Chunky Georgian Pinchbeck Chain
Glorious Georgian pinchbeck chain with chunky textured links and an ornate, oversized barrel clasp decorated with filigree flowers and lilac pastes. The twin sister of one featured in the landmark publication Georgian Jewellery by Ginny Redington Dawes and Olivia Collings (2007). Ours dates from the 1790s and, at 16.5 inches, it's a great length to wear just below the collar bone.
Pinchbeck is a form of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc (89% copper to 11% zinc), formulated to mimic the appearance of gold. Invented in the early 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck, becoming popularly used in jewellery worn whilst travelling on dangerous stagecoaches, but allowed people who may not have otherwise afforded larger 18ct gold pieces to keep up with the ever-changing styles. Pinchbeck was made by Christopher and his descendants until around the 1830s (allegedly always marketed honestly, for what it was...) before eventually falling out of fashion when 9 carat gold was legalised in 1854.
Era: Georgian, circa 1790
Stones: Paste Gemstones
Length: 16.5 inches
Width: 9.5mm
Clasp: 19.7mm by 11.7mm
Marks: None, tests as pinchbeck (base metal)
Condition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age. Clasp fastens securely. A small chip to one of the paste gemstones.
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
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Layaway
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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