Antique Victorian Niello Chain with Rose Gold Vermeil, XIX Century French Watch Chain Choker Necklace

This stunning niello chain is one of the most well preserved pieces I've come across in my years of dealing. Niello is a technique in which a material, in this case silver, is engraved and filled with a mixture of sulfur, copper, silver, and lead. After being fired in a kiln the niello mixture melts and fills in the crevices, leaving a lovely matte design. A watch chain in its former life, ti remains long enough to be worn as a choker necklace. Both the niello and the rose gold vermeil are in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. The dog clip clasp and bolt ring are functioning well and the tension on the big bolt is strong but slightly misaligned. You'll just need to guide the closure into place but it holds well. Even the niello on the big bolt clasp shows almost no wear, which is rare. The bolt ring can be used to clip a pendant, as pictured, but looks stunning on its own as well.

CONDITION NOTES:
Excellent antique condition with very light wear to the niello an rose gold. It was likely minimally used or very well cared for. It is rare to find such well preserved pieces. All niello jewelry contains at least trace amounts of lead which can be dangerous when ingested. There are conflicting opinions as to the safety of niello jewelry so it is best to be cautious and wash hands after wearing and generally be aware to avoid contact with the mouth.

Material: 800 silver (hallmarked), Rose Gold Vermeil (rose gold over silver), and niello
Weight: 12.59 g
Period: Victorian (c. 1880)
Length: 16" or 40.5 cm

All items in the shop are shipped with tracking and insurance within 48 hours of receiving an order. Items over 250 euros are shipped via Colissimo Express so that your item is in your hands as quickly as possible.

Please check all photos, descriptions, and measurements thoroughly. Contact me if you have any questions and I'll be happy to answer.