Marcus Tempus
A wonderfully whimsical 9ct yellow gold charm inspired by the traditional “Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” nursery rhyme. At first glance, it appears as a wonderfully detailed little shoe-shaped house, complete with windows and a textured roof.
Open the hinged charm and the real surprise is revealed — a tiny family emerges from inside, picked out with colourful enamel details. It’s a delightful example of the playful, mechanical novelty charms that make vintage gold jewellery so collectible.
Crafted in 9ct yellow gold
Approx. 16 × 10 mm when closed
Hinged opening novelty design
Shoe-shaped house with miniature figures hidden inside
Colourful enamel detailing
Inspired by the traditional nursery rhyme
Suitable for a charm bracelet or worn as a pendant
A characterful collectible piece
This is exactly why we love vintage charms. From the outside it looks like a tiny golden shoe house, but open it and an entire miniature scene appears inside. The little enamelled figures are ridiculously charming 😂 and the hidden transformation makes this much more than an ordinary gold charm. It’s a tiny piece of storytelling in 9ct gold.
Little Stories, Made to Wear
Charms have long been worn as little reminders of the people, places, passions and moments that matter most.
A single charm can mark a journey, a hobby, a celebration or a memory. Over time, a growing collection can become something deeply personal — a miniature record of a life well lived.
Made to Collect
From playful everyday keepsakes to fine gold and gemstone-set pieces, charms can be collected gradually and worn in countless combinations.Store charms separately where possible and avoid unnecessary contact with perfume, lotions, household chemicals and abrasive surfaces.
Choosing Your Metal
Sterling silver is made from 92.5% pure silver combined with other metals for strength. Some pieces may also be rhodium plated to help maintain a bright white finish.
Gold-plated charms begin with a sterling silver base finished with a layer of gold. They offer the look of gold at an accessible price, though the plated surface may gradually wear with use.
Solid gold charms are made from gold alloy throughout rather than carrying only a surface layer. Our collection includes 9ct gold and selected higher-carat pieces.
Colour, Brilliance & Character
Selected Marcus Tempus charms feature natural gemstones chosen for colour, character and beauty.
Colour, inclusions and transparency can vary naturally from one gemstone to another, making each piece subtly individual.
Selected charms are set with natural diamonds, adding brilliance to designs ranging from playful motifs to precious keepsakes.
Explore our Gemstone Passports to learn more about individual gemstones, including colour, durability, care and natural character.
Stories From Another Era
Antique and vintage charms often have a character that is impossible to reproduce exactly. Many were made in solid gold or silver and may feature enamel, gemstones, engraving, articulated parts, lockets or miniature mechanical details.
Some were created as souvenirs of travel, others to mark occupations, hobbies, milestones or personal beliefs. Their wear, patina and older construction techniques can become part of their history.
Because each antique piece is individually assessed, descriptions will note metal, gemstones, condition and notable features wherever these can be established with confidence.
One Collection, Many Stories
Charms can be chosen for fun, sentiment, craftsmanship or rarity. There is no single right way to build a collection.
Playful sterling silver and gold-plated designs are ideal for gifting, everyday wear and building a collection gradually.
Precious metal charms set with natural gemstones and diamonds can become lasting keepsakes designed to be worn for many years.
Older charms bring history, craftsmanship and individuality — especially mechanical, engraved, enamelled and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Marcus Tempus Charm Collection
We select charms for design, craftsmanship, material, character and wearability. Our collection ranges from playful sterling silver and gold-plated pieces to solid gold, natural gemstone, diamond and antique charms.
Build Your Collection
Wear one charm on a chain, collect several on a bracelet, or mix metals, gemstones and different eras. Your collection can grow slowly and change with you.
Antique charms and natural gemstone pieces may vary individually in colour, wear, proportions and condition. Product descriptions will note important details wherever relevant.
Explore the Charm Collection →Charm Questions
A charm is a small decorative or symbolic piece of jewellery designed to be worn on a bracelet, necklace or other suitable chain.
Yes. Many charms can be worn individually on a necklace or combined with other pieces, provided the attachment and chain are suitable.
Gold-plated jewellery has a layer of gold over another metal, whereas solid gold is made from gold alloy throughout.
Yes. Plating can gradually soften or wear depending on use, friction, chemicals, storage and individual skin chemistry.
Selected Marcus Tempus gemstone charms feature natural gemstones. Individual product descriptions will identify the gemstone used.
Absolutely. Mixed-metal collections can look highly personal and allow charms from different times and occasions to be worn together.
Use a soft jewellery cloth and mild soapy water where appropriate. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals and unnecessary soaking.
Often, yes. Antique and vintage pieces may be difficult or impossible to replace exactly because of age, construction, condition and rarity.
The most meaningful charm usually reflects something personal — a hobby, place, animal, milestone, memory or shared story.
