Sweetheart Jewelry from WW2
While doing research I happened upon some stories of "Sweetheart Jewelry". It's a name for jewelry that was given to sweethearts, mothers, sisters, and friends by servicemen during World War I and World War II.
The jewelry was often made in the trenches and then sold to other soldiers to send home to their loved ones. Or much of it was mass produced.
Since precious metals were rationed, the jewelry was made from available metals and things at hand like wood and plastic. I remember a bracelet worn by my mother made of Italian coins. When I saw a picture of the identical bracelet online, I realized it must have been sent to her by her older brother when he was stationed in Italy during the 1940's.
It's a great story, and if you're interested, here's a nice article about it by Kathleen Nolan of the National Museum of American History. https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/fashion-patriotism-and-romance-world-war-ii-sweetheart-jewelry