Chain Necklaces
2010s American Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
2010s Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Chain Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, Turquoise, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Italian Chain Necklaces
Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Chain Necklaces
Crystal, Diamond, Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s American Modern Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Artist Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold
2010s Singaporean Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Mixed Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
2010s Indian Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, White Gold
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Emerald, Garnet, Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold
2010s Chain Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
1970s English Romantic Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
2010s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Tourmaline, Ruby, Amethyst, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, White Gold, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Agate, Moonstone, Freshwater Pearl, Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix, Silver,...
1970s Italian Vintage Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, 18k 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.