This Victorian necklace of Renaissance Holbeinesque inspiration is crafted in pinchbeck, weighs exactly 27g and measures 15 inches long. Epitomizing the early 19th century 'festonné' style of necklaces, this worn-smooth Victorian necklace incorporates a centrally positioned decor of Renaissance Holbeinesque inspiration, measuring 55mm long and 27mm wide. This attention-seeking pendant comprises an ovular plaque rendered in pinchbeck and enhanced by artistic botanical repoussé work, and a suspending 'en tremblant' drop. The ovular plaque is adorned with a foil-backed stained glass cabochon, measuring 17mm long and 14mm wide, mounted within an intricate ovular bezel and an alluring corded-wire perimeter. The repoussé work surround depicts exquisite, botanically accurate vine leaves, embellished with Etruscan style granulation accents. This absorbing Victorian festonné necklace exposes a total of four identical stained glass cabochons graded 'foil-backed scarlet' color, two of which flank the central Holbeinesque pendant by three rows of serpent chain. The intricate supporting chain is comprised of delicate 'serpent links' which remained in vogue throughout the entire Victorian era. The well constructed tongue and groove clasp securing this Victorian necklace of rare design and fascinating aesthetic is veiled by a stained glass mounted on the side, ensuring more convenient wear and closure of the necklace. You will also notice a removable rear frame, in which a hair or picture memento can be stored, true to Victorian etiquette.

Pinchbeck is a metal well-known amongst connoisseurs of antique jewelry. However, what some may not know, is that the man who discovered it and after whom it was named, was the famous 18th century watch and clock maker Christopher Pinchbeck. He was also the inventor of 'Astronomic musical Clocks', had a shop in London, and sold mainly watches with just a few items of jewelry. The metal discovered by Pinchbeck contained no gold but looked exactly like gold and wore extremely well. It was not a plate or coating, but a solid metal made by mixing copper and zinc with a specific formula. The actual pinchbeck formula was a guarded secret passed down within the family, but other European countries developed their own versions, and the number of imitations multiplied in England. Mr. Pinchbeck's grandson Edward, found it necessary to place an advertisement in the London Daily Post warning that "...the ingenious Mr. Edward Pinchbeck at the 'Musical Clock' in Fleet Street, does not dispose of one grain of his curious metal which so nearly resembles gold in color, smell and ductility, to any person whatsoever, nor are the toys (watches and jewelry) made of the said metal sold by any one person in England except himself....". The use of pinchbeck declined with the invention of the electro-gilding process in 1840 and the legalization of 9k gold in 1854, eventually becoming passé.

E1201C1G

Suggested Retail Price: $1,200.00 Your Price: $780.00 Wholesale Price: $600.00