Brief History: Gold Chains

Modern day accessories such as the infamous gold chain, are amongst one of the most popular, If not the most popular piece of jewelry.  We love to wear our chains and we wear them with pride. The hype of wearing chains goes way back when, it's not just modern day hype. Chains date back to at least 2500 BC, when the ancient Egyptians started threading gold and silver together. Gold was bountiful in ancient Greece, where they started creating pendants to wear with the chains, and by 300 BC the elite upper class wore lavish jewelry with gemstones. 

     

In the 1900s men's suits were the staple in mens fashion. This is when pocket watches were all the rage, and they were worn hanging from chains attached to the pant suit. This style was very popularly worn and the  most common style of chain that was used with these pocket watches  was the Cable link chain or the Flat link chain. It was not long before fashion started to change, along with the times and climates. During the 50’s when pocket watches and 3 piece suits were no longer the popular thing and casual wear was beginning to be a thing. The influence of music and fashion made a big impact during the 60’s when the era of layered chains, and medallions was about to begin it’s debut. Giving some much earned respect and awed to Jim Hendrix and his natural aura of impeccable style.

      

As technology advanced, so did the process of making chains. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s when chains began to become more extravagant. The 80’s giving birth to making chains a real fashion statement, thanks to the rise of rap and hip hop such a Run DMC, the Beasties boys. The Rope chain was a staple back then, just as much as it is today. L.L Cool J was another great example of the big chunky rope chain. By the 90’s -2000’s hip hop became into an organized industry and more commercialized, and jewelry became a part of their marketing strategy. For example, record labels would compete in billboards flaunting their huge Chain and pendants. The Notorious BIG was can be remembered for his huge Jesus piece chain. We are still so heavily influenced by this hip hop phenomenon, which has truly become more than just music. Gold chains have become a staple of our hip hop, and urban style culture and t’s an undying trend.

Besides the act of making a fashion statement, chains can also represent religious status. Even these religious jewelry, can be dated back all the way to the Egyptian times, who worshiped many different God’s and  model their jewelry to showcase their devotions. Their designs included the serpent, the beetle,the falcon and the lotus, with their symbolic Ankhs or cross bars.. We still have some of these influences in our jewelry designs today.Christianity also plays a major role in jewelry contribution, many gold chains feature many of the characters or saints most popular within the bible and culture.Take the most sought after religious chain for example, the Jesus piece. One could argue that this style is almost eternal. It is loved by not just religious fans, many people simply love wearing a gold cross or Jesus piece Biggie made his Jesus piece chain one of the most remembered trademarks, among many other rappers who made this piece a must have accessory. For many, a religious piece is an important gift and sometimes it is the first gift given to a newborn child. Whether it is a simple gold cross chain, for the christian believer, or a Star of David, Hamsa, or Celtic knot to other religious groups it makes for a beautiful and meaningful gift. One can argue that you can’t ever go wrong with a gift of jewelry on any special occasion.