Just WOW! What a fabulous chain! Extra wide links with exceptional engraved detail are adorned on the end with beads or balls. These highly detailed wide chains are often classified as collars. They were so named due to the shorter length and often would hold the high collar of a Victorian dress in place. This collar is not as short as some as it measures 17" long. Due to the alternating different shaped links, it has an interesting pattern and lays flat. It is silky to the touch and can easily be worn on its own. We have shown it with a powerful locket so it can also easily blend well with any locket of your choosing.
Chain and locket are sold separately. If a different locket is preferred, please contact us and we will gladly assist you in finding just the right look.
Links are highly polished and are one of the higher grade sterling chains we have had. Links are plain on the reverse. Thus, it can be worn as just a plain silver collar as well.
Bolt ring forms the clasp. Each end of the chain terminates in fat rings which easily slide onto the bolt ring. Bolt is secure.
These sterling silver Victorian chains are all unique. Most were produced either in the Chester or Birmingham regions of England during the 1880's to the turn of the century.
The ideology in Victorian times was that more was better. Thus, ladies would be adorned with several lockets and bracelets at one time which is why the bracelets were designed with flat sides to make it easier for them to stack and chains will be found in all lengths. This line of thinking better explains the elaborate details of the lockets, earrings, and chains. Some think of this time as being simpler, but it really was a time of lavishness. The silver jewelry was often their traveling jewelry while they would save their jewels for galas and gatherings.
These pieces were not mass produced; thus, each piece is truly a work of art. They were not made for export to the United States which makes their availability limited. Often one will see pictures of Queen Victoria wearing a locket or another bold piece of jewelry. This was deliberate as she wanted to promote the industry. She was so successful that they had to open an assay office in Birmingham. Assay offices were where the piece was impressed with a stamp indicating type of metal, year of production, and origin of production. This was certifying the piece by the Crown…somewhat similar to notarizing something today. Prior to the opening of the Birmingham assay office, the jewelry makers had to send all their wares to London for testing. Once tested, the piece would then be marked and could be sold for silver. There are books to help you identify each of these assay marks. The majority of the pieces sold were not marked as there was not a safe means to transport the items to and from the assay offices.
Dimensions:17" long
Condition:Links are in excellent condition. Bolt is in proper order. Tight and secure.
Web ID:MA20-418
Price:Free Shipping. We professionally package and can easily, safely ship any item, fully insured, within the US.
