Larard Brothers was originally established as Larard and Sons in 1874 and quickly became well known as one of the finest jewellers in Australia that now makes pieces by them highly sought after, and here we not only have an antique full length Albert chain by them, but one that is also in 15 carat gold.
Originally made for a man to connect his pocket watch to, now double length Albert chains such as these are more commonly worn around the neck where they make a wonderful statement.
More commonly found in 9 carat gold, finding one that is not only in 15 carat gold, but also still in excellent condition over 120 years later is even more exciting. The colour of the gold has such a beautiful soft tone to it that looks even more beautiful on the skin, and this is so comfortable and easy to wear all the time.
Measuring 39cm from end to end, the twisted oval links each measure 2.1cm in length and are all connected by those gorgeous knot designs that add such a beautiful elegance to the chain.
As beautiful and in wonderful condition today as when it was made, this antique Albert chain is as beautiful as it is rare.
Stock# T1010
Maker: Larard Bros (Brothers)
Circa: 1900
$Sold.
Out of stock
Antique 15 carat fancy Albert chain by Larard Bros
A brief history on Larard Bros.
Larard and Son was first established on Melbourne in 1874 by John Larard and after his death in 1881, the two brothers changed the name of the company to Larard Bros (Brothers).
They became well known as a company that produced high quality jewellery, including the ever popular goldfield brooches. They were also importers of Omega watches and the jewellery is identified with their stamp of a five pointed star.
As one of Australia's leading jewellers, the company enjoyed great success and finally closed in 1945.
A brief history on Albert chains:
The Albert chain, or Prince Albert chain as it is also known by was designed in the 1800's for Prince Albert to fit through a waist coat and hold a pocket watch on one end and the key to wind it on the other.
These were often made in sterling silver or gold as well as base metals such as rolled gold and some from the Art Deco era of the 1920's to the 1940's being made in platinum or a combination of platinum and gold.
A double length one ie two chains leading to a tee bar is a double Albert and one where the tee bar is at one end and a swivel or bolt ring at the other is known as a half Albert.
However in the early 1900's with the increase in popularity of wrist watches, the gentleman of the house put these chains down and started to wear the wrist watch and now years later woman wear these around their neck where they are quite often seen today.
Click here to see more antique Australian jewellery that is currently for sale:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-australian-jewellery/
Click here to see a small selection of more genuine antique chains and Albert chains that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/necklace-antique/
