England, circa late 19th century.
This Victorian book chain necklace in sterling silver is composed of articulated rectangular links pierced with celestial cut-outs - crescent moons and stars repeating rhythmically. Book chains gained popularity in the latter half of the 19th century, their origins rooted in medieval library chains and later adopted as statements of intellect, ritual, and guarded knowledge.
Suspended from the chain is an oval hinged locket, engraved with dense, repeating arabesque scrollwork - framed by a geometric border and architectural bezel. The locket is fully removable, attached via a substantial circular connector, allowing it to be detached or interchanged with another pendant or locket if desired, the drop section can also be removed - a feature that adds versatility to the piece. The chain itself stands beautifully on its own, or as a framework for personal talismans.
The celestial symbolism is especially resonant within Victorian culture, where stars and moons were linked to divine order, mortality, feminine power, and esoteric knowledge -imagery deeply entwined with the era’s fascination with astronomy, spiritualism, and the unseen realms.
Details:
Victorian era, circa 1870–1890
Condition: The collar presents very well- there are natural age-consistent wear to the links (subtle undulations). The locket shows a small, shallow ding in one of the sections on the lower front edge, visible only on close inspection. This does not detract from the engraving or function, and is consistent with a piece that has been worn and cherished for over a century. Please examine the pictures as they form part of the description.
Size: Collar length 43cm, drop section 3.5cm, locket 5.5 x 3cm with bale.
England, circa late 19th century.
This Victorian book chain necklace in sterling silver is composed of articulated rectangular links pierced with celestial cut-outs - crescent moons and stars repeating rhythmically. Book chains gained popularity in the latter half of the 19th century, their origins rooted in medieval library chains and later adopted as statements of intellect, ritual, and guarded knowledge.
Suspended from the chain is an oval hinged locket, engraved with dense, repeating arabesque scrollwork - framed by a geometric border and architectural bezel. The locket is fully removable, attached via a substantial circular connector, allowing it to be detached or interchanged with another pendant or locket if desired, the drop section can also be removed - a feature that adds versatility to the piece. The chain itself stands beautifully on its own, or as a framework for personal talismans.
The celestial symbolism is especially resonant within Victorian culture, where stars and moons were linked to divine order, mortality, feminine power, and esoteric knowledge -imagery deeply entwined with the era’s fascination with astronomy, spiritualism, and the unseen realms.
Details:
Victorian era, circa 1870–1890
Condition: The collar presents very well- there are natural age-consistent wear to the links (subtle undulations). The locket shows a small, shallow ding in one of the sections on the lower front edge, visible only on close inspection. This does not detract from the engraving or function, and is consistent with a piece that has been worn and cherished for over a century. Please examine the pictures as they form part of the description.
Size: Collar length 43cm, drop section 3.5cm, locket 5.5 x 3cm with bale.
