Heart Of Pearls - Victorian 'Chapin & Hollister' Gold Fill Pearl Heart Long Guard Slide Chain (VICN053)

Heart Of Pearls - Victorian 'Chapin & Hollister' Gold Fill  Pearl Heart Long Guard Slide Chain. This exquisite  chain is crafted from yellow gold fill. The chain has a makers mark C&H for 'Chapin & Hollister'on the dog clip portion of the chain. The chain features 13 simulated seed pearls, victorian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This beautiful chain, consists of a yellow gold slide chain, which features a charming heart shaped slide, adorned by silvery/white pearls. The heart pearl slide slides up and down smoothly, and sits where the slides is placed on the chain. The chain has a secure 'dog clip' style clasp, which is in perfect working order. This Victorian era chain necklace is a highly collectible treasure from the past, to be cherished for many years to come. 

Note: This slide chain can be worn with your favourite pendants, and can be worn many different ways. 

History: The history of gold-filled jewellery traces back to early 19th century England, where this technique was patented to create semi-precious and better-quality custom jewellery during the Victorian Era.

As long as gold filled pieces are well cared for, they can last a lifetime. Gold plated pieces, on the other hand, can last up to a year if kept away from water, wear, and heat. It's also worth mentioning that gold filled pieces with lower karat weight (9-14k) may be more durable than pieces with greater gold content. Victorian gold filled jewelry can last for centuries. 

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

In Ancient Rome glass beads were coated with silver and then coated again with glass in an attempt to replicate the lustre of pearls. Small balls of clay coated with mica powder and then baked, were another early attempt to create the appearance of natural pearls.

C & H Co.:  The Chapin & Hollister Company was founded in 1898 by William P. Chapin and Frederick R. Hollister in Providence, RI. Chapin & Hollister were known mostly on a regional basis for their gold and silver chains, cutlery, and jewelry before ceasing operations in 1923.

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901.

Measurements: Slide Chain 48"      Slide 9.00 mm x 7.50 mm 

Stone Size:  Seed Pearl (Simulated) 1.00 mm 

Weight: 9.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent  

Origin: America, Providence, RI     Maker: Chapin & Hollister  

Date: Circa 1900