This necklace is fitted with a spring-tongue box clasp, a refined fastening mechanism widely employed in high-quality antique jewelry from the mid-19th through early-20th century. The clasp consists of a rectangular hollow box housing a flat, tensioned gold tongue that slides securely into place, providing a discreet and reliable closure. A secondary side loop is present, originally intended to accommodate a safety chain—an additional precaution favored in Victorian fine jewelry.
The clasp’s compact proportions and understated geometry reflect the period’s emphasis on elegance, balance, and mechanical integrity, allowing the clasp to integrate seamlessly into the chain rather than disrupt its visual flow. This form of closure is both period-correct and indicative of quality craftsmanship, commonly associated with gold chains designed in the mid to late 19th century.