19th Century Gold Long Chain

19th-century long gold chain, in 18k gold. Elaborate gold basket links. Best worn layered. French hallmarks. Circa 1880.

Measures 53.5" in length. 

The longchain rose in popularity after the Napoleonic Wars, when precious gems and metals were in short supply, as they could be produced from thin gold sheet and worn in a variety of ways - draped across shoulders, tucked into belts or pinned at the corsage to create eye catching festoons. The linking ranged vastly in size and texture with both engraved and machine embossed patterns and star motifs. The clasps were often more detailed with bead, burr and filigree detail, sometimes taking the form of a textured, gloved and gem-set hand.