Georgian Pinchbeck Muff Chain with Hand Clasp

A gorgeous long pinchbeck rope-like link necklace with an elegant hand clasp at end. Pinchbeck is a rare metal alloy that was once used for jewelry making it's beautiful yellow gold color, and its affordability made it the most ideal "stagecoach" jewelry. It was worn to decorate the body in an inexpensive manner, particularly on a long coach ride where one might succumb to being robbed by bandits or highwaymen. Pinchbeck jewelry was made of copper and zinc, which took on a bright yellow color that did not ever fade, unlike many other gold substitutes. Pinchbeck was invented by Christopher Pinchbeck, a London clockmaker in the 18th Century. His metal alloy became so popular that many pieces of jewelry were claimed to be pinchbeck, but these were not. Pinchbeck is a rare material, and today is highly collectible. It makes a great addition to any jewelry collection.

The necklace measures 46 inches long and the hand clasp is approximately 1 inch in size. It weighs approximately 53 grams. Gorgeous links with organic patterns create a texture that decorate the necklace up and down. The necklace can be worn around the neck twice, and its length creates much versatility. The end clasp is really superb- a hand with small purple and glass beads clips the necklace to open and close. The hand this clasp is original from the 1820's -40's except the tongue and groove for the clasp that has been replaced to make the clasp functional again. The color of the necklace is gold with a warm copper color underglow. The necklace glows in its original state. This metal alloy doesn't oxide making pinchbeck a really rare material- a wonderful jewel with beauty and history.