Mid-19th Century Cut Steel Necklace

Absolutely superb example of Georgian cut steel. The way it sparkles and catches the light is just beautiful. This necklace sits perfectly flat and ...

Absolutely beautiful paste necklace featuring bright blue glass and such intricate detail. All set in silver. Length: 21inches

This delightful cluster ring holds six bright turquoise and in the middle sits a shimmering diamond. The ring is modelled out of 15ct gold and is beautifully engraved all the way aro...

Striking blue enamel surrounding a glossy cabochon crystal. This Victorian beauty is modelled out of gold and has initials reading E.A. engraved underneath the main panel. Ring Siz...

Lovely example of a mid 19th century 'In Memory' band with detailed with black enamel and on the inner band the inscription reads 'Geoff'. Ring Size: R or 8 1/2

This necklace could be worn two ways, the more decorative side or the simple side. Coins on this collar are engraved on one side and are plain and glossy on the other side. The neck...

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...

Beautiful Victorian jewel from the 1800s, Cutsteel necklace, English manufacture

Gone With the Wind era pearl necklace - approx 5000 seed pearls, all hand drilled. In original leather/velvet carrying case. It appears that there was once a bracelet and earrings to...

An antique 19th century 1890's garnet necklace set with a 14 karat gold cannetille work clasp. The design of this round hollow openwork clasp is ma...

A snake-link chain suspends a fringe of coral beads, length 40.5cm

A crowning glory of design, this cut steel necklace shimmers like diamonds, in available light as it did originally in the early 1800's. Serves dressy occasions or denim shirts and b...