Antique Victorian vulcanite chunky chain necklace

Fabulous antique vulcanite necklace with chunky chain links. Vulcanite is dark 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 man made from resin and sulphur. The necklace fastens with a secure lanyard style Victorian clip and is in very good vintage condition.

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.