Georgian Pinchbeck Chain with Turquoise Set Clasp

A really good, heavy Georgian pinchbeck chain with zig zag engraved links and a turquoise glass set barrel clasp. Pinchbeck is a form of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, mixed in proportions so that it closely resembles gold in appearance. It was invented in the 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck, a London clockmaker. Since gold was only sold in 18 carat quality at that time, the development of pinchbeck allowed ordinary people to buy gold ‘effect’ jewellery on a budget. The inventor allegedly made pinchbeck jewellery clearly labelled as such. Pinchbeck jewellery was used in places like stagecoaches where there was a risk of theft. Later dishonest jewellers passed pinchbeck off as gold. Nowadays these original chains are very sought after. It was made circa 1800 and is in lovely condition.