Victorian Niello Striped Figaro Chain with Original Swivel Clasp

The History:

This Victorian figaro chain features a combination of sterling silver and rosy gold-filled links, with elongated silver links alternating with smaller oval gold-filled links. The longer links are decorated with fine black niello striping, creating a distinctive contrast between the dark detailing and the warm, rosy tone of the connecting links. The chain retains its sterling silver swivel clasp closure.

Niello is a traditional metalworking technique in which a dark metallic compound, typically composed of silver, copper, and sulfur, is applied to engraved recesses in a metal surface. Once polished, the niello remains within the recessed areas, producing precise black detailing against the surrounding silver. The technique dates back to antiquity and was used extensively in European decorative metalwork, including jewelry produced during the Victorian era.

Figaro chains are characterized by a repeating pattern of longer and shorter links, creating variation in proportion throughout the piece. This example combines the traditional link arrangement with contrasting metals and finely striped niello decoration. The alternating polished gold-filled links and darkly detailed silver links create a consistent decorative pattern, highlighting both the chain's construction and its surface detailing.

This piece was originally made and sourced in England.

This necklace measures 20" in length.