Victorian Gold Muff Chain with Emerald Quartz Seal

• Emeralds - Emeralds have been used in jewellery making for thousands of years, and are prized for their deep green colour, which is caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium in the mineral beryl. Because of their rare colour, emeralds are often more valuable than diamonds of a similar size and quality. In jewellery making, emeralds are typically cut into round or oval shapes to maximize their color and clarity. They are often set in gold or platinum and used as the centrepiece of a piece of jewellery, such as a ring or necklace. They can also be used in combination with other gems, such as diamonds, to create intricate and beautiful designs.
• Victorian Period - The Victorian period of furniture and decorative arts design covers the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. There was not one dominant style of furniture in the Victorian period. Designers used and modified many historical styles such as Gothic, Tudor, Elizabethan, English Rococo, Neoclassical and others, although use of some styles, such as English Rococo and Gothic tended to dominate the furniture manufacture of the period.
  
  The Victorian period was preceded by the Regency and William IV periods, and followed by the Edwardian period, named for Edward VII (1841 ? 1910) who was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India for the brief period from 1901 until his death in 1910.
• Muff Chain - A muff chain is a type of long chain, usually made of a precious metal such as gold or silver, that was worn in the 18th and 19th centuries as a practical accessory to hold a muff, which was a cylinder-shaped cover for the hands that was popular during this time. The chain was worn around the neck with the muff attached to one end, and the other end would be passed through a slit in the side of a coat or jacket, so that the muff could be held close to the body for warmth. Muff chains were often highly decorative and were sometimes embellished with gems or enamel work. While they are no longer commonly used for their original purpose, muff chains can be worn as a vintage accessory or as a decorative element in modern fashion.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• muff chains 160
• necklaces, gold - gold with emeralds 121
• seals - on necklace and chains 124
• watch and fob chains - gold, curb link 165