Acquired on a recent trip to Ketchikan, where gold mining is still active in the state of Alaska. This is a vintage piece circa the 1970’s, comprised of 1/2” bar links that alternate with small natural gold nuggets. The nuggets are held onto the chain with jump rings and an oval link, creating a nice rhythmic pattern and offering an organic, sequin-like shimmer to the necklace.
Gold nuggets are formed by hot fluids flowing through cracks deep in the Earth’s crust. Weather eventually releases the nuggets into streams and bodies of water, where they are shaped by erosion and time.
Everything in this necklace is 14k gold, with the exception of the gold nuggets. The nuggets range from 20k to 24k gold. Very wearable at an 18 1/2” length, this necklace looks beautiful stacked with other chains, as it adds visual texture and rhythm to the neckline. The chain weighs 8.57 grams and has a spring ring clasp.
The necklace weighs 8.57 grams. It is 18 1/2”, and consists of 1/2” bars alternating with 1/2” sections of gold nugget link. Each gold nugget is approximately 3.5 - 4 mm.