Chain Necklaces
1950s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Artisan Chain Necklaces
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Bronze
20th Century American Retro Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Vermeil
1970s Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
20th Century European Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s North American Artisan Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, White Gold
2010s North American Artisan Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, White Gold
1960s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
2010s North American Artisan Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artisan Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, White Gold
1950s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Artisan Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
2010s American Artisan Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
1960s Dutch Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s North American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Gold, Silver
1970s Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Diamond, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, 14k Gold
20th Century Swiss Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Belgian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
2010s North American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
2010s North American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Silver, Gold
2010s Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Black Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
2010s Belgian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s French Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
2010s Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, 14k Gold
2010s European Artisan Chain Necklaces
1960s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Retro Chain Necklaces
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Citrine, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
1980s Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s American Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
2010s German Artisan Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1940s American Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate, Rhodium, Base Metal, Gilt Metal
1970s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Tsavorite, Blue Sapphire, Silver
2010s Belgian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Belgian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s British Artisan Chain Necklaces
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Belgian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Artisan Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
2010s North American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Moonstone, 9k Gold, Rose 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.