A rare bird this beautiful Georgian choker necklace is crafted in "Pinchbeck" metal. Pinchbeck is an antique gold substitute invented in 1720 by London chemist and watchmaker Christopher Pinchbeck.
Designed in a bookchain style the necklace features floral carved panels studded with diamond cut raised marquise accents, a decoration that is typical of the Georgian period.
This very short necklace is worn close fitting to the neck and it is designed to fasten at the back with a ribbon. The style is a predecessor to the later Victorian bookchain necklaces that were much longer and were worn with lockets and pendants attached.
Floral, feminine and elegantly proportioned with a golden lustre this Georgian choker necklace is a true antique treasure and highly collectible!
Authentic Pinchbeck jewellery is rarer than you might think, it fell out of favour in 1854 when 9ct gold was authorized in Britain as an alternative to the high carat gold typically used in the Georgian era. As a consequence real gold jewellery became much more affordable to ordinary people, why have imitation gold if you had enough money to buy the real thing?
MATERIALS: Pinchbeck metal
MEASUREMENTS: 14-1/2" (36.5cm) end to end, 5/8" (1.5cm) wide
WEIGHT: 51 grams
MARKS: none
ERA: circa 1820, Georgian
CONDITION: in good antique condition with surface wear and signs of age as you might expect in a 200 year old necklace. The Pinchbeck metal is gold washed and relatively free of oxidation. The front of the necklace retains its yellow appearance but the gilding on the back has mostly worn off so the golden colour is faded. The links are free of kinks, dents or dings, please see the photos.
At Mercy Madge we offer antique and vintage jewellery that is special and each piece is hand selected by us for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone! All of our jewellery is professionally cleaned & polished ready for you to wear or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHIPPING - FREE SHIPPING worldwide, orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking and insurance.
RETURNS - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
DISCOUNT? - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
BUYING A GIFT? - all items will arrive gift wrapped in a Mercy Madge custom jewellery box.
LAYAWAY? - we offer a free layaway plan on any item over £150. A 25% deposit will secure and reserve the item for you with the balance due in 60 days. If you would like to place an item on layaway, please send us a message and we will assist in setting this up for you.
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Materials: Pinchbeck, High Carat Gold Plating.