Long & Luxe : 135.5cm (53 1/3″) Antique Faceted Link Long Guard Chain in 9ct Gold

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A staple of  every antique jewellery collector is the muff or long guard chain – you only need one but it needs to be the right one. These extra-long chains are incredibly versatile and can be worn in a multitude of ways. They are perfect for layering and can support several charms with the addition of a split-ring or three.

There are a number of different styles of long guard chains – from fancy fine links to more sturdy varieties. They are most usually a continuous length of chain joined in an unbroken loop, with a dog clip at one point. This particular chain is one of my personal favourite styles – wide faceted belcher links that catch the light and twinkle delightfully. The most sought after muff chains are super long, and solid gold, which is what we have here. It is sturdy thanks to the durable 9ct gold. The extra, extra long length lends itself to an infinite number of styling options – as either a necklace or a bracelet.

Originally this chain was worn around the neck and held a pocket watch or other practical accessory. The term ‘long guard’ was coined because it was a long chain that ‘guarded’ the wearer from losing whichever item was attached to it. Muff chains are similar in that they are extra long chains that were used to secure a fur muff (fancy hand warmer). Muff chains tend to be longer and finer than guard chains. Today these long chains are the perfect chain to hang your favourite fob (or fob collection!) or mix it up with pendants and charms from across all eras.

Over time most long guard chains have been broken down into several smaller chains, so it is a true delight to find one that is complete. This chain has had what I believe are some small personalisations over the years. At some point a lighter weight link has been added towards the middle of the chain; this modification allows the chain to be worn as a practical double necklace when the dog clip is fastened into it, with one length hanging slightly longer than the other. Another modification is the addition of a spring ring that is nearly indistinguishable from the faceted links. This spring ring can be used to open the chain, allowing it to wrap around the neck three times, and also giving the wearer the ability to add pendants with larger bails, or to hang pendants and charms from.

Manufacture: 
Modelled in 9ct gold. There are no hallmarks present, but the metal content has been verified by XRF test. The belcher links are 5.16mm in diameter and 2.42mm wide. The links are faceted on the outside, as is the dog clip.

The chain is 135.5cm (53 1/3″) long, not including the dog clip.
The dog clip is 20.2mm 6.5mm x 2.22mm and can swivel, the opening mechanism is springy and secure.
Weighs 36.58 grams.

Condition:
The chain does show signs of wear, which is to be expected in a piece of very useful antique jewellery, but has another 100+ years of life in her. Ready for immediate and everyday wear.

Chains of this length and condition are difficult to come by – this is a rare survivor from a time long passed.

**Please note: his listing is for the chain only and does not include any of the pendants photographed – they are examples of styling possibilities.