Victorian Etruscan Revival 14k Gold Bead Necklace, Granulated Beads, 1850-1880, DC Maker's Mark, 17.5", Antique Fine Jewelry

A graduated strand of Etruscan Revival gold beads, made in the mid-to-late nineteenth century when goldsmiths across Europe and America were looking to antiquity for inspiration. The necklace alternates smooth polished beads with granulated spheres — each granulated bead built from tiny grains of gold fused to the surface in imitation of the fine granulation found on ancient Etruscan gold ornaments excavated and exhibited throughout the period. Fine bead spacers separate each larger sphere, giving the strand a rhythmic, textured movement rather than a uniform run of gold. 

The beads carry the bloomed, slightly matte surface characteristic of the period's finishing technique, in which the gold's surface layer is chemically enriched to read as a higher karat than the base alloy — a hallmark of Victorian goldwork and one of the clearest period markers on a piece like this. The necklace closes with a tube-form bead clasp stamped with the maker's initials "DC" on the closure.

Strands of this kind are more often encountered in gold-filled construction; a strand executed in tested 14k gold, in this level of preservation, and most importantly the original clasp. The bead-and-spacer construction and small proportions make it an easy layering piece — worn on its own it sits close to the neck with quiet texture, and worn with one or two longer chains it adds warmth and dimension without competing for attention.

Dimensions: 5.8-4 mm beads with spacers
Length: 17.5" length
Clasp: Tube Bead Clasp
Metal: tests as 14k yellow gold strung on gold filled chain
Circa: 1850-1880
Markings: makers mark 'DC' on clasp
Weight: 18.5 grams
Condition: in exceptionally good condition for their age