Victorian Belcher Link Pinchbeck Chain with GF Dog Clip & Spring Ring

This is a beautiful Victorian pinchbeck belcher link guard chain. Each of the round belcher links is engraved with a foliate pattern. This creates a stunning texture with light catching and reflecting its richness. Once part of a longer guard chain this versatile 17 1/4" chain is now a perfect length for so many fashions. The chain is pinchbeck with the dog clip and large spring ring marked 1/20 GF for gold fill.

The chain is handmade with a large 1/4" wide belcher link. It has a large spring that is 5/8" in diameter. The dog clip works as a clasp and the spring ring can be worn in front or back with or without charms. It is very versatile chain and beautifully made. It weighs 28 grams. 

 Pinchbeck is a rare metal alloy that was once used for jewelry making its beautiful yellow gold color, and its affordability made it the most ideal "stagecoach" jewelry. It was worn to decorate the body in an inexpensive manner, particularly on a long coach ride where one might succumb to being robbed by bandits or highwaymen. Pinchbeck jewelry was made of copper and zinc, which took on a bright yellow color that did not ever fade, unlike many other gold substitutes. Pinchbeck was invented by Christopher Pinchbeck, a London clockmaker in the 18th Century. His metal alloy became so popular that many pieces of jewelry were claimed to be pinchbeck, but these were not. Pinchbeck is a rare material, and today is highly collectible. It makes a great addition to any jewelry collection.

 Circa 1860