Offering this vintage beautiful gold-filled long guard necklace in a buttery yellow gold finish. G.F. engraving on a link near the dog clip. Just a note that the CAMEO PENDANT IS NOT FOR SALE and was just used to model the long guard. Long guards are such versatile pieces that can be worn in different ways (check pictures).
There is a minimal tarnishing on the slider (but it slides smoothly). Otherwise, the chain is in great condition.
Chain has been gently washed and sanitized. It appeared more brighter, yellowish and buttery after the "bath".
I was informed by the antique jewelry store that this is from the Art Nouveau era (I will leave it to the future owner to do their own research).
*What defines Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau, ornamental style of art that flourished between about 1890 and 1910 throughout Europe and the United States. Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of a long, sinuous, organic line and was employed most often in architecture, interior design, jewelry and glass design, posters, and illustration. Art Nouveau jewellery owes much of its lasting impact to French artist René Lalique. Apart from his eye-catching designs and immaculate craftsmanship, Lalique pioneered the use of unconventional materials, introduced subtle colour schemes, and imbued meaning into each piece he worked on.
LONG GUARD DESCRIPTION and HISTORY:
*What is a long guard?
These beautiful antique chains are once an essential part of a lady's apparel. Antique guard chains were long chains sculpted from gold and silver and designed to be used to hold a pocket watch. They are substantial enough to be worn as a necklace wrapped a number of times around the neck.
*What was a guard chain used for?
The guard chains were sometimes up to 64 inches and were designed to hold watches on dog clips which swivel open. They were originally worn with the chain tucked into a woman's belt, and the watch dangled from there.
Popular in the Victorian times, guard or muff chains were used to hold the ladies fob watch securely or to attach to a woollen muff or hand warmer. These type of long guards sometimes measures up to 130cm in length.