Victorian Turquoise Chain
A victorian turquoise chain brings together bright blue stones and warm gold links in pieces designed to be worn every day.
Victorian Turquoise Chain
When you search for a victorian turquoise chain, you encounter a variety of longguard chains, curb bracelets, and pendant necklaces originating from the nineteenth century and the Edwardian era. These pieces combine vibrant blue turquoise cabochons with pearls, seed pearls, and gold links, reflecting the dominant styles of the Victorian period and later revivals.
The most common examples on this page take the form of substantial guard chains measuring up to seventy-eight centimetres, alongside delicate curb link bracelets and matched sets. Many incorporate symbolic motifs such as lover's knots, stars, doves, and snakes, often paired with dog clips or secure box clasps.
While the majority of items date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, occasional pieces stretch into the nineteen-twenties or adopt Ottoman revival aesthetics. Whether configured as a long chain for doubling around the neck or a shorter bracelet with a safety chain, each piece showcases the distinct craftsmanship of its era.
How they were made
Makers constructed these chains primarily from nine-carat rose gold, fifteen-carat yellow gold, and silver, occasionally employing fourteen or eighteen-carat gold and rolled gold settings. Individual links, such as trombone and curb patterns, were hand-assembled to create flexible structures capable of supporting pendants and charms.
Turquoise stones and pearls are integrated directly into the metalwork, often secured within bezel settings or strung as continuous stations along the length of the gold chain. Many components feature hand-engraved details and articulated joints, particularly in pieces incorporating snake motifs or lover's knots.
Victorian Turquoise Chain Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for victorian turquoise 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.
The listings span the Victorian era, the Edwardian period, and the nineteen-twenties, utilising materials from nine-carat and fifteen-carat gold to silver.
What varies in quality
The distinction between tiers of quality rests heavily on the gold purity, which ranges from nine-carat up to fifteen-carat and eighteen-carat alloys, alongside the weight and solidity of the links. Finer pieces demonstrate robust construction in components like trombone chains and dog clips, ensuring durability during daily wear.
The condition and matching of the turquoise stones and pearls also dictate the standing of a piece, with uniform colour across multiple cabochons indicating careful initial selection. Furthermore, the presence of original safety chains, boxes, and untoched clasps elevates the overall integrity of the jewellery.
The Victorian Turquoise Chain Glossary
- Longguard chain
- An extra-long necklace designed to be doubled or tripled around the neck, often fitted with a swivel dog clip for suspending pocket watches or pendants.
- Curb link
- A type of chain formed of interlocking, slightly flattened links that lie flat against the skin when worn as a bracelet or necklace.
- Trombone link
- A distinctive chain pattern composed of alternating long rectangular links and small circular connectors, popular in nineteenth-century jewellery.
- Dog clip
- A spring-loaded clasp shaped like a small hound clip, commonly found on Victorian and Edwardian watch chains and longguards.
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, convex upper surface rather than faceted edges.
Victorian Turquoise Chain: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wear a longguard chain?
A longguard chain is traditionally worn doubled around the neck to create a layered effect. You can also attach a pendant or watch to the dog clip at the front.
These versatile lengths allow you to vary the drop depending on your outfit and the weight of the attached elements.
What is a suffragette chain brooch?
A suffragette chain brooch incorporates the specific colour palette associated with the women's suffrage movement, typically combining violet, white, and green or blue tones. In these pieces, turquoise and pearls often represent the designated colours.
Such items serve as historical markers of political allegiance disguised as fashionable nineteenth-century jewellery.
How should I care for antique turquoise?
Turquoise is a relatively porous stone that can absorb oils, cosmetics, and water, which may alter its distinctive blue colour over time. You should wipe the stones gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
Avoid immersing antique turquoise jewellery in liquid cleaners or ultrasonic baths to protect both the stones and the surrounding pearl settings.