{"title":"Antique Guard Chains","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese beautiful antique chains were 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our collection of antique guard chains below.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"antique-victorian-guard-chain-9ct-gold-2","title":"Antique Victorian Guard Chain 9ct Gold","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA grand antique Victorian guard chain from the late 19th Century, made up of interlocked eternity links fashioned in 9ct gold. It has a lovely sheen and muted yellow gold tone and is complete with a hinged claw clasp at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGuard chains were at the height of popularity in the 18th \u0026amp; 19th Century. Both fashionable and practical, they were deliberately long enough to be tucked into a belt and the clasp was usually adorned with a pocket watch, lorgnette or muff. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a luxurious Victorian Guard chain with a good weight and ample length, measuring 56 inches. It can be worn as one long chain or looped twice around the neck to make two festoons of gold. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWEIGHT: 29.1 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMEASURES: Length 56 inches x Width 3mm – Clasp Height 21mm x Width 6mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMETAL: 9ct Gold (Stamped)  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAGE: Victorian. (Circa 1900)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMARKS: 9ct stamps\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eCONDITION: Excellent, commensurate with age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eITEM NUMBER: AJ1073\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWe provide \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/pages\/shipping-and-returns\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eFree Worldwide Shipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for this item. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/pages\/payment-options\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eInterest Free Layaway and Finance Payment Options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. Please enquire for more details.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54855218561408,"sku":"AJ1073","price":2350.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Victorian-Guard-Chain-9ct-Gold-cover.jpg?v=1771586252"},{"product_id":"antique-victorian-snake-guard-chain-9ct-gold","title":"Antique Victorian Snake Guard Chain 9ct Gold","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDating to the late 19th century, this elegant, long antique Victorian guard chain is crafted in bright 9ct yellow gold and has an ample length of 61-inches. The chain consists of intricately woven snake links, with flat, faceted sides that feel like liquid silk against the skin and designed to catch the flicker of candlelight. \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGuard chains were the ultimate fashion accessory in the 19th Century, designed to be long enough to be tucked into a belt. This one is complete with its original, swivel dog clip at the end that would have traditionally kept a woman’s most precious treasures, lockets, seals, or lorgnette glasses, close at all times.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis rare Victorian chain remains in exceptional condition, featuring an impressive 61 inches of silky-smooth 9ct gold, with a soft antique patina. Elegant and versatile, it may be paired with an antique pendant or locket, worn long for a striking statement, or doubled and tripled to create a richly layered “neck mess” effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe recommend you insure for £3,500. We can provide a written Valuation on completion of the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWEIGHT\u003c\/b\u003e: 35 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMEASURES\u003c\/b\u003e: Length 61 inches x Width 2.5mm – Clasp Height 18mm x Width 6mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMETAL\u003c\/b\u003e: Yellow Gold (Tested 9ct) \u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e           \u003c\/span\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAGE\u003c\/b\u003e: Victorian. (Circa 1890 - 1900)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMARKS\u003c\/b\u003e: No marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/b\u003e: Excellent, commensurate with age\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eITEM NUMBER\u003c\/b\u003e: AJ1270\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eYou can find more Victorian Guard Chains in our \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/collections\/antique-necklaces?_gl=1*rkmf0i*_up*MQ..*_ga*MjA5MzI1MjU0NS4xNzcwMzc2OTMy*_ga_4D9LWM6C15*czE3NzAzNzY5MzIkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzAzNzgxNzIkajYwJGwwJGgw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAntique Chains collection.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWe provide \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/pages\/shipping-and-returns\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eFree Worldwide Shipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for this item. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/pages\/payment-options\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eInterest Free Layaway and Finance Payment Options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xPm-WksM9_8?si=-QJjRJ82d2DTgr1r\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57361975017856,"sku":"AJ1270","price":2465.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Victorian-Snake-Guard-Chain-9ct-Gold-cover.jpg?v=1771588018"},{"product_id":"antique-victorian-guard-chain-18ct-gold-9ct-clasp-37-inch","title":"Antique Victorian Guard Chain 9ct Gold 37 Inch","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis silky antique Victorian rope twist chain dates to the late 19th Century and is fashioned in 9ct yellow gold, with a bolt ring clasp added at the end to create a stylish, long guard chain, measuring 37 inches.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBoth fashionable and practical, guard chains were an essential accessory for the 19th century woman. Deliberately long enough to be tucked into a belt, they allowed the wearer to attach a pocket watch, lorgnette glasses, or even a small fur cylinder known as a “muff” to the clasp, ensuring the items were always close at hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis Victorian chain’s generous length allows it to be worn long in traditional style or looped twice for a chic, tiered “neck-mess” look, with the bolt-ring clasp providing endless opportunities to showcase your favourite antique pendants, charms, or lockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWEIGHT\u003c\/b\u003e: 6.9 grams  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMEASURES\u003c\/b\u003e: Length 37 inches x Width 1.5mm – Clasp Height 12mm x Width 8mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMETAL\u003c\/b\u003e: Yellow Gold (9ct stamped) \u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e           \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAGE\u003c\/b\u003e: Victorian. (Circa 1880 – 1900)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMARKS\u003c\/b\u003e: 9ct stamp on clasp. No other marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/b\u003e: Excellent, some signs of wear commensurate with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eITEM NUMBER:\u003c\/b\u003e 26-042\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eYou can find more Victorian Guard Chains in our \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/collections\/antique-necklaces?_gl=1*5pra4t*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTYxMjcyNjcxNS4xNzcwNzIyMDY5*_ga_4D9LWM6C15*czE3NzA3MjIwNjgkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzA3MjIwNjgkajYwJGwwJGgw\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAntique Chains collection.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWe provide \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/pages\/shipping-and-returns\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eFree Worldwide Shipping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for this item. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/pages\/payment-options\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eInterest Free Layaway and Finance Payment Options\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57376698401152,"sku":"26-042","price":850.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Victorian-Guard-Chain-18ct-Gold-cover.jpg?v=1770723090"},{"product_id":"antique-victorian-guard-chain-9ct-gold-59-5-inch","title":"Antique Victorian Guard Chain 9ct Gold 59.5 Inch","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eMeasuring an impressive 59.5 inches, this magnificent antique Victorian guard chain is an exemplary piece, crafted from 9ct gold Belcher links. Originally, these chains were known as “muff chains” and this one features a traditional dog clip clasp (stamped 9ct), designed not only for secure fastening but also for carrying a lady’s most treasured locket or pocket watch close to the heart. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eThough a genuine 19th-century piece, the clasps connecting ring bears a later Birmingham date mark, hinting at a professional restoration carried out in 1991 - a common and sometimes necessary practice for chains of this age and scale. Its rich, coppery patina tells of its long history and lends it a soulful warmth and soft, rosy glow that only a century of wear can impart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eToday, this versatile gold guard chain is perfect for personalising with small pendants and charms, its generous length allowing it to be worn long and fluid, doubled for a classic layered look, or even tripled for a dramatic cascading, waterfall effect.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eWEIGHT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e: 33.3 grams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eMEASURES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e: Length 59.5 inch - Link Width 1.5 – 3.5mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eMETAL\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e: Gold (Stamped 9ct)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e           \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eAGE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e: Victorian. (Circa 1900)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eMARKS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e: 375\/ 9ct stamps, Birmingham Anchor\/ Date hallmarks, Sponsor mark (SB)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e: Excellent, wear commensurate with age\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eITEM NUMBER:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e AJ1312\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0hS0f_nl86A?si=mFgniMAxNPxCz5B_\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58050664366464,"sku":"AJ1312","price":2750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Victorian-Guard-Chain-9ct-Gold-COVER_59b17a42-d7f3-436c-9dad-2808fd1c38e6.jpg?v=1778161694"},{"product_id":"antique-georgian-guard-chain-39-inch-with-barrel-clasp","title":"Antique Georgian Guard Chain 39 Inch With Barrel Clasp","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis breath-taking 39-inch antique Georgian guard chain dates to the early 19th Century and is crafted from rich golden Pinchbeck. It is composed of glossy, hollow-formed belcher links, with a smooth, tactile finish, leading to a magnificent cylindrical barrel clasp. It features an intricate openwork diamond-lattice design, delicately embellished with fine granulation that showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSteeped in nearly two centuries of history, this graceful guard chain evokes a world of candlelit ballrooms and horse-drawn carriages. Such long chains were draped by fashionable Georgian ladies to suspend pocket watches, lorgnettes or velvet hand muffs, while Pinchbeck offered the beauty of high-carat gold in a more accessible form, making it one of the most admired materials of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePreserved in excellent condition, this rare 39-inch guard chain is both a captivating collector's piece and a wonderfully versatile addition to an antique jewellery collection. Wear it at its full length or double it into a sumptuous collar for a look that beautifully bridges Georgian elegance and contemporary style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWEIGHT\u003c\/b\u003e: 64 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMEASURES\u003c\/b\u003e: Length 39.1 inch x Width 6.5mm – Clasp 12 x 16mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMETAL\u003c\/b\u003e: Pinchbeck\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAGE\u003c\/b\u003e: Georgian. (Circa 1800 - 1830)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMARKS\u003c\/b\u003e: No marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/b\u003e: Excellent, wear commensurate with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eITEM NUMBER:\u003c\/b\u003e 26-213 \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58653509353856,"sku":"26-213","price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Georgian-Pinchbeck-Long-Chain-cover.jpg?v=1786021436"},{"product_id":"antique-victorian-guard-chain-gold-cased-54-inch","title":"Antique Victorian Guard Chain Gold Cased 54 Inch","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMeasuring an astonishing 54 inches in length, this fabulous antique Victorian guard chain dates to the late 19th century and is composed of delicate gold-cased paperclip links, beautifully joined by tightly woven love knots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBoth fashionable and practical, guard chains were an essential accessory throughout the 19th century. Their generous length allowed them to be tucked discreetly into a belt or waistband, while the clasp could be used to secure a pocket watch, lorgnette glasses, or even a small fur muff, keeping these everyday essentials close at hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eCrafted with a durable gold casing, this elegant chain possesses a wonderfully warm golden glow and retains its original bolt-ring clasp. Its impressive length also makes it exceptionally versatile. Wear it draped long, double- or triple-wrap it for a luxurious layered effect, or suspend a favourite locket, pendant, or collection of charms from the clasp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWEIGHT\u003c\/b\u003e: 31.4 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMEASURES\u003c\/b\u003e: Length 54 inches x Width 3.5mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMETAL\u003c\/b\u003e: Gold Cased\u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e         \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAGE\u003c\/b\u003e: Victorian. (Circa 1890 – 1900)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMARKS\u003c\/b\u003e: No marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/b\u003e: Excellent, wear commensurate with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eITEM NUMBER\u003c\/b\u003e: 26-232  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58728546763136,"sku":"26-232","price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Victorian-Guard-Chain-Gold-Cased-cover.jpg?v=1787057789"},{"product_id":"antique-victorian-guard-chain-sterling-silver-18ct-gold-gilt-58-inch","title":"Antique Victorian Guard Chain Sterling Silver 18ct Gold Gilt 58 Inch","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMeasuring an ample 58 inches in length, this magnificent antique Victorian guard chain was crafted in Birmingham in 1898 and is hallmarked on the dog-clip clasp. Also bearing the prestigious sterling silver Lion mark, the substantial rope-twist chain is masterfully crafted in silver throughout and lavishly finished with 18ct yellow gold gilt, giving it the sumptuous appearance of solid gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGuard chains were an essential and fashionable accessory during the Victorian era. Originally designed as practical chains for securing everyday necessities such as a pocket watch, spectacles, or other small personal items. Their generous length allowed them to be styled in numerous ways, making them both a practical accessory and an elegant statement of Victorian fashion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePreserved in excellent condition, the chain can be worn long as a single, elegantly draped strand, or doubled or tripled around the neck to create beautiful, cascading festoons of gold. A wonderfully substantial example of late-Victorian jewellery, it is as versatile today as it was over a century ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWEIGHT\u003c\/b\u003e: 50.6 grams \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMEASURES\u003c\/b\u003e: Length 58 inches x Width 3.5mm – Clasp Height 22mm x Width 8mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMETAL\u003c\/b\u003e: Sterling Silver\/ 18ct Gold Gilt \u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e           \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAGE\u003c\/b\u003e: Victorian. (Dated 1898)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMARKS\u003c\/b\u003e: Sterling Lion stamp, Birmingham Date hallmark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/b\u003e: Excellent, wear commensurate with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eITEM NUMBER:\u003c\/b\u003e 26-237\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59852301238656,"sku":"26-237","price":775.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Victorian-Guard-Chain-Sterling-Silver-18ct-Gold-Gilt-cover.jpg?v=1789127214"},{"product_id":"antique-victorian-guard-chain-57-inch","title":"Antique Victorian Guard Chain 57 Inch","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMeasuring an impressive 57 inches, this long antique Victorian guard chain is an exemplary piece, crafted from bronze-gold base metal Belcher links. Originally, these chains were known as “muff chains” and this one features a traditional dog clip clasp designed not only for secure fastening but also for carrying a lady’s most treasured locket, pocket watch or other essential accessories close to the heart.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eToday, this versatile Victorian guard chain is perfect for personalising with small pendants and charms, its generous length allowing it to be worn long and fluid, doubled for a classic layered look, or even tripled for a dramatic cascading, waterfall effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWEIGHT\u003c\/b\u003e: 23.3 grams   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMEASURES\u003c\/b\u003e: Length 57 inches x Width 2.5mm – Clasp Height 18mm x Width 6.5mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMETAL\u003c\/b\u003e: Base Metal (Tested) \u003cspan style=\"mso-tab-count: 1;\"\u003e           \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAGE\u003c\/b\u003e: Victorian. (Circa 1880 – 1900)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMARKS\u003c\/b\u003e: Sponsor Mark (S.P.). No other marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/b\u003e: Excellent, wear commensurate with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eITEM NUMBER: \u003c\/b\u003e26-249\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59940090904960,"sku":"26-249","price":395.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/files\/Antique-Victorian-Guard-Chain-cover.jpg?v=1790001440"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0137\/0033\/3614\/collections\/VICTORIAN_GUARD_CHAIN.jpg?v=1699357267","url":"https:\/\/laurelleantiquejewellery.com\/collections\/antique-guard-chains\/500-1000.oembed","provider":"Laurelle Antique Jewellery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}