At a full 60" (152cm) long this beautiful and versatile black Vauxhall glass beaded guard chain would have been worn as mourning jewelry during Victorian times.
The guard chain is composed of small faceted round beads accented in the center with 2 long torpedo beads flanked by a pair of oval "bloomed" glass beads. The beads are hand knotted in between each one with the necklace terminating in a fairly large sterling silver dog-clip that swivels.
The presence of the bloomed beads (the glass has a matte finish) hints that the original owner may have worn them just as she was leaving the deep mourning stage when shiny jewellery was considered immoral, such strict etiquette in Victorian times!
These versatile beaded guard chains were either worn as a single strand around the neck and tucked under the belt with a muff, lorgnette or pocket watch attached or doubled/tripled for wear as short multi strand necklaces, often with lockets or pendants attached. They are just as versatile and wearable today. Please note the pendant is not included.
MATERIALS: Vauxhall glass (French Jet), sterling silver
MEASUREMENTS: Total length 60" (152cm), measures 30-1/2" down each side. Dog-clip 30x9mm, beads: small faceted 5mm, torpedo 35x10mm, oval bloomed 10x6mm
WEIGHT : 41 grams
DATE: circa 1860, Victorian
MARKS: clip stamped 'SS' for sterling silver
CONDITION: in good antique condition with expected signs of age and wear, there is occasional slight chipping to some of the beads and some irregularities as you would expect to see in antique handmade glass beads but no shattering, please see the photos
At Mercy Madge we offer a carefully curated collection of antique and vintage jewellery. Each piece is hand selected with you in mind and we rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FREE DELIVERY on all orders worldwide. All orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking.
- RETURNS, you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
- Unless otherwise stated any antique boxes in our photos are for display only, and are not included in the purchase. However, do rest assured all pieces will arrive gift wrapped in one of our custom Mercy Madge jewellery boxes.
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