Early 19th Century More Necklaces

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...

From France c. 1810, a magnificent of 18 Kt gold Georgian Fobs completely encrusted with granulation, roses and leaves come split ring attached. This is a...

Cross in 18 Karat rose gold, rooster hallmark. This antique Jeannette cross is adorned on both sides with a flower. Pendant sold alone without its presentation chain. Height : 6.5 cm...

Back in the Georgian era, this Censer Pomander was a necessary piece of jewelry to offer relief to the smells of the streets for men and women. I am quite sure you looked at it and thought Hmm what is that. The turquoise embedded pendant opens and lo inside is a ball that opens as well. Solid perfume...

Cross in 18 karat rose gold, rooster hallmark. Antique rose gold cross baton in relief, slightly beveled and adorned with a gold pearl at the e...

An One of a Kind Georgian c.1810 black enamel and rose cut Diamond heart locket pendant in Silver and Gold with initials HEG and filled with crystals. English origin. Total drop incl...

Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head and rhinoceros head hallmarks. Long antique gold necklace, it is made of a mesh alternating oval ring and poly-lobed ring. This antique n...

An Edwardian diamond and emerald festoon swag necklace, the collar necklace decorated with two old brilliant-cut diamond floral clusters and three rose- ...

Antique, early 1800's garnet and pearl domed pendant necklace. Oval garnet center stone with a 3 row halo of pearls, set in 14k yellow gold with a pear sha...

These seven wonderful, particularily large early 19th century oval lava cameos, measuring from 3,5cm x2,6cm to 2,2cm x 3 cm, are mounted in gilt metal. They have been assembled to m...

This is the finest example of a French Provincial Snowflake Wedding Cross I have seen, and I have seen many. At its finest, antique paste jewelry...

1820's Cameo pendant necklace. All original handmade pendant, circa 1820. Tear drop shaped, hand formed using chasing, repose and delicate twisted wire techniques all around the frame. The frame holds a translucent multi color shell carving of a woman’s profile. There is an original hand made wire...

A feminine and lively necklace, that although is over 200 years old is a current and youthful necklace for today. Foiled back red garnets create five pointed flowers with oval garnet...

Here is a mix of texture, both substantial and lacy. An extremely rare, dense Berlin Iron Chain c.1800 suspends a large cross of twists and loops. In the chain, the iron is woven or ...

This Antique Georgian Cross pendant is just mesmerising. A truly stunning and fine piece of antique jewellery, Georgian era, it exudes that ric...

Weightless Antique Georgian Silesian Wirework Cross c .1800 is woven by hand of fine iron. Delicate and textured the spiky details and central flower...