Gold necklace found in wall of 1880s Montana Farm House (found in 1970s)

My mother found this in the wall of her home in the 1970s during a renovations. The home was built in the late 1800s. Any idea how old or what it is? Thank you.

 

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Here are some more pictures. The clasp is a different material so I think it is not original. Thank for you time. Interested to hear what folks have to say.

 

It's an old clasp, but if it's not original it doesn't mean much.

 

Thank you very much.

 

I was guessing the clasp it not original, it has not been changed since found in the wall. Thank you.

 

1889 catalog..

 

Looks Victorian. 1890-19teens.
What makes you think the clasp has been replaced? Looks correct to me.

You might want to have a jeweler check it. Might be gold.
The drops appear to be hollow judging from the slight damage.

 

Well done Komo !!! ... Joy.

 

It is very pretty. What a surprise it must have been to your mother.
Did you have it tested for gold?

I agree, it is of the right period and looks original to me.
Those delicate necklaces are generally Edwardian or very late Victorian. The drops are inspired by slightly heavier Etruscan Revival necklaces that were fashionable during previous decades.

 

Where in Montana?

Debora

 

Welcome! And what fun for your mother!

 

@Hollyblue was showing some Victorian necklaces in another post and I spotted this one that looks a little like yours. Victorian Fringe Necklace might give you some search terms. Please understand I know nothing about jewelry except I wear it, so I could be way off track. https://www.langantiques.com/vintage-jewelry/victorian-jewelry/large-victorian-fringe-necklace.html

 

Wow this is al great information. Thanks to all. Mom will be thrilled to hear it is this old. I will get it tested. The drops are hollow. It was found in a farm house (that is rumored to have been the old 1 room school house) in Sun River MT you will have to google that) where I grew up.

 

Could it have been brought by French Canadians and stowed in a safe place because it was thought to be one of their valuables?
Patd

 

Interesting. My grandmother and great-aunts all taught at one room school houses in Eastern Montana.

Debora