Antique Victorian moulded Vulcanite ornate panel collar necklace, unusual piece in lovely condition

Fabulous antique moulded Vulcanite collar / choker necklace with stunning, ornate links. Vulcanite is dark brown so appears similar to jet or bog oak and was used in Victorian mourning style jewellery. On close inspection, there is a brown hue to the substance which was human-made from resin and sulphur.

The collar links are beautifully shaped and are in incredible condition considering their age and delicacy. The necklace fastens with a ribbon-like thread which ties onto the two carved end loops. These end loop pieces may be Whitby jet as they are much darker black, smoother and shinier than the shaped Vulcanite links. It has a length of about 16 inches but sits in a circular arrangement as a collar.

Vulcanite (also sometimes called "ebonite") was made by combining and heating sap of the Euphorbia or Ficus trees from Malaysia with sulphur. Invented in 1843 by Thomas Hancock, pieces made of Vulcanite were almost always moulded, not carved, and it was used mainly in making jewellery.