This beautiful and unusual necklace is made of cut steel, which was a popular medium for buckles and jewelry in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This piece could be as early as mid-19th century or as late as the turn of the century.
It is a nice example, not as cheaply made early 20th century pieces (production of cut steel pieces fell around this time and completely died out around the 1930s).
Each individual faceted steel piece you see is a tiny rivet that has been fit into a brass plate. The necklace chain is made of faceted steel beads strung onto a double strand of fine wire. The clasp may be a later replacement.
The butterfly was a common motif for cut steel jewelry from the mid to late 19th century and into the early 20th century, but I've seen them mostly as brooches and hair combs. I've never seen a necklace quite like this one!
+++ Measurements +++
Butterfly is 1.5" x 2"
Chain is 20" total in length
+++ Condition +++
Lovely condition, minor wear and patina commensurate with age. No flaws to note. I did not see any rust.
Moisture is the enemy of cut steel, and the reason why so little of it has survived over the years. Care for this piece by keeping it dry. If rust does appear, it should be removed.
+++ Please read +++
This item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care.
All items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs.
Unless specified, items have not been cleaned.
I do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing.