Victorian Gutta-Percha Chain
Striking antique chain necklace crafted in gutta-percha and dating from the Victorian era, circa 1860. Made up of chunky, oversized cable links - each with a square profile - and sitting at 21 inches, it's got a substantial and distinctly modern three-dimensional feel to it. The clasp is, somewhat unusually, a dog clip and hook, both in base metal with a black lacquer.
Gutta-percha is a rubber-like substance made from the resin derived from trees in Southeast Asia, mainly Malaysia. Introduced into practical use in the West in 1843 by Scottish surgeon Dr. William Montgomerie, who presented it to the Royal Society of Arts after seeing it used in Malaya (modern-day Singapore). It was found to be useful natural thermoplastic and was largely used in the covering of submarine telegraph cables, making pieces like this somewhat rare. However, in the latter 19th century it began to be used for jewellery and was often employed as a less expensive substitute for Whitby Jet in mourning jewellery.
Era: Victorian, circa 1860
Length: 21 inches
Width: 14.2mm
Marks: None, clasp tested as base metal
Condition: Great antique condition, some wear to the black lacquer that coats the clasps - see images
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Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
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[Last updated: August 29th, 2025]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
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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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