Antique Turquoise Gold Chain
An antique turquoise gold chain brings together bright blue gemstones and rich gold links, offering a distinct piece of historic jewellery for daily wear.
Antique Turquoise Gold Chain
Buyers will most frequently encounter longuard chains stretching up to 56 or 78 centimetres, alongside hinged curb link bracelets and delicate pendant chains. Many examples incorporate seed pearls alongside turquoise cabochons to create floral, star, or lovers knot motifs.
How they were made
Jewellers shaped these chains using 9ct gold, 15ct yellow or rose gold, and occasionally 18kt gold combined with silver, linking curb patterns or trombone links by hand. Individual links, dog clips, and safety chains required careful soldering and wirework.
Turquoise stones and pearls were set into bezels or secured alongside metal knots and pendants, utilising natural pearls and seed pearls to frame the turquoise cabochons.
Antique Turquoise Gold Chain Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for turquoise gold chain among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Several Victorian chains feature lovers knot motifs, proving that Victorians loved tying the knot long before wedding bells rang.
What varies in quality
The quality of an antique turquoise gold chain depends on the carat of the gold, ranging from 9ct and 15ct up to 18kt gold, alongside the weight and solidity of the curb or trombone links. Higher grade pieces often feature substantial weight, such as heavier longuard chains and robust dog clips.
The integration of materials also distinguishes the range, where matched turquoise cabochons and uniform natural pearls or seed pearls show greater care in original design than mixed or replacement elements.
The Antique Turquoise Gold Chain Glossary
- Longuard chain
- A very long Victorian or Edwardian neck chain, often measuring over fifty inches, designed to be doubled or tripled around the neck.
- Curb link
- A type of chain made of uniform, slightly flattened interlocking links that lie flat against the skin.
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, convex top rather than faceted edges.
- Dog clip
- A secure swivel spring-gate clasp commonly found on watch chains and longuard chains from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
- Seed pearl
- A very small natural or cultured pearl, often drilled and threaded into clusters or floral designs alongside gemstones.
Antique Turquoise Gold Chain: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear a longuard chain?
Longuard chains are exceptionally long and can be doubled over the head to sit as a layered necklace.
You can also attach pendants, lockets, or pocket watches to the dog clip at the end.
Are these chains made of solid gold?
Many of these pieces are fashioned from solid 9ct or 15ct yellow and rose gold, whilst others utilise rolled gold or combined metals like gold and silver.
Checking the hallmarks and link construction helps determine the specific metal content of each item.
What is a suffragette chain?
A suffragette chain refers to jewellery incorporating specific colour combinations associated with the women's suffrage movement.
These typically feature green, white, and violet stones, often represented here by turquoise and pearls.
How do I care for antique turquoise jewellery?
Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous gemstone that can absorb oils, cosmetics, and water over time.
Clean your chain gently with a soft dry cloth and avoid submerging the stones in liquid or exposing them to harsh chemicals.
How can I tell Victorian from Edwardian pieces?
Victorian pieces often display heavier gold weights, trombone links, and romantic motifs like lovers knots, snakes, or doves.
Edwardian designs frequently lean towards lighter, airier longuard chains and delicate seed pearl accents.