Antique Victorian gold plated or rolled gold heavy book chain necklace with large oval locket, gypsy set with beautiful clear paste stone

Fabulous antique Victorian yellow gold plated (or rolled gold) book chain choker necklace and detachable pendant link with clear paste set oval locket, all with gorgeous, elaborate engraving. This is a really unusual example - more often these pieces are made of sterling silver. It has more of a Georgian feel so is perhaps earlier Victorian.

The book chain design emerged during the latter part of the Early Victorian Era, or Romantic Period (1837 to 1860) and was worn at that time with a large locket at the front. The book chain necklace itself can be worn as a classic choker. Included in the sale is the extra link with a second over-sized spring ring clasp which was traditionally used to attach a Victorian engraved locket, pendant or cameo.

The large oval Victorian gypsy cut clear paste locket is shown as it would be attached and is of course included in this sale listing. It can also be attached without the extra extension link straight onto the choker clasp (as shown on 2nd mannequin picture) or of course as a locket on any other chain. The pendant has a large, cushion cut paste rhinestone gypsy set with the classic starburst engraving in the centre.

The necklace has a choker length of 16 inches and fastens with a classic antique, over-sized spring ring clasp. It is in very good vintage condition. The extra link to attach the pendant has another over-sized spring ring clasp for the locket or other pendant and has a length of about 1.5 inches. The locket itself has a pendant loop about 1/2 inch long and a locket length of nearly 2 inches, width 1.25 inches. The locket is also in good vintage condition with parchment paper lining inside. Please examine and zoom in on all phots carefully for a full condition report.