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Necklace
Unknown - Enlarge image
Necklace
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (probably, made)
- Date:
ca. 1820 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Amethysts and gold
- Credit Line:
Cory Bequest
- Museum number:
M.137-1951
- Gallery location:
Jewellery, room 91, case 16, shelf D, box 3
An English style of chain was added to lengthen the necklace.
Gold, in a variety of treatments, became a dominant element in jewellery from the 1820s. It was used successfully in mesh necklaces and bracelets, gold chain and wire work, also as a foil to gemstones.
The technique of filigree with spirals and granules (cannetille and grainti) was revived in France then copied in England. Jewellers liked the economical use of gold and women appreciated the intricacy of the style.
Coloured golds were also popular. In gold alloy more copper gives a redder gold, while extra zinc or zinc and silver will result in a pale yellow gold
