Antique Victorian ‘Pinchbeck’ Fancy Link Long Guard Chain 130cm

Antique Victorian ‘Pinchbeck’ Fancy Link Long Guard Chain 130cm

Name: Antique Victorian ‘Pinchbeck’ Fancy Link Long Guard Chain 130cm
Brand: Graisons Fine Jewellery
Price: 855.0 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$855.00 AUD

Laybys welcome! Contact Us today to secure your dream piece.

Antique ‘pinchbeck’ long chain dating to the Victorian era featuring fancy links interspersed with round belcher links.

Probably originating in France this wonderful ornate chain has the appearance of warm hued high carat gold as was the intention of ‘Pinchbeck’ with out the price tag.

History of Pinchbeck

Pinchbeck is a form of brass an alloy of copper and zinc mixed in proportions so that it closely resembles gold in appearance. It was invented in the early 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck (died 1732), a London clock- and watch-maker.

Since gold was only sold in 18-carat quality at that time, the development of pinchbeck allowed ordinary people to buy gold 'effect' jewellery on a budget.

The inventor allegedly made pinchbeck jewellery clearly labelled as such. Pinchbeck jewellery was used in places like stagecoaches where there was a risk of theft.

Pinchbeck fell out of use in the second half of the 19th century, being replaced by low-carat gold which had been legalised in 1854.

Today, depending on the dealer, "Pinchbeck" can mean original Pinchbeck or any gilt metal. Pinchbeck is typically composed of copper and zinc in ratios of;

89% copper to 11% zinc; or 93% copper to 7% zinc.

We have had this wonderful chain tested by XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) and it indeed tested for approximately 80% copper and 18% zinc with a few other minute additives.

Of course it does not date to the 1700’s and is therefore not ’true’ and original Pinchbeck by Christopher Pinchbeck, however it is superb.

Long enough to wrap twice around the neck theses chains are so versatile.

STONES

None

MEASUREMENTS

130cm

WEIGHT

30 Grams

MARKS

None

CONDITION

Very very good antique condition. No repairs to links, all links strong and original. Warm golden patina. Lovely chain.

Laybys & Hold Policy

Do you have your eye on a fabulous piece but need some extra time to
pay? At Graisons, we offer suitable layby terms for pieces priced $400 AUD and above. Contact us for more details.

Purchase Guide & Refund Policy

For information regarding our Purchase Guide & Returns Policy, please click here

Shipping & Delivery

Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.

We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.

Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.

We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.

PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.

Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery

We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.

Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.

Your Purchase: What Is Included?

Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.

For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.

If your item includes an independent valuation, the physical certificate will be included.

Do you have your eye on something special?

Contact Us

Graisons Fine Jewellery are located in Tasmania, operating exclusively online via their website.

Please include details of the item you wish to discuss.

Please check your junk folder if you are waiting to hear from us, we respond to messages and emails between the hours of 9am - 9pm (AEST) 7 days a week.

Domestic & International delivery

Enjoy complimentary free express postage fully insured with signature on delivery.

Luxury Packaging

All purchases are packaged in our signature Graisons Fine Jewellery jewel boxes.

Payment in 4x

Afterpay available from purchases priced between $400 - $2000 AUD.

Layby Available

Take advantage of our generous layby plans for pieces priced $400 AUD and above.