Let’s Talk Chains: A Guide to Antique Chain Styles (and Why We’re Low-Key Obsessed)
If vintage lockets, chunky gold watch chains, and anything with a little antique flair make your heart flutter—hi, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into one of the most underrated (and surprisingly addictive) corners of antique jewelry: chains.
These aren’t your everyday, whisper-thin modern chains. We’re talking about the heavy hitters—19th-century gold beauties, bold trombone links, and Victorian Albert chains that were basically the Rolex flex of their time.
Albert Chains: The OG Power Necklace
Named after Prince Albert (yes, that Prince Albert—Queen Victoria’s dapper husband), these chains were originally made to hold a gentleman’s pocket watch.
A single Albert chain has one strand and a little T-bar that used to anchor the chain to a waistcoat. A double Albert? Twice the chain, twice the drama—one side for the watch, the other for a charm or fob. These pieces are collector gold (sometimes literally) and often show up in rich yellow gold or rolled gold.
Today, we’re wearing them as statement necklaces, stacked up with lockets and pendants—or just letting them shine solo (Grace wears one strung with 2 diamond crosses from the Georgian and Victorian eras).
Trombone Link Chains: Bold & Brassy
Trombone links are exactly what they sound like—long, tubular links that resemble (you guessed it) a trombone slide. They're bold and a little architectural. So chic!
You’ll see these mostly in Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry, often mixed with smaller links for contrast.
Rolo Chains (aka Belcher Chains): The Everyday Hero
Ah, the rolo. Also known as the belcher chain, this one is basically the vintage version of your favorite jeans—reliable, flattering, and goes with everything.
Made up of round or oval links, it was a go to for everything from Georgian lockets to Victorian charm necklaces. Not too flashy, not too plain—just that perfect polished look.
Book Chains: For the Maximalist in You
These wide, flat links were all the rage during the Victorian era, and they kind of look like tiny books stacked side by side. Hence the name. They were often paired with cameos, lockets, or elaborate slide pendants, but honestly, they don’t need a sidekick to shine.
Fancy Link Chains: The Wild Cards
This is where things get fun. Fancy link chains include everything from figaro, paperclip, and knot styles to fetters, curb chains, and beyond. Think of them as the
"miscellaneous drawer" of antique chains.
Many were handcrafted in the 1800s and early 1900s, so no two are exactly alike. Some are engraved, some mix metals, and others are just plain weird in the best possible way. If you’re into offbeat, one-of-a-kind vintage finds, this is your playground.