Gold Chain Physical Object


Accession Number
1986.008.0034b
Category
Creation Date
circa 1600
Materials
Description
One of fifteen lengths of gold chain formed of multiple fine plain oval links, each 0.2 cm long. (See also 1986.008.0034a, c--o.) The chains were originally seven lengths joined by a larger, 1.6 cm diameter, plain gold loop. 
Dimensions

168.0 cm. 35.62 grams. Length of each intact chain 162.0--168.0 cm. overall weight of all seven lengths and joining ring is 631 grams.

Exhibition Label
Case Caption (2023):

Personal Adornments

Philip IV ruled Spain from 1621 to 1665. To express his piety and enforce it in his court, he added to previous sumptuary laws to create the “Spanish style”—dark clothing with few ornaments. However, the new laws would not have reached the colonies by the time the 1622 fleet sailed. The dress ornaments in this case are from the earlier period, in which aristocrats and conquistador families enjoyed showing off their wealth in fine attire spangled with gold and jewels.
Object Caption (2023):

Chains
Gold, (c.1620)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.0034