What is a 15ct gold necklace?

A 15ct gold necklace is a piece of antique jewellery made from an alloy containing 62.5 percent pure gold. This specific gold purity was widely used in Britain during the Victorian and Edwardian periods before being phased out in favour of nine-carat and eighteen-carat standards. These necklaces often exhibit a deep, rich yellow hue that differs visibly from modern lower-carat alloys. They represent a distinct era of British goldsmithing craftsmanship.

How do I wear a long guard chain?

Long guard chains measure anywhere from thirty to over sixty inches in length. They are typically doubled or tripled around the neck to create a layered look, or allowed to drape down the front of the torso. Many of these chains feature original dog clips or bolt rings, making it easy to suspend a pendant or tuck the ends into a pocket.

How can I tell the difference between Victorian and Edwardian pieces?

Victorian jewellery, produced during the reign of Queen Victoria, frequently employs bold romantic motifs, heavy gold work, garnet, amethyst, and Etruscan revival styles. Edwardian pieces, made after 1901, lean towards lighter garland designs, platinum accents, diamonds, and seed pearls. Stylistic shifts and hallmarks help distinguish the heavier nineteenth-century constructions from the airier Edwardian creations.