Early 19th Century Link Necklaces

An early 19th century shell cameo necklace, the shell cameos set in gold cannetille mounts with pellet decoration, necklace 46cm long Weight:50.5gr.

Cut steel jewelry was at the height of fashion from the mid 1700s well into the 19th century. Originated in the 1700s. Popular from the Georgian through the Victorian eras. To make cut steel, melted horseshoe nails were formed into tiny faceted beads. Those small steel gemstone-like studs were then riveted one-by-one onto a base plate. It was an English invention that quickly travelled throughout the world. Each stud could have up to 15 facets, and in general the finer and older the piece the more facets the studs will have. Improvements in candles meant that grand events and entertaining could take place at night. As diamonds are diamonds and not available for everyone, and everyone wanted to shine, the popularity grew. Cut-steel provided a stylish and popular new jewelry material that could be enjoyed by everyone at all levels of society. It grew beyond a simple imitation to an art in its own right. The manufacturing was complex and the workmanship that was required highly skilled. These were not mass produced objects. The studs were made from decarbonated cast steel, which was case-hardened, then the studs were faceted by cutting against a pewter wheel. Next were then polished with first fine emery and a hard brush, and then by hand with a special putty. Finally they were riveted onto pierced base plates which had to be drilled and cut by hand, too. The main place of cut steel production was Birmingham, England. And there, one manufacturer stood out from all the rest: Matthew Boulton. He had been born in 1728 into the industry — his father manufactured small metal products. But the younger Boulton had a special talent for marrying the latest technology with the latest fashion. He also was continually expanding — he even founded a mint. He wined and dined with dignitaries and advocated for his steel products. Fortuitously, he became quite close with the Russian ambassador to Catherine the Great. When the ambassador toured the mint, Boulton made sure to send the Empress some of his cut-steel necklaces. In 1759, Louis XV “encouraged” the nobility to donate their gold and gemstone jewelry to help fund the Seven Years War. The popularity of cut steel in France may in part have been due to these sumptuary laws which limited who could wear precious metals and diamonds. Either you complied with the law and gave up your family jewels to be melted down for the war chest...

Rare Find An extra – ordinary antique 1820 ca gold collar necklace, hand crafted during the time of solid 18 kt gold – tested Rare design, comprising exquisite flat shaped links of s...

Chain is comprised of navette shaped links centering gold rings with curling filigree surround. Alternating with ridged oval and round links. Completed by spring clasp closure. Teste...

Antique Georgian gold long chain Repoussé flower links Size: width 0.63 inch, length 41.25 inches Total weight: 62.3 grams

A smooth 18 Kt snake chain from the Georgian era has beautiful melon ball links here and there. The oval links are covered with roses and leaves and comforting to the touch. The chai...

A rare early necklace of hardstone cameos panels depicting putti drawing chariots pulled by mythical beasts. Set in 18k gold. French circa 1805 - 1810. Total length :16”. Gross weig...

Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Link Necklace / Watch Fob. This gorgeous piece is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The end piece is crafted in 20k whi...

A long Georgian gold regard chain, sixteen long square pieced bars interspaced with interlocking circular links of textured yellow gold with star motifs ...

A George III garnet-set demi-parure, the necklace consisting of four garnet-set foliate clusters linked with articulated garnet-set trefoil-links, 17.5 inches long, the bracelet consisting of seventeen articulated garnet-set trefoil-links 7 inches long, all garnets cut-down set to yellow gold closed-back mount, circa 1800, gross weight 53.0 grams. A charming and detailed Georgian suite...

Micromosaic demi-parure set composed of a gold necklace and earrings. The necklace is composed of eight micromosaic medallions set in dark red glass. Two go...

An impressive shell cameo parure comprised of necklace, earrings (day-to-night with removable drops), brooch, and 2 bracelet panels (for stitching onto ri...

Berlin iron jewelry was produced in Germany by the Berlin Royal Foundry beginning in 1804. Previously, iron jewelry had been worn primarily during periods of mourning due to the dark color of its black lacquer finish. However, it reached a high point of popularity between 1813 and 1830. To fund the War of Liberation against Napolean, citizens were asked to donate their precious gold in exchange for iron jewelry. The Berlin iron jewelry was sometimes inscribed with a portrait of Frederick William III of Prussia, or with the words "Gold gab ich für Eisen" (meaning "I gave gold for iron") or "Für das Wohl des Vaterlands" ("For the welfare of our country/fatherland"). Almost overnight, Berlin iron jewelry became a symbol of patriotism. Its beautiful fabrication and lacy appearance gave it widespread appeal, eventually reaching popularity in numerous European countries. Authentic Berlin iron jewelry is now very rare, and well-preserved pieces have become very collectible! Cut steel jewelry originated in England in the 17th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe, eventually becoming a popular style of jewelry worn by members of high society during the Victorian era. Made of polished faceted steel studs, the pieces were cut by hand and then assembled and riveted onto a metal back. The faceted steel elements give this type of jewelry a subtle, metallic glitter that resembles cut gemstones. Motifs varied from the simple to the sublime, with multiple layers and densely packed studs. The time-consuming process and the artistry required to create cut steel jewelry made it very valuable and highly sought-after during the Victorian age, particularly to wear during the stage of "secondary mourning." Produced up until the turn of the 19th century, antique cut steel jewelry is now highly collectible. An exceptional Berlin iron and cut steel necklace and earring set from the Georgian (ca1804) era! Crafted in fine Berlin ironwork with delicate cut steel studs and mirrored steel plaques throughout, this well-preserved ensemble is an incredible work of art. The ornate necklace adorns various sized iron-backed links topped with mirrored steel plaques, each one connected together by intricate, lacy Berlin ironwork. The largest link rests at the center, and features an oval-shaped mirrored steel plaque on the front that is adorns a raised iron cameo...

Berlin iron jewelry was produced in Germany by the Berlin Royal Foundry beginning in 1804. Previously, iron jewelry had primarily been worn in periods of mourning due to its dark color. However, it reached a high point of popularity between 1813 and 1819. To fund the War of Liberation against Napolean, citizens were asked to donate their precious gold in exchange for iron jewelry, which was sometimes inscribed with a portrait of Frederick William III of Prussia or the words "Gold gab ich für Eisen...