Rare Love Birds Swallow Clasp French Georgian Era 18k Gold Napoleon Bonaparte c1819 Necklace Chain Sunburst Choker Blue Enamel Old Cut Paste

ABOUT:

Another personal collection release to add color, geometry and unique antique-ness to a neckstack!

It's amazing to me that this dainty piece has survived so many years. This special chain dates all the way back to 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 on the clasp that was used only from 1809 to 1819 which helps us accurately date the piece. Not very often we find pieces like these in still wearable condition.

The piece is crafted in oval links with a sunburst design around each inlaid with blue enamel. At the back of the chain is a rectangular clasp decorated with two love birds or swallows in colored enamel. And at the center of the unique chain links is a larger oval pendant set with three collet set old cut paste and a little dangle tassel. Gorgeous glowing antique yellow gold patina. I like that you can wear the clasp to the front as an ornament as well.

Short length at 13 1/2 inches - Beautiful, ornate antique chain to layer or wear alone. This would be pretty with the antique tiny seed pearl strand I have worn double. Really special and really old piece, this could be in a museum of French traditional jewelry.

Very old French hallmark for 18k gold on the back of the clasp.

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 4.2g. Stretched end to end it's a little over 13 1/2 inches not including the tongue insert of the clasp. The bird clasp is about 19x9.5mm.

IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
I don't see a single repair or weld which is pretty amazing. It definitely needs a gentle hand as the links are small oval sheets of gold. I'm sure they could be crimped or bent if force was applied which is another thing that is so amazing about it, is how well formed the links still are. Areas of enamel loss and patina, some build up in the recesses of the oval ornament but I didn't want to get it wet. The links can get a bit hung up on each other when handling, this is just how it was made with the little straps of gold connecting each oval link, but once worn they stay put especially since it is worn close around the neck. The links do flip sometimes too but the sunburst pattern is visible on the back side too. Some verdigris and buildup to the back where the silver collet components were affixed. The little fringe dangle is fixed like little braided gold wires.

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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