Circa 1870 this beautiful and versatile antique black Vauxhall glass (known as French jet in France) long guard chain necklace is a full 58" (148cm) long and would have been worn as mourning attire during Victorian times. Vauxhall glass jewellery, made at the old Vauxhall Glass Works in London was the height of fashion in 18th and 19th century Britain.
Although not included with the necklace Vauxhall glass snowflake pendants (like the one shown) were sold as souvenirs at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens which were touted to be the "first and most significant of the true Pleasure Gardens of Georgian London".
The necklace is composed of faceted 6.6mm diameter glass beads that are hand knotted on silk cord and it terminates in a silver tone metal dog-clip that swivels. The necklace measures 29" (74cm) down each side and it weighs 62 grams.
The necklace is very good antique condition with expected signs of 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, please refer to the photos. Lovely quality the necklace drapes well with no kinking, it has withstood the test of time for 150 years and is destined to last many more moons to come!
In Victorian and Georgian times these versatile guard chain necklaces were either worn as a single strand around the neck and tucked under the belt with handy accessories attached or doubled/tripled for wear as short multi strand necklaces, often with lockets or pendants attached. They are just as versatile today, a timeless classic. Please note the locket and pendant shown is for display only and not included in the purchase.
At Mercy Madge we curate 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!
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.
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.
DISCOUNT? - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
FOLLOW US for our latest antique and vintage fine jewellery:
Instagram: @mercymadge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercymadge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MercyMadge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MercyMadge
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/Mercymadge
Read our blog at https://mercymadge.com/blogs/blog
Materials: Black Vauxhall Glass.