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Antique Australian Albert chain made by Larard Brothers in the 1890’s
Designed in the Victoria era, the Albert chain was originally made for a man to attach his pocket watch at one end and to fit into his waistcoat, with the tee bar in the centre button holes. However when men put down their pocket watches in place of the “new” wrist watches at the turn of the 20th century, after a while women started to wear these around their neck, where they are more commonly worn today, and regardless if this is worn in the traditional way, or as a necklace, there is no doubt that it will always be loved and admired.
Made by the early Australian jewellery company Larard Brothers, it was originally established as Larard and Sons in 1874 and then became Larard Brothers in 1881. Becoming known as one of the finest jewellers in Australia, this antique Albert chain made by them epitomises why they were so highly regarded and why pieces by them are sought after today.
Made in 9 carat rose gold, the colour of the gold has that wonderful warm tone that is only found with antique jewellery as opposed to the quite often very pink colour seen in modern rose gold of today. Combine the colour with the gorgeous designs of the links, and you have a piece that is exceptional to admire from near or far.
In superb condition, from end to end it measures 39.5cm in length allowing it to easily sit around the neck and it is also so comfortable to wear day or night.
As elegant and stylish today as when it was made, this antique Albert chain by one of Australia's leading early jewellers is such a wonderful find.
Stock# U250
Maker: Larard Brothers (Australia)
Circa: 1890
$4,200
$4,200.00
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Rare antique 15 carat gold Albert chain made by Stewart Dawson and Co
Over a century ago, the Albert chain was originally made for a man to attach his pocket watch at one end to fit into waistcoat, with the tee bar in the centre button holes. However when men put down their pocket watches in place of the “new” wrist watches at the turn of the 20th century, after a while women started to wear these around their neck, where they are more commonly worn today. And this one here is wonderful for so many reasons.
Firstly it was made by the early Australian jeweller, Stewart Dawson & Co in the early 1900's. Early Australian jewellery is becoming so sought after and collectable and this one has his marks at each end near the swivels as well as on the tee bar.
Then there is the fact that it was made in 15 carat gold. 15 carat gold was used in England from 1854 until 1931 and Australia followed this same practice making 15 carat gold not only quite short lived, but also incredibly hard to find in an Albert chain. The colour of the gold sits somewhere between a yellow and rose gold, and when worn it achieves such a wonderful warm patina that looks magnificent around the neck.
Measuring 40cm in length makes it full length and comfortable to wear around the neck as many of these are either too short or have had links added to extend the chain, and not only this, but the links are lovely and solid and in superb condition. This Albert chain had very little wear in its life as the links are as good as anyone would ever wish to find.
15 carat gold, by an early Australian jeweller and in superb full length condition, all go to make this a very rare and perfect example of an antique Albert chain that is beautiful from every aspect.
Stock# U228
Maker: Stewart Dawson & Co
Circa: 1900
$10,800
$10,800.00
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15ct rose gold antique Albert chain from the 1890’s
15ct gold is very hard to come by, as is a full length genuine antique Albert chain, so it is a pleasure to offer this 15ct rose gold antique Albert chain from the 1890's that is still in superb condition and can so easily be worn on a daily basis even though well over 120 years has passed since it was made.
Albert chains or fob watch chains as they are also know as, were originally designed for a gentleman to hold a pocket watch at one end and the key or a fob at the other end, with the tee bar connected to the waistcoat. Years later when men stopped using pocket watches and started to wear wrist watches, women years later started to wear these around their neck where they are often seen today.
Quite often Albert chains are seen as half Alberts that only have one half of the chain, or they are double but simply too short to wear around the neck, but this one measures 40cm in length and is all original with no additional pieces added to it. The link itself is absolutely gorgeous and with each link stamped 15ct is a real treasure to find.
Fitted with its two original swivels and tee bar, this is such an attractive, rare and beautiful genuine antique Albert chain that will always be admired.
Stock# T885
Circa: 1890
$Sold