Chain Necklaces
1960s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, White Diamond, Green Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
1950s Mexican Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1970s Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Amethyst, Coral, White Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Chain Necklaces
Zircon, Base Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Chain Necklaces
Spinel, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Chain Necklaces
Zircon
1990s Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Unknown Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
Turquoise, 14k Gold
1990s Italian Retro Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Chain Necklaces
Zircon, Base Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Artisan Chain Necklaces
Agate
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
1990s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
1940s American Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
1980s Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Gold Plate, Gilt Metal
1980s French Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
Agate, Gilt Metal
1940s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1980s Italian Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century British Retro Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
2010s Australian Artisan Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
2010s French Artisan Chain Necklaces
1960s European Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k 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
Late 20th Century French Artisan Chain Necklaces
1980s Russian Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.