Edwardian Long Necklace
An edwardian long necklace offers remarkable versatility through generous lengths of gold, platinum or silver designed to be doubled or worn to the waist.
Edwardian Long Necklace
When you search for an edwardian long necklace, you encounter continuous lengths of precious metal links, often extending past fifty inches, designed to be looped multiple times around the neck.
The most typical format seen here is the longuard chain or guard chain, frequently fitted with a swivel dog clip or spring ring for securing pendants, watches or muff items.
Beyond plain or fancy links, these pieces incorporate gemstones such as turquoise, natural pearls, diamonds, and rock crystal, sometimes arranged as sautoirs or punctuated with decorative sliders.
Materials and construction
Goldsmiths constructed these pieces primarily in nine carat yellow gold, nine carat rose gold, and fifteen carat yellow gold, alongside platinum and sterling silver.
Link construction varies from heavy curb and belcher links to fine rope chains and faceted patterns, assembled by hand with secure catches and dog clips.
Listings feature yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and sterling silver combined with turquoise, diamonds, natural pearls, and rock crystal.
Assessing quality
Quality rests heavily on the weight of the gold or platinum used and the robustness of individual links against stretching or wear over decades of heavy use.
The presence of original, matching dog clips, slider mechanisms, or well-set natural pearls, turquoise, and diamonds elevates a piece above standard utility chains.
George Hunt
The Edwardian Long Necklace Glossary
- Longuard chain
- A very long chain originally designed to secure a pocket watch, lorgnette, or muff, worn doubled or hanging to the waist.
- Dog clip
- A spring-loaded swivel fastening commonly found on guard chains for attaching pendants or charms securely.
- Belcher link
- A chain pattern made of wide, interlocking links that are uniform in size and slightly domed on the outer surface.
- Sautoir
- A long necklace, often featuring a pendant or tassel at the end, popular during the Edwardian and Art Deco periods.
- Slider
- A moveable decorative element on a chain, frequently set with diamonds or stones, which can be repositioned along the length.
Edwardian Long Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How were edwardian long necklaces originally worn?
These long chains were utilitarian pieces primarily used by women to secure pocket watches, eyeglasses, or muffs, hanging safely from the waist or lapel.
Over time, owners began looping them twice or three times around the neck as decorative jewellery, a practice that continues today.
Can I attach a pendant to an edwardian long necklace?
Most long guard chains and belcher links feature an original dog clip or bolt ring specifically designed for suspending pendants, lockets, or charms.
Heavier chains can easily bear the weight of larger antique pendants without straining the links.
How do I tell an edwardian chain from a Victorian one?
Distinguishing between these eras depends on hallmarks, metal choices, and stylistic nuances such as the introduction of platinum alongside yellow and rose gold during the Edwardian years.
Victorian pieces often lean towards heavier, warmer rose gold tones and robust curb links, while Edwardian examples frequently show finer platinum work or lighter floral motifs.
Are these chains strong enough for daily wear?
Substantial fifteen carat and nine carat gold or silver chains possess enough durability for regular daily use when inspected for link wear.
Lighter or hollow constructions require more careful handling to prevent kinks or thinning at the pivot points.