Early 19th Century Link Necklaces

A Georgian garnet riviere necklace, consisting of thirty-five oval-shaped faceted garnets, each individually set in a rose gold cut-down collet...

Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 18.6 Grams Chain Type: Double Round Link Chain Length: 19 inches Chain Width: 3.8mm Clasps: Spring Ring (5.7mm Inside Diameter), Dog Clip (7....

We are delighted to offer this marvellous antique Georgian 9ct gold natural seed pearl necklace. Sweet, delicate and enchanting, this necklace presents...

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...

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...

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 gorgeous antique, Georgian era silver longuard chain or muff chain necklace. This is a lovely long length chain at 62" and can be easily wrapped aro...

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...

Forget-me-nots drape the neck to light the day for the next owner of this perfect 15 Kt gold foiled garnet necklace dated c. 1820. At center gleams ...

Circa 1820-40s, 14k. Redolent of the Georgian aesthetic, this 200-year-old rivière necklace is a vibrant splash of lavender. Effortlessly going ...

Rare theatrical interest antique Archaeological Revival 14K Rose Gold lava cameo necklace. Georgian Period, excellent original condition and fine p...

A gorgeous antique, late Georgian era Pinchbeck longuard chain or muff chain. Rich golden, chunky rolo links with a later Victorian era gold plated dog clip attached. It has that lovely rich old gold tone only to be found on older pieces of Pinchbeck jewellery...