$16,750.00
Albert chains were originally made to hold a pocket watch to a gents waistcoat. However when men started to wear the "new" invention of a wristwatch, women started to wear these around the neck and here is a very rare and beautiful genuine antique Albert chain made in solid 15 carat yellow gold by an early Australian jeweller.
15 carat was only used for a relatively short time making it so hard to come by, and this one has such a wonderful colour that sits between rose and yellow gold and can so easily be worn with either and look perfect.
The condition of the links are still superb even after 120 have passed since it was made, and the links measure 8.1mm wide and have such a smooth tactile feel to the touch that makes it so comfortable to wear around the neck, or even back to hold a pocket watch.
Made by the early Australian jeweller Robert Robertson who started in 1854, this also makes it a wonderful example of early Australian jewellery.
Measuring a full 44cm in length and all original, this is a superb and exciting example of a genuine antique Albert chain that is easily one of the best around.
Stock# ET837
Maker: Robert Robertson
Circa: 1900
$16,750
In stock
Antique Albert necklace. Rare 15 carat gold antique Albert by Australian jeweller, Robertson. This antique Albert necklace was made by Robert Robertson.
Starting in 1854, Robert Robertson founded his business in Collins Street West, in Melbourne. By 1865 he moved to Little Collins Street where his business flourished. His son joined him in business in 1875 and became Robert Robertson and Sons. Robert passed away two years later in 1887 at which time the firm had 50 workers in employment at the company.
What is an Albert chain?
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 Australian antique jewellery that is currently instore:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-australian-jewellery/
Click here to see more antique necklace and pendants that are currently instore:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-pendant-antique/
A link to the beautiful Victoria & Albert museum in London:
