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Long Berlin Iron Necklace, Georgian Period browse these categories for related items... All Items: Estate Jewelry: Other Metals: Pre 1837 VR: item # 1014039 Please refer to our stock # LRN4 when inquiring.
Glorious Antique Jewelry By Appointment New York 646 778 1266 Guest Book Sold with thanks. Please try again |
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| Lace in iron describes the long Berlin Iron Chain pictured above. So fine and delicate is this necklace that one can see through all the links. The chain has the strength of iron yet is designed with openwork in between each solid line. The clasp is the sought after male and female hands in clasped position. Museums, collectors of this jewelry and followers of ours are well acquainted with this late 18th century to early 19th century genre of jewelry. It is very gratifying to be in a position to offer this important piece of history and in pristine condition at that. The length is a generous 48"long. The links point to point are 1/2 inch high. The German and French treasuries were depleted due to the long war that occurred with Napolean's invasion of Germany. The German government went to the wealthy and asked for support by means of turning their gold over for iron jewelry. German foundries cast iron into bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings. Napolean sacked the art and the jewels and jewelry factories, and took the designs and molds for iron jewels to France where he then ordered his jewelers to make iron as was made in Germany. Berlin iron became cutting edge jewelry, though it was not made en masse and for the common folk. It's historic value is clear as is its rarity. Most fine Berlin Iron is in museums in europe. Iron rusts if not cared for. This chain and any historic iron we offer is pristine. There is no rust. The clasps are strong. It is original with no replacements. Wear it with pleasure. There is no concern with the exception of water coming in contact with it. Simply keep your Berlin Iron jewels away from dampness. Do not get them wet and they will continue to be part of jewelry history and for another 200 years giving happiness to whoever is the caretaker. It was fun to find this quote when researching Berlin Iron: "Princess Charlotte of Wales informed her friend "That Lord Castlereagh...had offered "to get me from Berlin if possible (for they are very difficult to be procured) one of the iron rings that ladies wear there now instead of gold wedding ones and diamond hasps". (Shirley Bury, Jewellery 1789-1910) For information on Berlin Iron do see "Cut Steel and Berlin Iron Jewellery" by Shirley Bury, Georgian Jewelry by Ginny Dawes and Olivia Collings and the aforementioned source by Shirley Bury. The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Rouen Museum, The Birmingham City Museum, The New Berlin Museum and the Nordiska Museum have pieces of Berlin Iron Jewelry on exhibit. | ||||||||
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