Skip to main content

Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Finnish, 1915-1985

Along with architect Alvar Aalto, the designer Tapio Wirkkala was Finland’s leading contributor to the Scandinavian interpretation of modernism in the mid-20th century. Prolific and innovative, Wirkkala excelled in a wide range of fields, including glass, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and tableware. The hallmark of his talent was an ability to impart a craft aesthetic based on natural forms — leaves, ice, bubbles, birds — to industrially produced designs.

A native of Helsinki, Wirkkala studied at the national School of Applied Arts and took up a career in graphic design. After serving in the Finnish army during World War II, he joined the glassmaking firm Iittala, an association that would continue to the end of his life. Wirkkala learned every aspect of glassmaking in keeping with his belief that an artist-designer should be involved in all stages of production. His best-known works for Iittala are vases and drinking vessels that resemble either carved ice or icicles. In 1956, Wirkkala began a long relationship with the porcelain maker Rosenthal, for whom he designed elegant table pieces, such as the Finlandia coffee service and the biomorphic Pollo vases. 

House Beautiful magazine declared Wirkkala’s Leaf platter the “most beautiful object” of 1951. (The acclaim led to his brief employment stint with industrial designer Raymond Loewy in New York.) That platter was one of the first designs Wirkkala made using laminated sheets of plywood sanded to a smooth surface that resembles an abstract leaf. It would go on to become a motif in many Wirkkala furniture pieces — most notably in inlaid coffee tables for Asko — and in a sense these are the works most emblematic of his personal aesthetic.

Wirkkala was a traditionalist in many ways, but he had a modernist’s practical approach, incorporating his leaf-like spirals into simple, functional objects. That is the core attraction of Wirkkala’s designs: They stand out with a striking, sculptural energy yet blend in as part of a warm and comfortable decor.

Find vintage Tapio Wirkkala furniture on 1stDibs.

to
1
1
1
1
213
979
355
167
159
1
1
1
Creator: Tapio Wirkkala
Silver Finland 1975 Tapio Wirkkala Kultakeskus Apple Necklace
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Orimattila, FI
Silver 1975 Finland Tapio Wirkkala Kultakeskus Apple NecklaceSilver Apple pendant. Made in Finland 1975 Kultakeskus. Silver chain, lenght 33.5cm (when not opened) All Finland Silver ...
Category

1970s Finnish Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Related Items
Betony Vernon "Mantra Necklace" Sterling Silver 925 Necklace
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Mantra Necklace" is an original design by Betony Vernon made in 2018 and handcrafted in lost wax elements and a rolo chain. The "Mantra Necklace" ...
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Turquoise with Sterling Silver Chain Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
This necklace was created with up to 24mm Chinese turquoise beads and Tibetan hand made beads with turquoise, enamel and metal including a 28mm...
Category

2010s American Artisan Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Sterling Silver

Chunky Chain Necklace Sterling Silver
By Cristina Cipolli Jewellery
Located in London, Richmond
The 925core necklace is an elegantly subversive and genderless chain choker inspired by the boldness and power of sterling silver metal. Its design is a modern interpretation of punk...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Chunky Chain Necklace Sterling Silver
Chunky Chain Necklace Sterling Silver
$816 Sale Price
40% Off
L 15.75 in
Victorian Silver Longuard Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Gorgeous glossy silver longuard necklace. Very versatile and classic! Length: 85.5cm Chain Width: 5.5mm Weight: 47.9g
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Mexican Medium Bead Chain Necklace, Sterling Silver, Silver
Located in McLeansville, NC
This Mexican medium bead chain necklace is the perfect statement piece for any outfit. Handcrafted from sterling silver, the necklace measures 21.5 inches in length and features a se...
Category

1990s Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Long Chain Necklace Sterling Silver
By Cristina Cipolli Jewellery
Located in London, Richmond
Long chain necklace in polished sterling silver with a gender neutral style The design has a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and it is inspired by the equestrian world, as the links of the necklace have a shape which reminds the horseshoe nails...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Victorian Silver Longuard Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Gorgeous glossy silver longuard necklace. Very versatile and classic! Length: 141cm Chain Width: 4mm Weight: 26.7g
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

David Yurman Silver Chain Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
Authentic David Yurman sterling silver box chain necklace Approximate Weight: 115.5 grams Approximate Measurements: 19.5” Long Width ~ 7.28mm Hallmarks: DY D.Yurman 925
Category

20th Century American Modern Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Necklace Marine Chain Silver 925
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover the excellence of craftsmanship with this sumptuous 925/1000 silver chain. This piece combines the timeless beauty of silver with the sophistication of navy mesh. Each link ...
Category

2010s French Modern Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Necklace Marine Chain Silver 925
Necklace Marine Chain Silver 925
$1,039 Sale Price
20% Off
L 17.72 in
Necklace Paperclip Chain Silver 925
Located in Vannes, FR
Discover this elegant 925/1000 silver chain, perfect for enhancing your style. Made with exceptional craftsmanship, this chain features unique paperclip links that add a modern, refi...
Category

2010s French Modern Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Necklace Paperclip Chain Silver 925
Necklace Paperclip Chain Silver 925
$1,019 Sale Price
20% Off
L 17.72 in
Medal Chain Necklace Clover Cross Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coin Clover Cross Chain Necklace by J Dauphin, produced in 2008 and crafted in Bali. The design includes symbolic elements—coin, clover, and cross—assembled on a silver-toned chain. ...
Category

Early 2000s Balinese Modern Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Medal Chain Necklace Clover Cross Silver
Medal Chain Necklace Clover Cross Silver
$900 Sale Price
25% Off
L 22 in
Silver Chunky Necklace - Length 17 3/8 inches
By IVI LOS ANGELES
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted using the classic Tubogas technique, the rhodium-plated Chunky Gaia necklace has a flexible silhouette and delicate weight. A custom gold-plated clasp finishes this piece and...
Category

2010s Italian Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Previously Available Items
813H Silver 1971 Finland Tapio Wirkkala Moon Hopeakuu Necklace
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Orimattila, FI
813H Silver 1971 Finland Tapio Wirkkala Moon Hopeakuu Necklace Tapio Wirkkala Hopeakuu Sterling Pendant An original Hopeakuu ("silver moon") pendan...
Category

1970s Finnish Modern Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Silver “Omena” Necklace by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy, Finland, 1975
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Stockholm, SE
Enchanting silver pendant by Tapio Wirkkala, named “Omena” (“Apple”). Hand hammered silver sheets surround a central silver oval. Great execution. Dimensions: Width 7.2 cm (pendant)...
Category

1970s Finnish Modernist Vintage Tapio Wirkkala Chain Necklaces

Materials

Silver

Tapio Wirkkala chain necklaces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of Tapio Wirkkala chain necklaces available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique items was designed with extraordinary care, often using silver. We have 3 pieces in this collection as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection reflects work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed during the 1970s. Prices for Tapio Wirkkala chain necklaces can differ depending upon gemstone, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,725 and tops out at $11,000, while pieces like these, on average, can sell for $3,200.

Recently Viewed

View All