Antique Victorian vulcanite chunky chain necklace with adorable padlock clasp / pendant

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 human-made from resin and sulphur.

The chain links are beautifully shaped, each with a groove around the outside circumference. The necklace fastens with the loveliest vulcanite padlock - it is fully working and just requires the hook to be gently squeezed so that it clicks in and out of its closed position. The piece weighs 40 grams overall and is in very good 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.