Part of: How to date antique jewellery
Berlin iron jewellery is fine cast iron jewellery made in Prussia in the early 1800s, mainly at the Royal Prussian Iron Foundry in Berlin. Its lace-like necklaces, bracelets, brooches and rings were cast in sand moulds and blackened with lacquer. During the war against Napoleon in 1813, Prussians gave their gold jewellery to fund the war and received iron jewellery in return, often inscribed "Gold gab ich für Eisen", "I gave gold for iron". Today it is collected for its history and remarkable casting.
Have Berlin iron or other antique jewellery?
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
- Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Free, no obligation
- A reply within one working day
- Paid the same day after inspection
Where Berlin iron jewellery comes from
The Royal Prussian Iron Foundries, at Gleiwitz in Silesia, at Berlin and at Sayn, developed a way of casting iron so finely that it could be used for jewellery. Berlin became the centre of production from about 1806, and the style takes its name from the city. Pieces were cast in fine sand moulds, cleaned and given a black lacquer finish that protected the iron from rust.
"Gold gab ich für Eisen": iron for gold
In 1813, during the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon, the Prussian royal family called on citizens to give their gold and silver jewellery to pay for the war. In return donors received iron jewellery, above all simple iron rings, many inscribed "Gold gab ich für Eisen". Wearing iron instead of gold became a badge of patriotism and sacrifice.
Designs and makers
- Neoclassical and Gothic designs. Cameo-like portrait medallions, classical figures, Gothic tracery and naturalistic leaves and flowers.
- Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the leading Prussian architect, supplied designs used by the Berlin foundry.
- Mourning jewellery. Black iron suited mourning, and pieces commemorating Queen Louise of Prussia, who died in 1810, were made in iron.
- Private makers. Besides the royal foundries, private foundries in Berlin also cast iron jewellery, some signing their work.
Iron signet rings
Iron rings are among the best-known Berlin iron pieces: plain bands inscribed "Gold gab ich für Eisen", and signet rings with an engraved or cast face. Some, like the ring in our photograph, combine iron with gold edging around a coat of arms.
How to recognise genuine Berlin iron jewellery
0 of 5 checked
1The detail
Sharp, crisp, lace-like casting with fine openwork; later copies are often softer and coarser.
2The finish
A black lacquered surface, sometimes worn to grey metal at high points.
3The magnet
Genuine pieces are iron and are attracted by a magnet.
4The fittings
Original links, pins and clasps, sometimes with gilt or gold mounts.
5Rust
Spots of rust are common on old pieces and should be checked by a specialist before any cleaning.
Have Berlin iron or other antique jewellery? Send clear photographs of the front, the back and any marks for a free, honest check.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
How to care for Berlin iron jewellery
Iron rusts. Keep Berlin iron dry, store it in a dry, soft-lined box and never wash it in water. Do not try to remove rust or relacquer it yourself; a conservator can stabilise it safely.
What makes Berlin iron jewellery valuable?
The quality and crispness of the casting, the design (portrait medallions and elaborate necklaces are sought after), a known foundry or maker, an inscription such as "Gold gab ich für Eisen", the condition of the lacquer and metal, and the provenance. We never publish figures; every piece is different.
Free, no obligation, and returned at our cost if you decline.
Read our Google reviews (opens Google)
- Casting
- Design
- Maker
- Inscription
- Condition
- Provenance
How selling works
- 1
Send photographs
of the front, the back and any marks or inscriptions.
- 2
Free value inspection
We reply within one working day with an estimate, subject to inspection. If our offer differs, you can decline and we return it at our cost.
- 3
Paid the same day after inspection
by bank transfer or in cash, in Mayfair, at our Braintree office, by post or by free collection.
Questions people ask
What is Berlin iron jewellery?
Fine cast iron jewellery made in Prussia in the early 1800s, chiefly at the Royal Prussian Iron Foundry in Berlin, finished with black lacquer.
What does "Gold gab ich für Eisen" mean?
"I gave gold for iron". It was inscribed on iron rings given to Prussians who donated their gold to fund the war against Napoleon in 1813.
Why is Berlin iron jewellery black?
It was coated with black lacquer, which also protected the iron from rust.
Is Berlin iron jewellery magnetic?
Yes. It is cast iron, so a magnet is attracted to it.
Who designed Berlin iron jewellery?
Designers at the royal foundries, with designs supplied by the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel among others.
How do you clean Berlin iron jewellery?
Keep it dry and dust it gently. Leave rust removal and relacquering to a conservator.
Related guides
Have a piece of Berlin iron jewellery?
Send a few photographs and we will tell you what it is and what it is worth, free.
Free, no obligation, returned at our cost if you decline.
