In the 19th century, fashion could be deadly: women’s dresses and flammable fabrics caused fatal fires and everyday clothing often contained toxic substances now considered too dangerous to use. Hat makers who brushed fur with mercury (a process necessary to make felt) commonly developed severe mercury poisoning, leading to tremors, psychological issues and early death, giving rise to the phrase “mad as a hatter.” Arsenic was widely used to dye fabrics a brilliant green, and although the hazards

A hallmark of 19th-century fashion, the book chain necklace embodies the innovation and elegance of the Victorian era. Its distinctive flat links, resembling the folded pages of a book, made it a staple in late-19th-century design. Discover this necklace on our website. Item No. 32-1219. #msrau #victorian #19thcentury #bookchain #goldnecklace #victorianera #victorianstyle #antiquegold #historicaljewelry #jewelryhistory #antiquecollector #victorianfashion #decorativearts #luxurycollector | M.S. R