The Albert chain is thought to be named after the style of chain worn by Prince Albert, who was the husband and prince consort of Queen Victoria. Usually made out of precious metal, such as silver or gold, Albert chains are characterised by a distinctive ‘T’ bar at one end, which is used to attach the chain to the buttonhole of a waistcoat. The other end features a swivel hook to attach the watch, which can then be placed in the waistcoat’s pocket. After the advent of the wristwatch, Albert chains became a popular fashion accessory, worn as a necklace by men and women alike.
As well as traditional styles, our range of second-hand Albert chains includes double Albert chains, designed to be symmetrically draped between both waistcoat pockets, and the more delicate Albertina chains, which were originally designed for women. Buy as a surprise for the antique lover in your life, or treat yourself to a bold necklace that looks great with a tee-shirt. These antique chains also make wonderful family heirlooms, ready to be passed down when the occasion arises. Every item in our pre-owned collection is polished to look like new, so you can shop second-hand in confidence. And with free delivery on all Charles Fish orders, there’s never been a better time to splurge. Need something in a hurry? Place your order before 2 pm Monday to Friday, and we’ll dispatch your jewellery that very same day.