Victorian Etruscan Revival 14k Gold Bead Necklace, Granulated Beads, 1850-1880, 16", 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. The most beautiful part of this piece is the seamless clasp that replicates the beads formation. 

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 triple bead clasp stamped with the"14K" on the closure.

Strands of this kind are more often encountered in gold-filled construction and with a replaced clasp that is noticeable. This necklace is 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: 7.5-5.7 mm beads 
Length: 16" length
Clasp: Tube Bead Clasp
Metal: tests as 14k yellow gold strung on gold filled chain
Circa: 1850-1880
Markings: '14K' on clasp
Weight: 18.4 grams
Condition: in exceptionally good condition for their age with minor dents on some of the beads.