Necklace Details
Antique (ca 1900) Figaro Link Sterling Silver Albert Watch Chain (England; rare) – Albert Chains emerged in the early Victorian period, and were named for Prince Albert (1819-1861), the beloved husband of Queen Victoria who started wearing a gold chain to secure his pocket watch to his waistcoat in the 1940s. Following his death, ‘Albert Chains’ surged in popularity as a tribute. The 1860s-1890s were the golden age of Albert Chains, which featured elaborate designs, multiple attachments, and various metals. The classic Albert Chain features a horizontal, or T-Bar, designed to be inserted through a buttonhole to secure the chain, a chain connecting the T-Bar to the watch, and a Swivel Clasp that allowed the watch to be turned for easy viewing without twisting the chain. Figaro Link chains feature a repeating pattern of two to three small round links alternating with elongated oval links that lie flat when extended. These antique links feature the Lion Passant (hallmark dates to 1544 and symbolizes British Sterling Silver).
Pearl (Japan) – Pearls have been desired around the world for more than 4,000 years and associated with the moon, wisdom, and love. Formed when a mollusk slowly coats an irritant with thousands of layers of nacre, the iridescent material responsible for pearl’s lustrous shine and organic shape, Pearls are the only gem that comes from a living creature. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured a pearl for the very first time in Japan and in the early 1900s, pearls became a symbol of the Divine Nine Sororities and the inner strength and resilience needed for college-educated Black women to challenge discrimination. Today, Pearl is one of June’s birthstones and given as 3rd and 30th anniversary gifts.
Sterling Silver – Silver is considered a fine metal and, because of its durability, a tangible representation of lasting love and family bonds. It is also believed to strengthen emotional, mental, and physical well-being by promoting inner peace, alleviating stress and anxiety, and warding off negative energy. Wearing or carrying sterling silver serves as a personal talisman, enhancing one's inner strength and resilience. Silver is given as a 25th anniversary gift.