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Chain Necklaces For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 1950s
Paco Rabanne Silver Metal Mesh Chainmaille Purse Necklace
By Paco Rabanne
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Silver-toned metal chain maille cross body / shoulder bag or necklace with magnetic frame clasp signed Paco Rabanne. Purse measures 6.25" by 3.5" and has a 21.5" single metal chain s...
Category
1980s American Modernist Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Base Metal
Judith Ripka Long Sterling Silver Chain Necklace With Cubic Zirconia Accents
By Judith Ripka
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Judith Ripka Long Sterling Silver Chain Necklace with Cubic Zirconia Accents is a timeless piece that effortlessly elevates any ensemble. Crafted from high-quality sterling silve...
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Chain Necklaces
Vintage massive gold chain glass charms designer runway belt necklace
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS
• unsigned
• gold tone with glass
• vintage designer belt / necklace
MEASUREMENTS
•
CONDITION
• very good vintage condition ...
Category
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Freshwater White Pearl and 14kt Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in Denver, CO
This delicate chain necklace crafted in 14kt yellow gold features twenty-one fresh water white pearls each measuring approximately 6mm X 6.5mm. The necklace measures 18 inches long.
Category
Late 20th Century Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14KY Anchor Chain
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This classic anchor chain is beautiful, a good weight and shiny. It's a great piece!
14 karat yellow gold anchor style
18 inches long
Approximately 6.3mm...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Chain Necklaces
Materials
14k Gold
Christian Lacroix Vintage Ex Voto Sacred Heart Necklace
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage rare and opulent multi chain silver toned necklace featuring an ex voto sacred heart, adorned with boteh-like design details, embellished with a large facet...
Category
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Smoked Brown Topaz Crystal Collet Necklace, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- 28" length
- Gold tone
- Prong set faceted Emerald-cut brown Topaz-colored crystals
- Clasp closure
- Circa 1960s
- Estate acquired...
Category
1960s Unknown Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
1970s Givenchy Gold + Amber Chainlink Vintage Long GG Logo 70s Necklace or Belt
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 1970s GIVENCHY amber and gold long chain necklace or belt ! Features GG clasp closure. Looks great as a long necklace or wrapped around as a choker. Can also be wor...
Category
1970s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Striking La Pepita Round Wheat Link 18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Choker Necklace
By La Pepita
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This stylish necklace by La Pepita is comprised of one continuous 16 1/2 inch length of fine round 5.50mm diameter wheat link chain, punctuated by three diamond stations. All diamond...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold
36" Gilded X Charm Station Necklace By Anne Klein, 1980s
By Anne Klein
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- 36" length
- Gold plated
- Clasp closure
- By Anne Klein (signed on hang tag)
- Circa 1980s
- Estate acquired
- Excellent vintage condition
Category
1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Vintage Gilded "Enchantress" Rhinestone Swirl Necklace By Sarah Coventry, 1970s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Measures 17" total length, can be adjusted down using hook clasp
- Gold plated
- Crystal rhinestones
- From the "Enchantress" Collection
- By Sarah Coventry (ma...
Category
1970s American Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Monet Retro Link Chain Necklace
By Monet
Located in New York, NY
Unusual and striking Monet retro link chain necklace. The five strands of rose gold, yellow gold and silver accented with one and a half strands of...
Category
1950s American Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
Vintage 1990s Italian 14k Yellow Gold Bold Choker Necklace
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1990s Italian 14k Yellow Gold Bold Choker Necklace
Specifications
- Metal: 14 karat yellow gold
- Weight: 71.72 grams
- Length: 17 inches
- Width: 13.5 millimeters
- Origin...
Category
1990s Italian Chain Necklaces
Materials
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18 Carat Yellow Gold and Diamond Asprey Necklace
By Asprey
Located in London, GB
This 18 carat yellow gold necklace by Asprey is sublime.
Measuring 16 inches in length is this beautiful and substantial flat curb chain, but with an Asprey's design twist. It has b...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chain Necklace Miraculous Medal Virgo Oval Pendant
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Long Chain Necklace Miraculous Medal Virgo Oval Pendant
Virgin Mary Medal Clover Virgo Souvenir Lourdes, This is a Vintage Medal that is French. It has a second medal too that that ...
Category
1920s French Contemporary Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Silver
Vintage 14K Rope Chain Necklace 29 inches
Located in Webster, SD
This gorgeous vintage rope chain is solid 14k yellow gold.
It measures 3.5mm wide and is 29 inches from end to end.
It has a round, box type clasp ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Materials
14k Gold
Henry Dunay 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Necklace
By Henry Dunay
Located in Miami, FL
Adorn yourself with the stunning and remarkable Henry Dunay 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cynabar Faceted Curb Link Necklace.
This estate piece from the 1980's features a 22.40 mm width and 16" long chain, perfect for making a statement.
Henry Dunay
Gold Cynabar Faceted Curb Link Necklace
18K Yellow Gold
22.40mm width and 16" long
Estate Necklace...
Category
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Long Crystal Mariner Chain 1980s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A very long Vintage Crystal Mariner Chain. Featuring mariner link chain interspersed with bezel set crystal stones.
Vintage Condition: Very good withou...
Category
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
62" Venetian Wedding Cake Glass Bead Necklace, 1960s
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item
- Collectible costume jewelry piece from the mid-century
- 62" length
- Pastel blue wedding cake style Venetian glass beads
- Milky gla...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Necklace
A diamond necklace with a floral and vine design, set with rose-cut and round-cut diamonds
Approximate Length: 15.5 inches
Metal Type: 18 karat gold
Category
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Celtic Crescent Gemstone Necklace
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Convertible Horseshoe Necklace.
Those enduringly classic, horseshoe-shaped links are alluring, no doubt. The fact that they're adorned with all manner of glimmering gemstones doesn't hurt, either. But what'll really seal the deal...
Category
20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Vintage "Cuban Link" Necklace in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Emerald and Diamond Vintage Cuban Link Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold
Indulge in the allure of timeless elegance with this exquisite Emerald and Diamond Vintage "Cuban Link" Necklace. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
c.1920 Art Deco Platinon and Crystal Vintage Guard Chain
Located in Skelmersdale, GB
This elegant and chic long chain was created in the Art Deco era - c.1920.
Condition Report:
Excellent
The Details...
This necklace is constructed from Platinon - the fastening ri...
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Crystal
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Signature Chain" Necklace Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and handcrafted in lost wax element of Sterling Silver 925 in 2018. The timeless "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" has been long appreciated for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal, as well as for its functional purpose. The "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" has a double hook on each side of the chain, that serves to put all sorts of BV Attachments and Pendants close to your heart, at hand’s reach...
Category
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pearls, Onyx, Turquoise, Green Stone, Pendant Necklace
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful necklace in silver structure mounted with pearls,onyx,turquoise and a green stone as pendant.
This necklace was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in p...
Category
1950s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Onyx, Pearl, Turquoise, Silver
Bengelcollier red with bakelite balls, Art Deco, Germany 1920, Bakelite, Chrome
Located in Berlin, DE
Bengelcollier red with bakelite balls
Necklace of the famous jewellery manufacturer Jakob Bengel from Idar-Oberstein, chrome elements with balls of red...
Category
1920s German Art Deco Vintage Chain Necklaces
Rare Magnificent New York City Estate Faceted Crystal Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Magnificent Faceted Crystal Sterling Silver Necklace. Necklace is comprised of Fancy Faceted Crystals with a Sterling Silver Clasp. This Gorge...
Category
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique 9ct Rose Gold 161/2 Inch Edwardian Curb Link Albert Watch Chain Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Albert Chain
9ct Rose Gold Stamped
Circa 1910
Makers Mark J G & S (John Grinsell & Son)
This beautiful Edwardian Albert watch chain necklace...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Materials
9k Gold, Rose Gold
Yves Saint Laurent Rare Crystal Rock Gilt Metal Necklace by Goossens c 1983
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Rare crystal rock gilt metal chain necklace designed by Robert Goossens
The chunky hammered link crystal rock chain necklace is designed...
Category
1980s French Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Vintage Circa 1990s Rectangular Cable Link Greek Chain 9 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Forged in 9 carat yellow gold, this lovely vintage chain, circa 1980s, features rectangular cable links and is finished with a bolt ring clasp. Her name is The Tilda Chain. She is pe...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Celine Long Tarnish Gold Triomphe Chain Necklace
By Celine
Located in Paris, FR
Celine Tarnish gold “Triomphe” chain necklace featuring tarnish gold-tone chain, a hidden slit opening.
In good vintage condition. Made in France.
Circa: 197Os
Maxi Length: 37.7 in...
Category
1970s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver Barbell Hardware Chain w Toggle Necklace Bracelet Set
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Interesting woven oblong links of .925 sterling silver are accented with "balls" of silver elevating this 16 inch collar length
necklace and matching 6-1/2 bracelet. Its finishing ha...
Category
1990s Mexican Chain Necklaces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ming's Hawaii Bird on a Plum Rectangular Necklace 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications:
Designer: Ming's Hawaii
Metal: 14k Yellow Gold
Total Weight: 5.6 Grams
Pendant Diameter Including Bail: 1.30" x 0.70"
Chain Length: 16"
Chain Style: link chai...
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Iconic Silver Tone Curb Chain Necklace
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage iconic silver tone curb chain necklace.
Hook clasp.
Embossed YSL Made in France.
Indicative measurements : length approx. 41 cm (16.14 inches) / width a...
Category
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Vintage Long Chain Necklace of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This versatile chain (circa 1960-1970) features 60 inches of 18k gold with alternating mariner, cable, and elongated diamond shaped links.
The chain is in excellent condition and w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chain Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold
Edwardian Aqua and Pearl 15 Carat Gold Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous pendant has a delicate design and this pendant features two aqua stones and holds small and tiny seed pearls. This also has a pin on the back so it can be a pendant. Th...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
Materials
Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold
Jessica Kagan Cushman Sapphire Skull Diamond Heart Crystal Bead Silver Necklace
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Fabulous! Designer Signed Jessica Kagan Cushman Sapphire encrusted Skull and Diamond encrusted Heart on Crystal Bead and Sterling Silver 9...
Category
Late 20th Century Modernist Chain Necklaces
Materials
Crystal, Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Silver
An Antique 9 Karat Gold Fob Chain
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This 9 karat yellow gold fob chain was crafted in England in the first quarter of the 20th century. The curb link chain is graduated to both sides and t...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Temple St. Clair 18k Yellow Gold Classic Round Chain Necklace, Size 32 Inches
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Beautiful 18k Gold Classic Round Chain
Gross Weight: 56.7grams
Length: 32 inches
Each Link Appx 9 mm
The perfect home for any pendant
Retail Price: $8,000.00. A great deal!
Referenc...
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace Mini" Necklace 18 Karat Gold
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and is handcrafted in lost wax element of 18-Karat Gold. The timeless "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" has been long appreciated for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal, as well as for its functional purpose. The "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" has a double hook on each side of the chain, that serves to put all sorts of BV Attachments and Pendants close to your heart, at hand’s reach...
Category
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Materials
18k Gold, Gold
Jeweled Feline Clasp Gilt Metal Choker Chain Necklace c 1980s
Located in University City, MO
Jeweled feline clasp gilt metal choker chain statement necklace c 1980s
The opulent choker necklace is designed with a pair of stylized panther
figures that serve as the clasp. The p...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gilt Metal
Art Nouveau 14k Gold Turquoise and Pearl Lavalier Style Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau 14k yellow gold , turquoise and pearl lavalier style necklace displaying 2 oval form exceptional turquoise cabochons with ivy and baroque pe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chain Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Betony Vernon "Tassel Chain" Necklace Bracelet Sterling Silver 925
Located in Rome, IT
The "Tassel Chain" Necklace was first designed by Betony Vernon in 1995 using lost wax elements and various sizes of rolo' chains in Sterling Silver 925. The timeless BV signature je...
Category
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Necklace by Ansuini Italy 18k Gold Ruby Diamond
By Ansuini
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage 18k gold necklace featuring ruby and diamond created by Ansuini jewelry house in Italy. An artsy, one-of-a kind piece hand-crafted by skilled Italian jewelers.
This vintage Italian necklace...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Chanel Gold Statement Chain & Byzantine Medallion Necklace 1984
By Chanel
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A 1980s Vintage Chanel Medallion Necklace. Created whilst Victoire de Castellane was at the helm of Chanel's costume jewellery design...
Category
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold Plate
Long Italian Vintage 14K Yellow Gold "S" Chain with Knot Stations, 36 inches.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage 14K Gold Italian S Chain Necklace • 36” Long Gold Chain with Knot Stations • Layering Necklace • Retro Statement Jewelry
Elevate your vintage jewelry collection with this bo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
Materials
Yellow Gold
Bakelite 1930s German ArtDeco GoldRinged EmeraldBallPendants ChainLink Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
Most likely made in Germany during the Art Deco period, this vintage unsigned long heavy 12-pendant gold-gilt chain-link bib necklace features ball charms of gold-ringed emerald-green matte Bakelite. Hanging 13-inches from the back of the neck, the long necklace is constructed with elegant double-ring links, while it fastens with a large toggle and decorative bar.
Each end of the toggle bar resembles stacked balls, recalling the oval-cartouche stacked-cannonball signature of German jewelry chain-specialist Jakob Bengel, who founded his business in Idar-Oberstein in 1873. Due to WWII, the Bengel factory, which is now a museum, permanently closed. His pre-1940 unsigned designs were largely overlooked until his factory catalogues were rediscovered decades later, which enabled 21st-Century books to be published about one of the leading manufacturers of Art Deco costume jewelry. Bengel pieces without the cartouche can be distinguished by thin metal chain links combined with single or bi-color Bakelite pendants in repeating geometric shapes like balls, semi-circles, rectangles, bars, rings or ribbed texture.
As Germany was the first country to license Bakelite for factory production since the 1910s, during the next 20 years its costume-jewelry designers began to feature locally-produced colorful Bakelite instead of glass or early semi-synthetic plastics. Between the world wars during poor economic conditions in Germany, its jewelry producers who were manufacturing for export were not motivated to stamp their country on such products.
The design of this Bakelite-charm necklace seems inspired by one-of-a-kind chunkier-chain charm necklaces commissioned for couture clothing ensembles by international fashion leader Parisian Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. She only produced her trend-setting commissioned jewelry...
Category
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Yellow Gold, Base Metal, Gilt Metal
Couture Fruit HandPainted WoodCherries RedGreenCharms ChainLink Vintage Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage cherry-fruit charm necklace featuring red hand-painted wood is constructed of silver chain links and its clasp extension-chain is decorated with a single red bead. The green leaves that trim the berry beads are a surprising two-tone plastic, indicating that they were also handcrafted.
Notably, the fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli is famous for including custom plastic elements in her mostly unsigned jewelry that accompanied her couture collections in the late 1930s.
Please see TheMet online archive to view Schiaparelli's most well-known couture necklace structured from plastic supporting metal insects...
Category
20th Century Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Materials
Silver, Silver Plate, Gilt Metal
Van Cleef & Arpels Lapis Lazuli Bead Gold Necklace, 1970s VCA
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Nice and wearable necklace created by Van Cleef & Arpels in New York in the 1970s.
Made of 14 karat (stamped) yellow gold and lapis lazuli beads, the clasp marked 18 karat. The nec...
Category
1970s American Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1980s Bulgari 18k gold multistone chain necklace, bracelet & earring set
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
This Bulgari 18k gold chain necklace, bracelet and drop earring set is adorned with a variety of gemstones.
The necklace measures 1.9cm X 38cm and weighs 77.08g.
The bracelet measur...
Category
1980s Italian Contemporary Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold
18K French Art Nouveau Diamond, Tsavorite and Pearl Fancy Link Station Necklace
Located in Hummelstown, PA
True to the form of Art Nouveau, this ravishing necklace embraces a motif from nature, displaying colorful flower stations throughout. Each artfully designed station contains two gli...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Chain Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
1970s Sterling Silver Gold Tiger Eye Handmade American Studio Necklace
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Handmade sterling silver and gold 1970's necklace with tiger eye and gold stud accents. Necklace pendant measures 7.5" in length, including the V shaped bale and dangles and suspend...
Category
1970s American Modernist Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Tiger's Eye, Gold, Sterling Silver
Large "Silver" Key Pendant Necklace, Costume Jewelry
Located in Stamford, CT
Art stone encrusted large key pendant necklace in slivertone. 24" long. Key is 4.5" long.
Category
1960s American Vintage Chain Necklaces
9 Carat Gold Necklace
Located in London, GB
9ct 375 Gold 16" Necklace
Beautiful Yellow Gold Fully Hallmarked
Fully Hallmarked - Goldsmiths AL d
Weight Chain - links are solid
Chain Length 16 Inches ( 3.5mm )Thickness
Luxuriou...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Classical Greek Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 9k Gold
14k Gold Unisex Chain, 6.84 gr 54.00cm 14K Gold Chain Necklace, Real Gold Chain
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
14K Yellow Gold Snake Chain Necklace- 585K
Made of 14 ct. gold.
With hallmark.
Total Weight: 5,10 gr.
Size: 54.00 cm
This piece was made with quality materials and excellent han...
Category
20th Century Modern Chain Necklaces
Materials
14k Gold
Estate Antique 18K Yellow Gold Unique Link Chain - VHK#895a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Antique 18K Yellow Gold Unique Link Chain - VHK#895a
Year: 1900s
Item Details:
Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested]
Weight: 31.8grams
Measurement: 36 Inche...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Orvet Mesh and Tassels Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark.
This splendid antique necklace in yellow gold features a wide orvet chain, knotted at the front and ending asymmetrically with 2 gold ...
Category
1960s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Materials
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace #21490
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Pearl Necklace-
This 14K yellow gold pearl necklace features 11 lustrous, perfectly matched pearls strung together on a delicate chain, creating an elegant and timel...
Category
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Materials
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Chain Necklaces
Vintage chain necklaces can make a statement on their own. What’s better than eye-catching chains of yellow gold or subtle silver to accessorize with everything from a designer evening dress to a comfortable sweatshirt?
Personal ornament in general has been around for eons. Ancient Egyptians designed jewelry and wore necklaces, rings and other accessories, and the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber in 1922 had the greatest impact on Art Deco jewelry. When chain necklaces first took on some visibility in ancient civilizations, these items weren’t exactly democratic.
Chain necklaces were accessories that were relegated strictly to royal families and the upper class. In ancient times, pendant necklaces conferred prestige, for example. Wealthy Greeks and Romans opted for gold and silver necklaces that featured ornate pendants and semiprecious stones. By the Renaissance period, the pendant had replaced the brooch as the most worn type of jewelry. Pendant necklaces were commonplace, or pendants were simply strung on long gold chains.
Thankfully, jewelry became more accessible over time. And trends have come and gone, but the popularity of chain necklaces today owes in part to hip-hop culture. Big, chunky gold chains and diamond necklaces were the order of the day in publicity shoots and on album covers for rappers in the early 1980s onward, and a gold chain is still a mainstay in the ever-evolving and broadening hip-hop culture as we know it.
In our modern era, a number of chain-link necklaces are trending, worn alone or layered. The stylish links that have passed the test of time include oval links, paper-clip chains and more. The best way to discover your perfect fit is to zero in on a particular name and type of link.
While it was once key to accessorizing for a formal event, a vintage chain necklace now adds a fresh dynamic to any outfit at any time of day. Find yours on 1stDibs.