Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Chain Dog-Clasp Stackable Choker Necklace
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Chain Dog-Clasp Stackable Choker Necklace
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Samuel Phillip & Co.

Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Chain Dog-Clasp Stackable Choker Necklace

$2,800.00 USD Sold
This 18 karat yellow gold chain exemplifies Victorian era jewelry design, characterized by its functionality and craftsmanship. The piece features a dog clasp, commonly used in the period to secure a gentleman's pocket watch. Its distinctive paper-clip-like link, likely served to loop around a button, anchoring the chain to the wearer’s attire, with one end intended for the watch itself, and the other ensuring it remained attached during movement.

The Victorian era is noted for its intricate and meaningful jewelry, often mirroring the societal status of the wearer. The use of yellow gold and the precision of the chain's construction are indicative of the era’s luxurious tastes and the period's attention to detail in personal accessories.

Repurposed into a choker necklace, the chain maintains its historical essence while adopting a modern aesthetic. This kind of adaptation reflects a respect for the ingenuity of past design while satisfying contemporary tastes. While the chain's original date of creation is unclear, its design elements are consistent with Victorian sensibilities, marking an intersection of accessory and practical design. This chain is more a piece of jewelry; it is a slice of history, continuing to evolve with fashion while honoring its origins. A true piece of wearable historical art.

Length: 16"
Condition: In great vintage condition with some patina and scratches
Weight: 21.9 grams

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Dive into the enchanting world of antique jewelry! See below for some delightful insights behind some of these timeless pieces.

Georgian Era (1714-1837)

  • Secret Lovers' Messages: Georgian jewelry often contained hidden compartments for locks of hair or miniature portraits, serving as secret tokens of affection. The intricate designs allowed for personal mementos to be kept close, discreetly.

Victorian Era (1837-1901)

  • Romantic Symbolism: Beyond flowers and hearts, Victorian jewelry was rich in symbolism. Snakes, for example, represented eternity and love, inspired by Queen Victoria’s engagement ring, which was in the shape of a serpent.

Edwardian Era (1901-1915)

  • Lace in Metal: The Edwardian era is famed for its use of platinum to create delicate, lace-like designs in jewelry. The metal's strength allowed for finer, more intricate work that mimicked the appearance of the finest lace.

Art Nouveau (1890-1910)

  • Nature Comes Alive: Art Nouveau jewelry often featured fantastical interpretations of natural elements, with animals and mythical creatures rendered in sinuous, flowing forms that seemed almost alive.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)

  • Architectural Influence: The bold, geometric patterns of Art Deco jewelry were directly inspired by the contemporary architectural marvels of the time, including the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, mirroring their linear forms and stylized motifs.

Retro (1935-1950)

  • Hollywood Glamour: Retro jewelry mirrored the opulence and escapism of Hollywood's Golden Age, with oversized, dramatic pieces that were meant to be seen and admired, embodying the glitz and glam of cinema stars.

Modernist (1950s-Present)

  • Art as Jewelry: Modernist jewelers viewed their creations as wearable art, prioritizing form and artistic expression over traditional gemstone value. Pieces often featured abstract designs and unconventional materials, reflecting the era's broader artistic movements.

Victorian Hair Jewelry: 

In the Victorian era, it was not uncommon for jewelry to be made from the hair of a loved one. These pieces ranged from simple lockets with a lock of hair inside to elaborate bracelets, necklaces, and even wreaths, serving as sentimental tokens of affection or memorials to the deceased.

The Language of Gems: 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, acrostic jewelry became popular. These pieces spelled out secret messages with the first letter of each gemstone. For example, a piece might use Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Topaz to spell out "DEAREST."

Memento Mori Jewelry: 

This type of jewelry served as a reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. Popular from the 16th to the 18th century, memento mori pieces often featured skulls, coffins, and skeletons, crafted with a surprising elegance and detail.

SHIPPING

We offer free shipping for all orders. After you place an order, it typically takes three to five business days for us to prepare and send out your purchase. Your order will be shipped priority overnight with full insurance coverage. Once dispatched, the arrival time for your item is usually within two business days. Please note, unforeseen delays beyond our control may occasionally occur, affecting delivery times. We will require ‘Direct Signature’ under the label meaning only someone from that address can sign for the package. In any event, a sales representative will call you to establish the safest, most secure measures.

RETURNS

You can initiate a no hassle return within 7 days of receiving your item, provided it remains in its original condition. To start a return, simply click contact us here, and someone from our team will guide you through our easy return process.

Regular inspection and maintenance of your fine jewelry is crucial. We recommend having a professional jeweler check and clean your pieces every six months. For at-home care, a jewelry cloth can be used to gently remove dirt and tarnish. Although ultrasonic cleaners are widely used for many modern jewelry items, they are not suitable for cleaning antique pieces.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance!