This rare and collectible necklace is made of ascending oak leaf-shaped cast iron links, completed by a hand-shaped clasp.
The creation of iron jewellery became an trend in the late 18th Century, and remained in fashion up to the 1840s. This type of jewels was first created by Siméon Pierre Devaranne (Berlin, 1789-1859), who was trained as a jeweller and retailer and won an international reputation for the delicacy of the casting of his iron jewellery. Because of this background, these type of jewels are now known as 'Fer de Berlin'.
To prevent the iron from tarnishing, each pieces would be lacquered black. In some more elaborate designs, the black iron would be juxtaposed with gold detailing, which created a stunning effect.
Fer de Berlin jewellery is often associated with the Prussian wars against Napoleon, because wealthy families would be asked to turn in their gold jewels to fund the war effort, and would in return receive iron jewellery as a token of their patriotism. Some of these jewels were even inscribed ' Gold gab ich für Eisen' or 'I gave gold for iron'.
A necklace of similar design, attributed to Johan Conrad Geiss and part of the collection of the Museum for Handwork in Frankfurt can be found in: Schmuck: Klassisizmus und Biedermeier 1780-1850, Brigitte Marquardt, Munchen, 1983, p. 280-281.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 45 cm / 17.75 inches long.
Weight: 19.50 grams.
Age: Early 19th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1825.
Material: Iron.
Condition: In great antique condition with minor signs of wear, consistent with age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes.