What is the purpose of a safety chain?

A safety chain acts as a secondary tether for valuable items like bracelets and brooches. It catches the piece if the primary clasp fails during wear. This simple addition has preserved countless antique jewels from being lost over the decades.

Are all safety chains original to the piece?

Many safety chains are original components made alongside the main item of jewellery during the Victorian or Edwardian periods. Others may be later additions fitted by jewellers to protect the piece during modern wear. Examining the gold colour and wear patterns helps determine whether a chain belongs to the original manufacture.

What gold purities are common in these items?

British pieces from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries commonly utilise nine-carat, fifteen-carat, and eighteen-carat gold. Rolled gold also appears in mid-century items. Hallmarks stamped on the metal often indicate the exact gold standard and assay office.