Antique Victorian Silver Niello Long Guard Chain, 63 Inches, c.1870
Antique Victorian Silver Niello Long Guard Chain, 63 Inches, c.1870
Regular price$ 1,940.00
$ 1,940.00
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- Easy Returns
- Ships in 1-2 Days
- Layaway Available
It begins, perhaps, with a woman who preferred movement to stillness. She walks quickly, purposefully, her skirts catching just slightly at the ankle as she navigates a city that is expanding by the day, full of invention and possibility. At her throat, and then lower, looping once more, this chain moves with her, alive in a way only a long guard chain can be, catching the light in quiet, rhythmic flashes. It is not merely decorative. It is practical, elegant, and deeply considered, the clasp ready to secure a watch, a locket, something meaningful and close at hand. She wears it daily, without ceremony, and yet it becomes part of her presence, something others notice without quite knowing why.
Dating to around 1870, this silver chain measures a full 63 inches in length, allowing it to be worn long, doubled, or styled in a variety of ways. The individual links measure 5.5 millimeters by 3.2 millimeters, and the piece weighs 38.1 grams. It is hallmarked “800” for silver purity and bears the maker’s mark “T.F.” The chain retains its original dog clip clasp, adding both function and a wonderful sense of continuity with its past.
What sets it apart, quietly but unmistakably, is the niello work. Niello is an ancient decorative technique, a blackened alloy, traditionally made of sulfur mixed with silver, copper, and lead, that is inlaid into engraved designs on metal. Once polished, it creates a striking contrast, dark lines set against bright silver, like ink drawn into the surface itself. It is meticulous work, requiring both precision and patience, and it gives each link a sense of depth and subtle patterning that reveals itself over time rather than all at once. It is not loud. It does not announce itself. But once seen, it is impossible to overlook.
I offer free layaway on most items purchased for full retail price, please inquire if you are interested in setting up a layaway. We ship when payment is complete and items purchased or payments made on layaway are eligible for store credit only.
I always want you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason simply let me know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a full refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations.
Item id: CNA23862VA
Dating to around 1870, this silver chain measures a full 63 inches in length, allowing it to be worn long, doubled, or styled in a variety of ways. The individual links measure 5.5 millimeters by 3.2 millimeters, and the piece weighs 38.1 grams. It is hallmarked “800” for silver purity and bears the maker’s mark “T.F.” The chain retains its original dog clip clasp, adding both function and a wonderful sense of continuity with its past.
What sets it apart, quietly but unmistakably, is the niello work. Niello is an ancient decorative technique, a blackened alloy, traditionally made of sulfur mixed with silver, copper, and lead, that is inlaid into engraved designs on metal. Once polished, it creates a striking contrast, dark lines set against bright silver, like ink drawn into the surface itself. It is meticulous work, requiring both precision and patience, and it gives each link a sense of depth and subtle patterning that reveals itself over time rather than all at once. It is not loud. It does not announce itself. But once seen, it is impossible to overlook.
I offer free layaway on most items purchased for full retail price, please inquire if you are interested in setting up a layaway. We ship when payment is complete and items purchased or payments made on layaway are eligible for store credit only.
I always want you to be happy with every aspect of your purchase. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason simply let me know and we'll work together to get the item returned for a full refund. I guarantee that my pictures and descriptions are as accurate as possible. My goal is to exceed your best expectations.
Item id: CNA23862VA
