Antique Victorian sterling silver (tested) heavy bookchain necklace with large oval locket, beautiful engraving, 61 grams

Fabulous antique Victorian sterling silver book chain choker necklace and detachable pendant with engraved oval locket, all with gorgeous, elaborate engraving. All the pieces have been tested and are solid sterling silver and the locket itself is fully hallmarked on the reverse. The hallmarks are a little worn, but my judgement would be that it is the date letter for the year 1882 (manufactured in Birmingham as shown by the anchor).

The pictures show the intricate book chain necklace, which can be worn as a classic choker. The large oval engraved Victorian sterling silver locket is shown attached and is of course included in this sale listing. This is a heavy piece, weighing 61 grams overall.

The necklace has a choker length of 16 inches and fastens with a classic antique, sterling silver spring ring clasp. It is in good vintage condition with the exception of two tiny missing circular rivets at the back of the chain, whose gaps have been filled with two ruby red rhinestones at the present time. The locket itself has a pendant loop about 1/2 inch long which loops into the spring ring clasp to attach, and a locket length of about 2 inches. The locket is also in good vintage condition with minor denting to the smooth back as can be seen.

Victorian book chain necklaces are an excellent example of antique jewellery that manages to look completely contemporary. 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 and then all through the Victorian period with a large locket or cameo at the front.