- Description
- Specifications
- History
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A late Victorian muff chain. Measuring 141.00 cm in length it features a fancy fetta and rope link chain made of 9ct yellow gold. Muff chains were originally by women in the first quarter of the 19th century until the first quarter of the 20th century. Worn typically to suspend their muffs (hand gloves), it is worn today as a long chain, with the versatility to double or even triple it over on the neck with the clasp used to flash an ornamental pendant or fob.
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Circa: Late Victorian
Material: 9ct Yellow Gold
Style of Link: Fetta and Rope Link
Length: 141.00 cm
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The Victorian Period (1837 - 1901):
The Victorian Period defined by none other than Queen Victoria herself, had three stages - the Romantic, the Grand and the Aesthetic.
It was during the Romantic era that Queen Victoria married her Prince, Albert. Sentimental motifs such as; hearts, lover’s knots, flowers, bows, crescent moons and particularly serpents (which was subject to Queen Victoria’s engagement ring which represented enduring love) became extremely popular in jewellery design. Cameos, Enamelling and the use of bright coloured gemstones such as; garnets, amethysts, turquoise, pearls and diamonds gave way to the creation of jewellery that was beginning to speak a symbolic language of its own.
The Grand Victorian era was a sombre period which saw Queen Victoria mourning the death of her beloved husband Albert. It encompassed 20 years during which time Victoria would only wear black and mourning jewellery. As a result the Whitby Jet industry flourished and onyx and deeper coloured garnets rose in popularity. Rings, lockets and brooches were commissioned with compartments for a lock of a loved one’s hair and were often engraved with the person’s name, age and date of death.
The Aesthetic era saw a return to the light-heartedness of the Romantic Era. The discoveries being made through archaeology led to an Etruscan Revival with Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences becoming apparent in jewellery design as well as symbols of good luck and fortune.
