Georgian Regency Period Long Guard Chain
Chains from this period - known as the Regency era - are uniquely special for a number of reasons... scarcity, of course - Georgian jewellery is rare at the best of times - but pieces from the Regency era were only being made for a decade or so. And these chains were made whilst Europe was reeling from the escapades of one man and his army: Napoleon. National treasuries and personal purses alike were empty. But people still needed their jewellery, so goldsmiths were forced to accommodate with lower prices... and that meant they had to lower their costs. One way of doing this was by getting really clever with the construction: Regency chains are almost always lightweight but designed to look substantial; indeed, contrary to later curb-link chains and similar, the best and most desirable Regency examples are the lightest ones, not the heaviest.
With this one though, we kinda have the best of both worlds. It's long and substantial: over 50 inches and just shy of 57 grams (of 18 carat gold). At around 1 gram per inch of chain it's still lightweight, technically, but it has real substance to it on account of its length and width. Then there's the ingenious construction of the links: each one comprises three thin hoops, attached to form a triangular profile that cleverly links in to the next - providing strength and presence (width) but crucially keeping it delicate and gossamer-like. The links are beautifully textured and fasten with an ornate barrel clasp adorned with embossed stars and intricate cannetille and granulated goldwork.
Era: Georgian, circa 1810
Length: 50.5 inches
Weight: 56.7 grams
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition; a couple of the gold granules are missing from the clasp - see images.
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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
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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