Chain Necklaces
1950s Italian Vintage Chain Necklaces
Brass
20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s European Etruscan Revival Chain Necklaces
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Gold
20th Century Luxembourgish Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s English Contemporary Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold
1920s European Art Deco Vintage Chain Necklaces
Enamel
1970s British Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
1990s French Modern Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
20th Century Italian Chain Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Topaz, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Gold
1980s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
24k Gold, Gold Plate
1990s French Chain Necklaces
Gold
1990s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century European Contemporary Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1980s British Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
1990s French Retro Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1970s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s European Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold
1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1950s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Chain Necklaces
Gold
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
1960s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Chain Necklaces
Gold
20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown Victorian Chain Necklaces
14k Gold
1990s Italian Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Early 1900s American Antique Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century North American Native American Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
1930s American Baroque Revival Vintage Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Brass, Gilt Metal
1990s Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1980s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
1960s Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
Carnelian, 18k Gold
1990s Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Pearl, 14k Gold
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Italian Chain Necklaces
Mid-20th Century British Classical Greek Chain Necklaces
Gold, 9k Gold
Early 1900s Late Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1990s Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Belgian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s American Vintage Chain Necklaces
Late 20th Century Chain Necklaces
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.