in an elaborate diamond-and-sapphire mounting. The obverse depicts Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, surrounded by thirteen stars, while the reverse shows a bald eagle standing on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch.

The coin is framed by 76 bead-set round brilliant-cut natural diamonds totaling approximately 2.51 carats, with VS1-VS2 clarity and G-H color. Six channel-set baguette-cut natural sapphires and four bezel-set round mixed-cut natural sapphires, totaling approximately 1.21 carats, provide crisp blue accents within the predominantly gold-and-diamond design.

The pendant flows directly into a substantial tapered curb-link chain measuring 14 inches in length. Near the center, the broad polished links transition into diamond-set leaf-like elements that sweep toward the coin, while geometric sapphire accents create a visual bridge between necklace and pendant. The reverse reveals an open, purpose-built framework that secures the coin while leaving both sides visible.

Coin jewelry has a long history, but this circa 1980 design does more than simply place a historic coin in a decorative bezel. The 1915 coin remains intact and visually accessible from both sides, while the later mounting transforms it into the architectural center of an elaborate jewel. The result brings together two distinct moments in time: an early 20th-century American gold coin and the bold gold-and-gemstone jewelry of the late 20th century.