Circa 1870 this beautiful and versatile Victorian French Jet long guard chain necklace is a full five feet long would have been worn as a mourning piece during Victorian times.
The necklace is composed of small round faceted glass beads measuring on average 6.5mm and adorable little drum beads. The beads are connected together in grey gunmetal chain links and the necklace terminates in a sturdy black enamelled dog-clip. It's a continuous necklace that slips over the head and it measures 58"/147cm in total length (29"/73.5cm down each side).
The necklace is quite lightweight weighing 25 grams and is very good condition with expected signs of antique age and wear but nothing detrimental. Irregularities and occasional slight chipping to some of the beads as you would expect to see with handmade antique glass but no shattering. The necklace drapes beautifully and doesn't kink.
In Victorian and Georgian times these beautiful guard chain necklaces were either worn as a single strand around the neck and tucked under the belt with something like a lorgnette or pocket watch attached or doubled/tripled to wear as shorter multi strand necklace, often with lockets or pendants attached. They are just as versatile today, a timeless classic!
Materials: French Jet, Chain.