Antique Long Guard Chain with Hand
Want to receive 5% off your order?
Want to receive 5% off your order?
Get an additional 5% off this purchase, by paying via wire transfer or equivalent. (Venmo, Zelle, Etc.)
Simply choose "Wire Transfer" during the payment option in checkout.
You will receive a separate email with instructions for the Wire transfer, Venmo, or Zelle, along with a reflection of the 5% off.
A 35-inch Georgian guard chain in 18kt yellow gold, English, circa 1800–1840, with textured belcher links engine-turned with a fine engraved star motif. The real showstopper is the clasp: a sculpted gloved hand, its cuff set with a channel of rubies and a tiny emerald ring on one finger. Intact Georgian chains that still have their original figural clasps are seriously rare (most were broken up and reworked long ago), and this is one of the finest antique chains we have ever had the pleasure of owning.
A little history: long guard chains, sometimes called muff chains, were looped through fur muffs in the Georgian era so they wouldn't get lost in the folds of a skirt. When muffs went out of fashion the chains stayed, worn doubled, clipped to a watch or lorgnette, or simply draped as jewelry in their own right. Wear yours long or doubled; the muff is optional.
- 18kt Yellow Gold
- 35" in length
- 8.25mm Wide
- Hand Measures: .96" L x .33" W
- 51.2 Grams
Please see qualitative report for more information.
Book an Appointment to View This Piece
Book an Appointment to View This Piece
