Inherited Antique Italian Necklace

by AdamH
(Ontario, Canada)

Hello, I recently inherited a gold necklace and I don't know much about it. I was hoping to be able to get some help. Here's what I do know (or at least what I've been told).

I've been told it's over 200+ years old and was originally quite long (but was divided into 4 sections more than a generation ago (roughly over 10 feet!). Currently it now exists at 4 feet in length. My family is from Italy but one relative a while back did spend time in the US but I think it's safe to say it's European in origin. I cannot find any identify marks. I was able to have the gold content verified by a local jeweler at 18K. I was told that the butterfly pendant may have been added later.

The chain itself appears to be made of a very fine woven gold. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.