Vintage Chain Necklaces
20th Century French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
20th Century French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
1980s Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1990s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Aquamarine, Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Spinel, Gold
1960s Unknown Vintage Chain Necklaces
1990s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
1970s Unknown Contemporary Vintage Chain Necklaces
9k Gold
1980s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1990s Italian Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
1980s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Bronze, Gilt Metal
Late 20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Vintage Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
1990s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
1970s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Silver
1980s Italian Vintage Chain Necklaces
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Citrine, 18k Gold
1970s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
Jade, Gold
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Yellow Gold
1990s Vintage Chain Necklaces
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
1960s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
White Gold
1990s American Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold
Late 20th Century British Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1990s Italian Contemporary Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Gold
1990s French Neoclassical Vintage Chain Necklaces
1990s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century European Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold
1990s French Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
1980s German Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold Plate
Late 20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century English Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
1970s Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century French Retro Vintage Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s European Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Gold
20th Century American Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
20th Century American Modern Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
Sterling Silver
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Gold Plate
1980s Italian Artisan Vintage Chain Necklaces
Coral, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s French Vintage Chain Necklaces
Gilt Metal
1960s American Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
20th Century Vintage Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage Chain Necklaces
18k Gold
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Vintage Chain Necklaces For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Vintage Chain Necklaces?
Finding the Right necklaces for You
We are fortunate to know much of the world’s long and dazzling history of necklaces, as this type of jewelry was so treasured that it was frequently buried with its owners.
Lapis lazuli beads adorned necklaces unearthed from the royal graves at the ancient Iraqi civilization of Sumer, while the excavation of King Tut’s burial chamber revealed a sense of style that led to a frenzy of Art Deco designs, with artisans of the 1920s seeking to emulate the elegant work crafted by Ancient Egypt’s goldsmiths and jewelry makers.
In ancient times, pendant necklaces worn by royalty and nobles conferred wealth and prestige. Today, wearing jewelry is about personal expression: Luxury diamond necklaces exude confidence and can symbolize the celebratory nature of a deep romantic relationship, while paper-clip chain-link necklaces designed by the likes of goldsmith Faye Kim are firmly planted in the past as well as the present. Kim works exclusively with eco-friendly gold, and these fashionable, fun accessories owe to the design of 19th-century watch fobs.
For some, necklaces are thought of as being a solely feminine piece, but this widely loved accessory has been gender-neutral for eons. In fact, just as women rarely took to wearing a single necklace during the Renaissance, men of the era layered chains and valuable pendants atop their bejeweled clothing. In modern times, the free-spirited hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s saw costume-jewelry designers celebrating self-expression through colorful multistrand necklaces and no shortage of beads, which were worn by anyone and everyone.
Even after all of these years, the necklace remains an irrefutable staple of any complete outfit. Although new trends in jewelry are constantly emerging, the glamour and beauty of the past continue to inform modern styles and designs. In a way, the cyclical history of the necklace differs little from its familiar looped form: The celebrated French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels found much inspiration in King Tut, and, now, their Alhambra collection is a go-to for modern royals. Vintage necklaces designed by David Webb — whose work landed him on the cover of Vogue in 1950, two years after opening his Manhattan shop — were likely inspired by the ornamental styles of ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
On 1stDibs, browse top designers like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, or shop by your favorite style, from eye-catching choker necklaces to understated links to pearl necklaces and more.
- What is a Cuban chain necklace?1 AnswerRoman Malakov DiamondsApril 19, 2021It is a type of gold necklace made with cuban links. They are mostly made in gold but can be set with diamonds. It is a very popular style nowadays.
- What is a curb chain necklace?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A curb chain necklace is composed of round links that are slightly twisted, flattened, interlocked and looped together to form a chain. Curb chain necklaces are popular in very fine formations as well as much chunkier variations. They are ideal for creating statement necklaces. Shop various designs of curb chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- Are chain necklaces in fashion?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Chain necklaces are always in fashion. Jewelry trends are frequently changing but a dazzling chain necklace is a jewelry box essential. Fashionable chain necklaces include curb link chains, snake chains and ball chains. The best way to discover your perfect fit is to zero in on a particular name and type of link. Designers have tweaked a few styles repeatedly over the years, changing their scale and proportion. Find antique and vintage chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The most popular chain necklace at any given moment can vary based on trends. However, some styles have a long history of wear and remain in fashion despite changing trends. These include the oval link, the paper clip, the curb link, the rope and the herringbone. Find a wide variety of chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023What the most popular necklace chain is at any given time has a lot to do with jewelry trends, which are constantly shifting, as well as personal taste. There are all kinds of stylish necklace chains out there, so there is no need to limit yourself to what is trending! In fact, finding just the right gold chain necklace is surprisingly complicated. Googling that phrase generates results ranging from bold hip-hop pieces to demure oval links. Narrow down your search to "gold chain necklace" on 1stDibs, and you still get more than 2,000 jewels. Some of the most popular chain necklaces include oval chain links, paper clip chains, curb link chains, snake chains and ball chains. Find your next chain necklace on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021An anchor chain is an unusual jewelry chain that can be fairly heavy and is a nice choice for men. You may also find that this is called a mariner chain. These chain links are often rounded, like a cable chain, or flattened so all the links lie the same way, like a cable chain. 1stDibs has a wide variety of anchor chains on sale.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The necklaces with a chain hanging down from them are usually called lariats. Some people refer to them as Y-shaped necklaces. Lariat necklaces first became popular during the age of Art Deco. Pieces from the era usually feature platinum metal and are set with pearls, diamonds and other gemstones. On 1stDibs, find a selection of lariat necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023The most popular necklace chain length is arguably 18 inches. Called the princess length, the 18-inch chain works well on its own or with pendants. However, many people do prefer necklaces in other lengths. Shorter collar and choker necklaces can work well with strapless tops or for visually shortening a long neck, while longer necklaces can elongate the neck and are a great pick for layering. Shop a large selection of chain necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What a long chain necklace is called depends on its length. Opera chains are 26 to 36 inches long and typically hang below the chest. At 37 inches and longer, rope chains are the longest styles and can be worn loose, layered, wrapped or knotted. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of chain necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A flat chain necklace is called a curb chain. These are made of round or oval links that are twisted so they lay flat when worn. This style of chain is versatile and strong. Shop a variety of curb chain jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The strongest style of chain for a necklace is a thick link chain. Link chains are the strongest type of chain because these chains do not have a bending point, and therefore can twist and be folded a number of ways without damaging the chain. There are many different types of link chains, including wheat chains, figaro chains, cable link chains, mariner link chains and curb link chains. When searching for a durable chain, avoid hollow chains and opt for independently soldered links that will never pull apart. Shop different styles of necklace chains and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What makes a necklace vintage?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023What makes a necklace vintage is its age. Any necklace made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage. Necklaces produced a century ago or more are antiques. A vintage-inspired or vintage-style necklace is one manufactured during the past 20 years but inspired by older jewelry. Find a wide variety of vintage necklaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Clasp design on vintage necklaces vary significantly, so there’s no uniform way to open and close a clasp. Research the specific type of necklace to find resources on the style of clasp. On 1stDibs, you'll find a collection of vintage necklaces from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To determine whether a pearl necklace is modern or vintage, first look for signs of wear, such as blunted edges on the prongs. The pearls will likely have dull spots where they came into contact with skin. The clasp can clue you in, too. Lobster clasps appeared in the 1970s, while early 20th century clasps were generally safety-pin style or C-clasps. Modern necklaces typically have a spring-loaded clasp. Shop a selection of vintage pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vintage Chanel jewelry always has a date stamp and logo located somewhere on the piece that you can use for authentication. Everything on the date stamp should be easy to read, and the Chanel logo should look immaculate. Fake logos are often hard to read and have mistakes in the font. All the details should be exquisite, and the necklace should feel substantial. If it feels light and cheap, it’s probably a fake. Shop a collection of authentic vintage Chanel necklaces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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