Antique Chain Necklaces
Early 1900s Antique Chain Necklaces
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Antique Chain Necklaces
White Gold
19th Century Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
19th Century Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century Dutch Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Early 1900s Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold
1920s British Antique Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Gold, 15k Gold
1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century British Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Silver
Early 20th Century Dutch Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold
Early 1900s Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold
19th Century British Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Silver
19th Century British Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
19th Century European Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold
1870s Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Antique Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, 18k Gold
1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Contemporary Antique Chain Necklaces
Aquamarine, Citrine, Opal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, Silver
1840s American Georgian Antique Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
1890s British Antique Chain Necklaces
Carnelian, Gold, 9k Gold
1920s English Art Deco Antique Chain Necklaces
1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
Early 20th Century Austrian Antique Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
1830s French Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s English Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 10k Gold
1910s Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1880s Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Unknown Antique Chain Necklaces
Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Unknown Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Chain Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
1880s Antique Chain Necklaces
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Chain Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
15k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Art Deco Antique Chain Necklaces
Silver
Early 20th Century French Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1880s British Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
Early 1900s Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Italian Artisan Antique Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century British Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Antique Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
1870s British Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Early 1900s French Late Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century British Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold
1880s English Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
15k Gold
Early 1900s Unknown Belle Époque Antique Chain Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
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Antique Chain Necklaces For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Antique Chain Necklaces?
Finding the Right necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021An anchor chain is an unusual jewelry chain that can be fairly heavy and is a nice choice for men. You may also find that this is called a mariner chain. These chain links are often rounded, like a cable chain, or flattened so all the links lie the same way, like a cable chain. 1stDibs has a wide variety of anchor chains on sale.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023What the most popular necklace chain is at any given time has a lot to do with jewelry trends, which are constantly shifting, as well as personal taste. There are all kinds of stylish necklace chains out there, so there is no need to limit yourself to what is trending! In fact, finding just the right gold chain necklace is surprisingly complicated. Googling that phrase generates results ranging from bold hip-hop pieces to demure oval links. Narrow down your search to "gold chain necklace" on 1stDibs, and you still get more than 2,000 jewels. Some of the most popular chain necklaces include oval chain links, paper clip chains, curb link chains, snake chains and ball chains. Find your next chain necklace on 1stDibs.
- Are chain necklaces in fashion?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Chain necklaces are always in fashion. Jewelry trends are frequently changing but a dazzling chain necklace is a jewelry box essential. Fashionable chain necklaces include curb link chains, snake chains and ball chains. The best way to discover your perfect fit is to zero in on a particular name and type of link. Designers have tweaked a few styles repeatedly over the years, changing their scale and proportion. Find antique and vintage chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- What is a Cuban chain necklace?1 AnswerRoman Malakov DiamondsApril 19, 2021It is a type of gold necklace made with cuban links. They are mostly made in gold but can be set with diamonds. It is a very popular style nowadays.
- What is a curb chain necklace?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A curb chain necklace is composed of round links that are slightly twisted, flattened, interlocked and looped together to form a chain. Curb chain necklaces are popular in very fine formations as well as much chunkier variations. They are ideal for creating statement necklaces. Shop various designs of curb chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The most popular chain necklace at any given moment can vary based on trends. However, some styles have a long history of wear and remain in fashion despite changing trends. These include the oval link, the paper clip, the curb link, the rope and the herringbone. Find a wide variety of chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A flat chain necklace is called a curb chain. These are made of round or oval links that are twisted so they lay flat when worn. This style of chain is versatile and strong. Shop a variety of curb chain jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What a long chain necklace is called depends on its length. Opera chains are 26 to 36 inches long and typically hang below the chest. At 37 inches and longer, rope chains are the longest styles and can be worn loose, layered, wrapped or knotted. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of chain necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The strongest style of chain for a necklace is a thick link chain. Link chains are the strongest type of chain because these chains do not have a bending point, and therefore can twist and be folded a number of ways without damaging the chain. There are many different types of link chains, including wheat chains, figaro chains, cable link chains, mariner link chains and curb link chains. When searching for a durable chain, avoid hollow chains and opt for independently soldered links that will never pull apart. Shop different styles of necklace chains and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The most popular necklace chain length is arguably 18 inches. Called the princess length, the 18-inch chain works well on its own or with pendants. However, many people do prefer necklaces in other lengths. Shorter collar and choker necklaces can work well with strapless tops or for visually shortening a long neck, while longer necklaces can elongate the neck and are a great pick for layering. Shop a large selection of chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The necklaces with a chain hanging down from them are usually called lariats. Some people refer to them as Y-shaped necklaces. Lariat necklaces first became popular during the age of Art Deco. Pieces from the era usually feature platinum metal and are set with pearls, diamonds and other gemstones. On 1stDibs, find a selection of lariat necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023To tell if a necklace is antique, first look for hallmarks that indicate the maker. If you locate them, you can consult trusted online resources to find out when the company or artisan was active. To qualify as an antique, a necklace must be at least 100 years old. The presence of materials that are no longer commonly used to produce jewelry, like bakelite, camphor glass, foil opals and paste, can be good indicators that a piece is an antique. Antique jewelry is also more likely to have European- and rose-cut gemstones than modern cuts like the brilliant round. Because it can be difficult to date jewelry on your own, you may wish to consult an expert, like a certified appraiser or experienced dealer, for assistance. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique necklaces.
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