Georgian Cut Steel Necklace
Wonderfully dainty cut steel necklace dating from the Georgian period, circa 1820. It is made up of tiny faceted steel beads designed to sparkle and dance under the light and fastens with a simple 9 carat gold bolt ring, and at 18 inches it's great for wearing solo or layered up.
Cut steel is a curious medium: faceted steel studs (or, in this case, beads), supposedly fashioned from the nails used to secure horseshoes, are designed to gleam and glisten like diamonds under candlelight. Cut steel had been used to adorn shoe buckles, scissors, and watch chains since the early 18th century, with much of the early production taking place in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. With the popularity of shoe buckles waning towards the end of that century, the makers diversified into other decorative items including earrings, pendants, and brooches. Its popularity exploded when Napoleon presented his second wife Marie Louise with a full cut steel parure (as he was unable to afford one made with gemstones).
Era: Georgian, circa 1820
Length: 18 inches
Marks: None, tested as steel and 9ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition; clasp is a later addition.
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).
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs now charges a 10% tariff on all UK shipments as they cross the border. We will pay this customs charge on your behalf. Import duties remain 0% on antiques.
[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
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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