The Albert chain was originally designed to hold a pocket watch to a gents waistcoat, 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 savvy women started to wear these around their neck, and here is an amazing antique Albert chain that not only looks so beautiful but feels so tactile to touch and wear.
Made in Birmingham in 1900, it was made in 9 carat rose gold and has such a lovely colour to it that has achieved a delightful patina that looks even better set against the skin.
Made with the traditional curb links measuring 7mm wide, what separates this Albert chain from so many others, are the round facetted belcher links set between each curb link. Not only do these add a wonderful feature, but the way they roll through the fingers and even along the neck makes it both look and feel spectacular.
This is a full double Albert and measures 44cm from end to end and has its original tee bar in the centre. This tee bar was originally used in the same way as a cufflink slides through a French cuff to secure it, and now when worn as a necklace sits beautifully in the centre.
Without a doubt, this is such an elegant Albert chain that is not only long enough to wear around the neck, also in superb condition, but also one that is as unique as it is beautiful.
Stock# ES7542
Hallmarked: Birmingham 1900
$Sold.
Out of stock
Antique curb and roller ball Albert chain made in 1900
This beautiful antique double Albert chain was made with the traditional curb links with a facetted belcher link set between, and made in Birmingham in 1900. This allows for a very tactile and smooth feel to it that rolls through the fingers so beautifully and feels amazing when worn around the neck. Finding antique Albert chains that are not only long enough to be worn around the neck that are original and not with parts added to extend them, as well as in excellent condition such as this one here, are becoming increasingly hard to come by.
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 chains and Albert chains that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/necklace-antique/
