Chain Necklaces
Late 20th Century Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century British Retro Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1960s European Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Crystal, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century British Retro Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Citrine, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s Italian Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Emerald, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Crystal, Pearl, Rock Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Ruby, 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.