French Louis XVIII 18K Gold, Ruby & Bloodstone Watch Chain, Key, Slide
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Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Victorian: Pre 1900: Item # 1491799
Directory: Estate Jewelry: Gold: Victorian: Pre 1900: Item # 1491799
$3,500.00
A fine and ornate Victorian quadruple foxtail watch chain worked in 18K gold with rubies and bloodstone. Two slides, each with engraved floral decoration and set with cushion cut rubies, enhance the chain. The two slides are drawn close together so the chain plaits itself in the middle. One end of the chain terminates in a dog clip clasp. The other end terminated in a watch key and a fob seal decorated to match the slides. The fob seal is also set with rubies along the sides and ends in a bloodstone plaque (unengraved). The rubies have vivid color and show no indications of heat treatment. The chain, dog clip, key and fob are all marked individually with early 19th century French 18K gold marks. A chain this ornate would have been worn as a “gilletière” high on the vest so it would be readily visible to others. The chain would be lovely styled into a longer necklace with other chains.
- Origin: France, ca 1840
- Condition: excellent, all original
- Dimensions: overall length: 13-3/4”; fob, 1” x 3/4"; key, 2”
- Weight: 40.4 grams
- Approximate Total Ruby Weight: 1.44 carats
