Antique jewelry glossary

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Swivel catch

A type of metal fastener affixed to the end of a heavy chain, such as an Albert chain, for the purpose of attaching a watch or other article. It has an oval loop of which a section can be pushed inward so that the watch-ring can be inserted and then springs back into place as a fastener. The catch is made so as to swivel and allow free movement of the chain.

From: An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, autor: Harold Newman, publishers: Thames and Hudson