Rare GEORGIAN Era FLORAL Fancy Link Necklace 12mm Book Chain 18k Gold Napoleon Bonaparte Dated Hallmark c1820s 16.25" Long

ABOUT:

Whoever ends up purchasing this one will be taking it directly off my neck! Haha, : ) as I will be wearing it as much as possible between now and then. It's so special!

It's a unique and beautiful chain in its own right but making it even more special, this chain dates to just after the time of Napoleon Bonaparte in France. Or as far as another common dating jewelry practice, the Georgian era. It has a French date specific hallmark for 18k gold on a few of the links that was used only from 1819 to 1838 which we love to find as it helps us accurately date the piece. Not very often we find pieces like these with the extra old hallmarks and in still wearable condition. There is also a later hallmark on the clasp insert for second hand goods in 18k gold so it was double checked : )

The piece is all in 18k gold (solid, not plated or gold filled), the links have vacant space inside but it still has a nice weight at 16.5 grams. Each link has a loop on each end connecting it to the adjacent link, each with a gorgeous open work floral design, and each measuring 12.5mm north south by 29mm wide to the attached loop. They have a nice thickness / puffy depth to the them with the way they are fabricated, with a depth of 3mm.

Perfect rich antique yellow gold patina, with rose gold highlights - that wonderful warm glow that can't be found on modern jewelry. It has a hidden clasp that nests into the design so that each link appears uniform all the way around.

Length is 16.25 inches - Beautiful, ornate antique chain to layer or wear alone.

Antique boxes / any additional items in displays in photos are not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.

MEASUREMENTS:
It weighs 16.5g. Stretched end to end it's 16 1/4 inches. Very dainty gauge. Each large ornate link measures 12.5mm north south by 29mm wide to the attached loops with a depth of 3mm.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:

I still can't believe how old this chain is considering how it has held up. I don't see any pinhead holes to the gold like we usually see with this age and fabrication. No deep dings or dents, no repairs. The clasp is secure and clicks closed. Each link was fabricated where it had a loop welded closed to one end, with the loop at the other end being openable like a jump ring. This was how it was made to assemble the piece but there are a few gaps at the openings here or there. Could be tightened I'm sure but it's stable as is and I didn't want to take a pliers to it and potentially leave tool marks on any loops. Special piece.

Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )

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SOCIAL:
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