22K Yellow Gold Franco Chain with British Sovereign Coin Pendant
Necklace featuring a Franco chain and a numismatic coin pendant · Yellow Gold. High saturation indicates a high gold content with minimal alloying, likely containing small amounts of copper and silver to maintain the rich yellow hue.
Purity: 22K (91.6% pure gold) for both the chain and the likely authentic sovereign coin. Typical of Indian or Middle Eastern high-karat jewelry markets.
Type
Necklace featuring a Franco chain and a numismatic coin pendant
Purity
22K (91.6% pure gold) for both the chain and the likely authentic sovereign coin. Typical of Indian or Middle Eastern high-karat jewelry markets.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. High saturation indicates a high gold content with minimal alloying, likely containing small amounts of copper and silver to maintain the rich yellow hue.
Weight
Estimated total weight of 25-35 grams. The chain appears to be a 15-20g gauge, and a full British Sovereign coin weighs approximately 7.98 grams.
Description
A striking combination of numismatic history and modern luxury. This 22-karat gold necklace features a robust Franco chain known for its strength and fluid movement. It suspends a British Gold Sovereign, a coin globally recognized as a standard of wealth. The deep yellow glow of the 22K gold provides a regal aesthetic that is highly valued in investment jewelry collections.
Key Features
The 'Old Head' Queen Victoria portrait on the coin; the intricate V-link Franco chain architecture; the use of 22K gold which is significantly softer and more yellow than standard 14K jewelry.
Color & Finish
Rich, deep buttery yellow typical of 22K gold. The chain features a high-polish finish with diamond-cut facets. The coin shows a semi-lustrous numismatic surface with slight circulation wear.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely '916' or '22K' stamped on the S-hook clasp or the end caps. The coin features the portrait of Queen Victoria (Old Head/Veiled Head) with the inscription 'VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP'.
Dimensions Estimate
Chain length: 20-22 inches. Chain width: 2.5mm - 3mm. Coin diameter: 22.05mm (standard Full Sovereign size).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The focus is entirely on the high-karat gold metalwork and historical coin centerpiece.
Clasp & Closure
S-hook clasp, which is traditional for high-karat gold jewelry from Asia and the Middle East, offering high security for heavy chains.
Chain & Links
Franco link style, characterized by a four-sided V-shaped knit pattern. This is a sturdy, flexible, and tangle-resistant construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-braided Franco links with hand-finished end caps and a hand-soldered jump ring for the coin bezel. High-quality polish and uniform link tension.
Authentication Indicators
Rich color consistent with 22K; distinctive Franco link weave; correct 'Veiled Head' Victoria iconography. S-hook clasp is a classic indicator of high-purity gold items from specific regional markets.
Origin & Maker
The coin is of British origin (Royal Mint). The chain and assembly are likely from a specialist high-karat jeweler in India or Dubai, given the style and purity.
Era & Period
Contemporary chain (late 20th to 21st century) paired with a late Victorian era coin (1893-1901).
Age Estimate
Chain: Likely produced within the last 10-20 years. Coin: Victorian 'Old Head' design minted between 1893 and 1901.
Cultural Significance
Represents a fusion of Western numismatist history with Eastern jewelry traditions where high-karat gold is seen as both a decorative ornament and a portable store of value.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The chain shows no visible kinks or thinning links. The coin shows minor surface wear consistent with being worn as jewelry, graded roughly as Very Fine (VF) in numismatic terms.
Value Estimate
$2,200 - $2,800 USD based on a spot price of approx. $2,000/oz. Value is primarily calculated by the high melt value of 22K gold plus a 10-15% premium for the coin and workmanship.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. 22K gold is soft; avoid wearing during heavy physical activity. Store separately in a silk pouch to prevent scratching from other metals.
Similar Items
Cuban link chain with Krugerrand pendant; Rope chain with American Liberty coin; 18K Figaro chain with religious medal.
Interesting Facts
The British Sovereign is one of the most famous gold coins in history, often called the 'chief coin of the world' during the 19th century. In many cultures, gold coins are worn as jewelry to display liquid wealth.