THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT ~
Type: Necklace, Chain
Materials: 18k Gold
Size: 11.1 grams, 22 1/4 Inches
Era: Victorian (1837-1901)
ABOUT:
A sturdy larger gauge curb link necklace chain with wonderful rosy glow to this French antique piece.
This piece is solid gold in that it is not gold plated or gold filled, but under magnification, you can see the seams inside some links where the the gold was connected and soldered smooth and there is some age related wear here making the seam evident now here and there from years and years of rubbing. We see many old chains fabricated in this method. This one used thick gold when fabricating though so there are no dings, ripples or dents.
I purchased this in France. It originally had a replacement gold filled clasp (very clearly not original to the piece and was deteriorating) so I added one of my 18k gold dog clips instead. This dog clip can be worn to the back as the clasp, or to the side or front to hold a pendant.
The clasp has the French eagle and boar hallmark on the clasp, the boar possibly signifying the Paris assay office in the early 1900s. I have seen several French gold chains with clasps marked in this way. There looks like there may have been a hallmark on each end loop of the chain but it appears to have worn thin from age and had been fortified.
Rich antique patina like only French 18k and their special alloys used at the time (no exact formula across the board) which gives them a coloring like no other. Not a vibrant rose gold but a lovely rosy warmth with buttery glow. Antique boxes / items in displays in photos are not included.
This would make a substantial necklace chain but is actually beautiful worn alone or layered with other chains.
Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
It weighs a sturdy 11.1g. Stretched end to end it's 22 1/4 inches. The chain link is 3.7mm wide.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. Beautiful rich patina that has warmed the 18k gold - it has a beautiful glow. Some signs of it being worn from age, where there is a very slight / gradual curve, or a ripple here or there but still very stable. Some surface wear but this is only seen if you study it up close due to the mirrored finish. To the eye and while wearing it as an amazing color and shine, like I said it truly glows and the 18 plus grams of solid 18k gold make it a special piece indeed. Sturdy, wearable and interesting piece in the solid gold version. There are no dark or colored spots to the gold, it was just difficult to photograph because it is so shiny and mirrored that it reflects its surroundings. Impactful worn alone but also layers well with other pieces.
My disclaimer with all my pieces - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.
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