Rare 15 carat gold Albert chain by Donovan & Overland
$9,150.00
An Albert chain was originally made to connect to a pocket watch to be worn with a gents waistcoat, and was a popular item in the late Victorian as well as the Edwardian times. Today the Albert chain, or fob watch chain as they are also known as, are commonly worn around the neck where they look so stylish such as this very elegant and rare one here.
To begin with, this one is all original and also referred to as a “double Albert” in which it is a full length with the tee bar sitting in the centre. Measuring41cm in length, many Albert chains are too short to be worn around the neck, whereas this one sits beautifully on the neck line.
Then it is made in 15 carat gold which is a carat of gold that was not only used for a brief period of time, but also often has the most wonderful “warm” colour that sits between a very rose and very yellow colour, and one that looks even better against the skin. Each link is also in wonderful condition and not worn, as are the two swivels and tee bar.
And finally to make this even more unique and special, it was made by the early Australian jewellery firm of Donovan & Overland in Perth in the early 1900’s. Finding early Australian jewellery such as this in wonderful condition and its carat of gold, truly does make it even more special.
This antique double Albert chain is so elegant and refined, and one that is as unique and rare as it is beautiful.
Stock# EC550
Maker: Donovan & Overland (Perth, Australia)
Circa: 1900
$9,150
Rare 15 carat gold Albert chain by Donovan & Overland
A brief history on the jewellery firm of Donovan and Overland.
Donovan and Overland were jewellers who set up their business in Perth in 1897 in William Street. Until 1915 they moved premises a number of times until finally settling on a workshop in Oatley Place. Donovan and Overland supplied jewellery to many of the retail jewellers in Perth where they made a name for themselves as one of the leading jewellers in Perth. Their reputation of high quality jewellery has now been further appreciated Australia wide and has become highly collectable. Donovan and Overland used a key as they hallmark and they continued to make high end jewellery right up until their close in 1931 due to the Great Depression.
What is an Albert chain? What is a fob 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. It was made 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. During the Art Deco era of the 1920’s to the 1940’s, some were made in platinum or a combination of platinum and gold.
A double length Albert is where there are two sides leading to a tee bar in the centre. Where there is just one shorter length with a tee bar at the end, this is called 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. Now years later woman wear these around their neck where they are quite often seen today.
Where is the best antique store in Sydney? Antique jewellery Sydney.
Kalmar Antiques are on the top floor of the Queen Victoria Building. We have been dealing in antique jewellery and watches for over thirty years. With a vast collection of antique jewellery to modern bespoke hand made pieces, there is also a watchmaking workshop on site with a Rolex trained watchmaker. The Queen Victoria Building is just a short walk from Town Hall Station and The Strand Arcade.
Where can I get my antique jewellery repaired?
At Kalmar Antiques in the Queen Victoria Building. For over thirty-five years we have been repairing and restoring antique jewellery. Using techniques not often used today, as well as genuine antique cut diamonds and gemstones, we provide an obligation-free quote prior to any repair work.
Click here to see more antique Albert chains, necklaces and pendants that are currently instore:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/antique/antique-pendants/
A link to the beautiful and historic Queen Victoria Building, in which our store is located on Level Two:
