Chain Necklaces
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold
1950s French Empire Vintage Chain Necklaces
Vermeil
Early 1800s Empire Antique Chain Necklaces
Silver, Enamel, Mixed Metal
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
2010s Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1970s American Vintage Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s American Victorian Antique Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold-filled
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Chain Necklaces
Garnet
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Chain Necklaces
1950s French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1870s French Etruscan Revival Antique Chain Necklaces
18k 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.