Match Safe Pendant Necklace by 1928

Let me direct you to some of our Antiquities Couture goodies that are oh-so-desirable. This 1928 collection is a distinctively divine couture-inspired jewelry line that was created to pay homage to the design styles and trends that took place before the 1920s. It’s perfect for the antique collector who doesn’t want to just collect but also wear the unique pieces. This vesta case necklace (or match safe box necklace) with a snap-shut cover is embedded with a mini topaz crystal and is a one-of-a-kind find, ladies. They don’t really make them anymore after the invention of safety matches and cigarette lighters.

Vesta cases look like lighters, but they are mini cases that were used to store matches and keep them dry. When smoking was the big thing to do (between the 1830s and 1920s), the vesta case was used to put their unreliable and highly combustible friction matches inside, which prevented pockets and purses from bursting into flames. Mostly the men would carry them, in waistcoat pockets or attached to a double Albert chain. How cool that must’ve looked!

Though I’m happy to be living in this iPhone era, I still dig all these old and charming antique treasures! Though the match safe case is no longer in use, what better way to fashion it than as an heirloom necklace! Add a few short matches, store a couple of coins, or maybe a few Trident gum pieces and there you have it. Don’t be surprised if people stop to ask you what’s hidden in your little silver box. Maybe someone will mistake it as a lighter and ask you to give them a light. But now you know the history behind it, you’ll know what to say. This necklace also has an Anthropologie-esque appeal that would look charming with a loose bohemian top, some skinny jeans and some cute ankle booties–and if you’re in the mood, top it off with a fedora hat. The model below is also wearing our lovable Antiquities Couture Burgess Chest Lock Pendant Necklace, long enough to wrap it twice around your neck for a double layer effect.