Neo-Gothic Gorget Necklace

Description

A Brief History Lesson -
There aren’t a lot of gorget style necklaces being made or offered for sale these days, which is a darned shame because they have such an interesting history.

Originally, the gorget was the part of a knight’s armor that covered the throat and upper chest. When gun powder came into style, armor couldn’t compete with bullets, and so metal day wear for knights went out of style.

However, parts of the now obsolete armor were kept and integrated into military uniforms - the chevrons on an officer’s sleeve, for instance, are derived from the shoulder and upper arm protection worn in earlier days by the knights. The gorget went through a similar transition, moving from a form of protection, to a sign of authority, and becoming, eventually, an interesting decoration.

When English military officers arrived in North America way back when, they were sporting crescent shaped brass gorgets hung about their necks by chains. Native Americans who saw these were so impressed by these bright and classy decorations that the style was quickly adopted by tribes all across the continent. As a matter of fact, Native Americans began making their own versions out of wood, bark, shell, leather - whatever they had available. Examples of these can be seen in most museums. The gorget quickly became an integral part of the “traditional” costume of many tribes, and they became important trade items.

Well, times change… gorgets aren’t so common anymore. In fact, this may be your first chance to own one of these classics.

Description -
This particular gorget, made of substantial and solid 18 gauge brass, displays an attention getting glass wolf’s eye set in a silver bezel. The spiky outline and intricate pierced work are based on the German Gothic style which dates back to the days when gorgets actually served a defensive function (15th Century) - hence the name - Neo-gothic Gorget Necklace.

Please notice, also, that the metal has been hand forged using the same techniques used by the armorers of old to produce subtle and gentle curves that catch the light, which, along with the softening effect of the brushed surface, produces a necklace which is as much a wearable sculpture as it is a personal ornament. A double stranded silk cord and barrel clasp fasten this piece securely to the wearer’s neck.

The Neo-Gothic Gorget Necklace comes nicely packed in a cute black velveteen drawstring bag for safe storage of your necklace. This novel necklace is also discreetly signed on the reverse with my personal touch mark - a little fish all curled up.

Added on Nov 10, 2009