Late 19th Century British Victorian Era Lucky Magic Bean Sterling Silver Pendant

This sterling silver pendant hails from the late Victorian era in Britain, dating between 1870-1890. Crafted in the shape of a plump, charming bean, this seemingly simple charm is a potent symbol of luck, inspired by the classic British folktale, "Jack and the Beanstalk." "Jack and the Beanstalk," first documented in the 18th century and likely existing in oral tradition even earlier, tells the tale of a poor protagonist, Jack, who bravely trades his family's only cow for a handful of seemingly worthless magic beans. These beans miraculously grow into a colossal stalk reaching the heavens, leading Jack on an adventure where he defeats a giant and brings back riches, embarking on a new, prosperous life. The story reflects a collective hope for miracles. Within a social context of distinct class divisions, the magic bean acquired multifaceted symbolic meanings depending on its interpretation. It represents the potential for "small opportunities to yield great rewards," encouraging exploration of the unknown, and also symbolizes the power to "change one's destiny," serving as an unexpected turn of fate or a pivotal life moment. Coincidentally, many European folktales feature legumes as a conduit to the supernatural. These narratives stem from rural societies' imaginative connections to nature and mystical forces. A common thread in these stories is the "smallness" and "ordinariness" of beans, symbolizing people's expectation that miracles can arise from the most humble and commonplace origins. This piece is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. There is a small hole on the side from its creation, indicative of a genuine century-old antique, not a new item. Origin: United Kingdom Period: 1870-1890s Material: Sterling Silver Dimensions: 1.5x0.95x0.03 cm, bail diameter 0.5 cm Weight: 0.77g Condition: Good antique condition with normal oxidation and signs of wear. There is a small hole on the side from its manufacturing process. Important Notes: Antique jewelry refers specifically to pieces "over a hundred years old." Items less than a century old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All jewelry sold by Xiang Cheng Antique Jewelry comes with a brand certificate detailing the item's era, materials, and other specifics. We offer a full refund if the item does not match the certificate's description. Prior to sale, each item's condition is meticulously documented using photographic equipment to ensure our members are fully aware of any imperfections or signs of wear. These photographs form an integral part of the item's description. Therefore, we kindly request that members carefully assess their purchase intent before completing the checkout process. Due to the unique nature of the items we sell, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including minor flaws or normal wear and tear. Please confirm your purchase decision thoroughly before checkout to avoid any disputes. Shipping Information: Enjoy complimentary shipping on any single item purchase to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All shipments within Taiwan will be sent via registered post by Chunghwa Post. If registered mail is inconvenient, please indicate your preference for convenience store pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order and provide the store name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be sent via SF Express.