Chain Necklaces
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Gold
1990s Chain Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
1990s Unknown Retro Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Edwardian Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Enamel, Gilt Metal
1990s Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Chain Necklaces
1990s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s British Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Rhodolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Chain Necklaces
Citrine, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1990s Italian Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s Italian Chain Necklaces
1990s Unknown Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Chain Necklaces
Silver, Bronze
1990s American Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
1990s French Chain Necklaces
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s American Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
1990s Chain Necklaces
Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Spinel, Gold
1990s Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Italian Chain Necklaces
1990s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1990s American Art Nouveau Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1990s American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gold, Gilt Metal
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Chain Necklaces
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Rhodium
1990s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
1910s Art Nouveau Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Modernist Chain Necklaces
Tourmaline, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gold
1990s Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Mixed Metal
1990s Chain Necklaces
1990s Contemporary Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
1910s American Edwardian Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
1990s Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1990s Italian Chain Necklaces
1990s French Chain Necklaces
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.