ULTRA RARE Victorian Fancy Link Albert Chain

This type of chain, very rarely turn up on the antique market. Here, we can unveil such a rarity. This Victorian fancy link Albert chain consists of alternating links consisting of a smaller, faceted, lozenge shaped link with engraved sides and an alternating elongated link interlocking perfectly with a link of the same size and shape. This 9ct yellow gold Albert chain is in MINT CONDITION and it is dated circa 1890.


Circa: 1890s
Design Period: Late Victorian
Material: 9ct Yellow Gold
Chain Style: Albert Chain
Chain Link: Fancy 
Chain Length: 42.70 cm
Pendant Diameter: 9.15 mm 

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 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.