What is the most common type of antique necklace?

A gold pendant on a chain, described by its metal and its stone. 'Pendant' appears in 775 titles and 'gold' in 993, and the 9ct-gold-plus-single-gem formula runs right through the low and middle of the range. Amethyst, diamond, opal, garnet, peridot, sapphire, ruby and blue topaz are the stones that keep coming back.

Why are so many listed as Victorian or Edwardian?

Those are dealer categories rather than dates. 'Edwardian' sits in 268 listings and 'Victorian' in 220, and sampled titles mix them freely, with a Victorian title against an Edwardian date field and the other way round. The dated field itself spans 1800 to 1960 across 1,053 listings. Georgian pieces appear only in the samples, given as around 1800.

Are mid-century necklaces included in this category?

Yes, and in quantity. The 1960s account for 273 listings and the 1950s 236, which together outnumber the Victorian entries. A lot of that is Scandinavian silver and enamel. 'Danish silver' is in 81 titles, with Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish work alongside it, and the group is better represented in the archive than in current stock.

What does a hallmark on the clasp tell you?

On pearl and bead necklaces the clasp is frequently the only precious-metal part, so it carries the hallmark. 'Clasp' appears in 165 titles, mostly on strands. That means the metal and date given in a pearl listing usually belong to the fastening rather than to the beads themselves.

How long can these necklaces be?

The spread is wide. Sampled guard and longuard chains reach 56, 59, 62 and 70 inches, originally made for a watch or eyeglass. At the other end, gold chain chokers come in at 13 inches. Pearl strands run single, double, triple and, in one sampled case, five.

Why do watch chains appear among the necklaces?

Because they're sold to be worn as necklaces. 'Albert' is in 67 titles and 'watch' in 60, often complete with T-bars and dog clips, making this a real sub-trade within the category. The heaviest sampled one came in at 67.4g of 9ct gold.

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Antique Necklaces

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Neck-worn jewellery from roughly 1800 to 1960: gem-set pendants on chains, pearl strands, lockets, crosses and long guard chains, made for everyday and occasion wear.