Warm museum light once caught the glint of a Victorian pendant buried in a shop tray, sending a silent invitation to reach past velvet and sift through the weight of time. Lifting it, every detail—garnets in aged gold, an etching barely visible along the clasp—revealed the patient touch of a craftsperson now long gone. Jewelry that has endured this long absorbs stories: whispered vows behind lockets, laughter worn into slim bracelet chains, and initials engraved for anniversa