Victorian Ivy Pinchbeck Paste Sweetheart Necklace – England 1870

Description

A stunning and rare antique necklace’ featuring three finely modelled ivy leaves, picked out with gorgeous textured finish and little stamen, culminating in a lovely chunky old cut paste in claw setting to imitate a diamond.

This piece is highly symbolic and would likely have been given as a romantic gesture between sweethearts; the ivy being a popular symbol for eternal love in the Victorian language of flowers. 

This unusual piece is a rare survivor of pinchbeck jewellery, a type of copper and zinc alloy metal created early in the 18th Century . It quickly became a popular alternative to gold as it was lightweight yet retained a wonderful warm gold tone finish without tarnish; it later fell out of fashion in the late 19th century when lower carat gold was more readily available with more gold mine discoveries.

The pendant part of this necklace is attached to a fixed jump ring on the chain, however it is not soldered closed so if you wished you could easily remove the pendant part and add it to an alternative chain with the addition of a jump ring if desired.

These pieces are exceptionally hard to find and so to have one in such lovely condition is a real treat. The added bonus being that its a much more accessible price point than if it were gold! A great addition to any antique jewellery collection.

ERA: Victorian 1870 – this piece can be accurately dated by the presence of the full diamond shaped registration mark to the reverse. The ‘I’ stands for the metal material, the 28/H/C’ shows the design was registered on 28th April 1870, and the 4 shows that there were four parcels in this registration.

ORIGIN: English

MATERIAL: Pinchbeck base metal, and paste glass.

SIZE: The central ivy pendant measures 1.75″. The chain measures 18.5″.

CONDITION: Lovely antique condition. See photos, video is available on request. 

• Ivy leaves are beautifully formed, without damage and retain their bright warm gold tone finish
• Paste glass drop is original and securely set, no chips or cracks
• Chain is original, warm gold tone finish and subtle snake like flexibility, no crushing of the links. Bolt ring clasp works securely.

CARE GUIDANCE: To preserve the pinchbeck finish, this should not be immersed in liquids or sprayed with aerosols or perfumes.

SHIPPING: Free inside the UK and to the US – Please note that buyers are responsible for any import or customs charges.

TAGS: Victorian Ivy Pinchbeck Paste Sweetheart Necklace – England 1870