Gorgeous Victorian Long Guard Chain Circa 1880 April 4th blue enamel

blue enamel

this special ring features a lion's face in the center

Marks: Hallmarked by what appears to be a firm from Newark

and gemstones were common accouterments

Gorgeous Victorian Long Guard Chain Circa 1880 April 4th blue enamelLong guard chains were first worn by women in the early 1800s. They were long and light and were draped over the shoulders and caught at the waist with a watch hook or tucked under a belt or in a watch pocket. They were used to carry watches as well as lorgnettes or vinaigrettes, and were described as guard chains. Women continued to wear long chains, usually over 60", in the Victorian period but the chains had become thinner and began to be worn