When the Whole Place Shimmers
Every so often, a piece of vintage jewellery steps out of the past and into the spotlight and reminds us why we do what we do. This week, fans noticed a one-of-a-kind classic watch fob chain styled as a necklace on the world’s most famous showgirl. The team at 100 façons shared the moment. Their reaction said enough. A beloved piece moved forward in its story.
At Canada Gold we buy, test, and value precious metals every day, meeting heirlooms with long histories and everyday pieces with quiet ones. From there, our sister company, 100 Ways takes some of these stories further. They restore and rehome historic pieces so they can be loved again. When a vintage watch fob appears in the spotlight, it’s a tribute to craftsmanship and a continuation of a story that began generations ago.
What is a Watch Fob?
A watch fob chain once anchored a pocket watch. Many include seals, swivel clasps, and thoughtful details that reward a closer look. Today people style them as necklaces or layer them with charm chains. The appeal is not only fashion. It is craft, material quality, and the feeling that a life lived before you is still present in the metal.
For a quick primer with photos, see 100 Ways’ guide to watch-fob chains.
100 Ways treats that heritage with care. Pieces are cleaned, repaired when needed and described with plain language and gorgeous photography. The team shares how to wear vintage fashionably and how to preserve what makes it special. Education is part of the joy. When people understand where their pieces came from, they see more than a trend. They see a little piece of history.
A Moment Worth Sharing
After fans spotted a familiar vintage piece worn by a global icon, the 100 Ways team got excited. Luckily, the security cameras were rolling. What began as a moment of pure delight among colleagues quickly became a shared celebration with millions of viewers joining in on the joy.
A whisper became a cheer and then a crowd around a tiny screen. “We need to find more people,” and suddenly everyone was part of the next chapter.
That same joy is at the heart of why both our companies exist. At Canada Gold we value clarity, transparency, and service, meeting heirlooms and everyday pieces alike with care and expertise. When something special comes through our doors, its story doesn’t end there. Through our sister company, 100 Ways, some of those treasures are given a second life. Select pieces are restored, authenticated and reimagined so they can begin a new chapter. Each jewel continues its journey moving from one hand to another, carrying history, meaning and the enduring beauty of craft.
Say You’ll Remember Me
It can be hard when a treasured piece is not the right fit for the next generation. Maybe the style has shifted or daily life calls for something simpler. A customer bringing heirloom jewellery to us can feel emotional. Then we introduce 100 Ways, and you can feel the room change. People start to imagine their jewellery restored, chosen, and worn again.
We have been left to wonder, did the previous owners know the story would continue in this way? It’s hard to imagine they might have guessed at this outcome for this particular piece. What we do know is that hope is always there. Sellers share memories of a grandparent who dressed well, a milestone gift, a treasure from a trip and they leave knowing the piece will be respected and have another life.
That is the promise we aim to keep together. Canada Gold provides a careful, transparent process focused on education and integrity. 100 Ways provides restoration and a path back into the world. When the next wearer steps out and the piece shines again, the circle closes in the best possible way.
Long Live, Vintage Community
To everyone who explained what a watch fob is to a friend this week, thank you. To everyone who shared the clip, left a kind comment, or told a story about a family heirloom, thank you. Moments like this are about more than a single piece. They remind us that jewellery carries memory and that every new wearer adds a line to the story.
If you would like to learn more about how to sell your vintage pieces, visit our education pages here at Canada Gold, then explore the restored collections at 100 Ways. You may find a piece that is ready for its next chapter with you.
Photo Courtesy of XNY/Star Max/Getty Images
