Antique Victorian Niello silver and rose gold vermeil watch chain

Victorians carried their pocket watches on chains attached to their clothing. Often, these chains would become cluttered with several of their other favorite charms, tools, seals and fobs. These Niello watch chains have become increasingly popular and more difficult to find and worn as necklaces, on their own or carrying favorite charms.

"Niello, black metallic alloy of sulfur with silver, copper, or lead that is used to fill designs that have been engraved on the surface of a metal (usually silver) object. Niello is made by fusing together silver, copper, and lead and then mixing the molten alloy with sulfur. The resulting black-coloured sulfides are powdered, and after the engraved metal, usually silver, has been moistened with a flux, some of the powder is spread on it and the metal strongly heated; the niello melts and runs into the engraved channels. The excess niello is then removed by scraping until the filled channels are clearly visible, and finally the surface is polished. The contrast of the black niello against the bright silver surface produces an attractive decorative effect." - Encyclopedia Britannica

This watch chain is silver with rose gold vermeil accents. There is a hallmark which shows some wear. The spring ring and watch clasp work very well and the overall condition is very good.  There is some light wear on the clasp and spring ring.

Length: 43.5cm/17"