Antique Gold Necklace

The Story & History

This extremely rare and wonderful antique gold necklace, dating to circa 1800, is a remarkable example of early 19th-century jewellery. Crafted in 18kt gold, it combines foil-backed quartz with colourful enamel sections to create a jewel of unusual richness and character.

The use of foil-backed gemstones is particularly evocative of the period, with the reflective backing enhancing the appearance and depth of the quartz. Together with the enamel decoration and warm gold, the result is a highly distinctive necklace with considerable antique charm.

Design & Details

The necklace is composed of alternating sections of foil-backed quartz and enamel, all mounted in 18kt gold. The foilFoiling is a historical jewellery technique in which a reflective layer is placed behind a gemstone to enhance its colour and appearance. The technique was particularly important in Georgian jewellery,... More backing beneath the quartz creates additional luminosity within the stones, while the enamel provides contrasting colour and decorative detail.

At the back is a short extension chain, allowing a degree of adjustment to the fit. The necklace measures approximately 16.5 inches long.

Styling & Wearability

With its early date and unusual combination of materials, this is a particularly special jewel for the collector of GeorgianGeorgian jewellery refers to jewellery made during the Georgian period, broadly spanning 1714 to 1830, when Britain was ruled by Kings George I, George II, George III and George IV.... More and early 19th-century jewellery. The compact length allows it to sit elegantly around the neckline, where the combination of gold, enamel and reflective quartz can be appreciated to full effect.

It would make a remarkable addition to a collection of early antique jewellery, and is the sort of piece whose originality and rarity make it especially memorable.