1920s French Art Deco Geometric Niello Watch Chain

This French Art Deco pocket watch chain from the 1920s is crafted from silver and gold-plated silver, featuring niello ornamentation. The piece embodies the geometric rhythm and symmetry characteristic of the Art Deco period through its regular hexagonal patterns. The interplay of gold, silver, and black tones in the chain creates a rich color palette, enhancing the definition of the lines. This design, with its orderly niello work resembling the color blocking of a giraffe's pattern, offers a modern and appealing visual effect. Niello is an ancient technique used for decorative inlay with various metal materials, perfectly reflecting the early goldsmiths' ethos of working with whatever materials were at hand. Its history is extensive, dating back to the Bronze Age around 1800 BCE, with examples found on vessels and daggers unearthed in Syria. The niello process involves engraving a pattern onto the surface of gold or silver and then filling the incised lines with a black inlay mixture (often containing silver, copper, lead, and sulfur; the exact composition varies among artisans). After polishing, the exposed metal retains its luster, while the engraved areas appear black in contrast, forming a distinct pattern. For this chain with its giraffe-like motif, the base metal is silver. The grid pattern resembling a giraffe's markings is etched and then filled with the black inlay. Some links are further enhanced with a layer of gold plating. This item is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. The niello pattern and gold plating are largely intact with minimal damage. Please note that this is a century-old antique, not a brand-new item. Origin: France Period: 1920s Materials: Silver, Gold-plated silver, Niello Dimensions: Chain length 48.5 cm, Widest point 0.3 cm Weight: 11.31g Condition: Good antique condition, showing normal oxidation and wear marks. Niello pattern and gold plating are largely intact with minimal damage. Item Number: CA011_2508 Important Purchase Information: Antique jewelry refers to pieces that are "over a century old." Items less than a hundred years old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All jewelry sold by Xiangcheng Antique Jewelry comes with a brand guarantee certificate detailing the item's era, materials, and other specifications. A full refund will be issued if the item does not match the certificate's description. Prior to sale, each item's condition is meticulously documented using photographic equipment to ensure customers are fully aware of any imperfections or signs of wear. These images form an integral part of the product description. Therefore, customers are kindly requested to carefully consider their purchase intent before completing the checkout process. Due to the unique nature of the items we sell, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including minor imperfections or signs of age. Please confirm your purchase intent thoroughly before checkout to avoid any discrepancies. Shipping Information: Enjoy "complimentary shipping on any single jewelry purchase" to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All shipments within Taiwan will be sent via Registered Post. If registered mail delivery is inconvenient, please specify your preferred convenience store (7-11 or FamilyMart) for pickup when placing your order, along with the store's name or code. Shipments to Hong Kong and Macau will be handled by SF Express.