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Jewellery chain

Jewellery made links of, or imitating, precious metal and worn as an ornament From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jewellery chain
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Jewellery chains, jewelry chains or body chains are metal chains[1][2] that are used in jewellery to encircle parts of the body,[3] namely the neck, wrists and ankles,[4] and they also serve as points to hang decorative charms and pendants.[5][6][7]

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Solid 16th century gold chain with garnets, rock crystals and champlevé enamel, The Royal Armoury, Sweden.

Material

Jewellery chains are typically made from precious metals, mainly gold and silver. Platinum, palladium and steel may also be used.[8] These metals are used because they are not very reactive, keep both their intricate shape and their strength, and require only minimal maintenance to keep their shine.[3] Small lever mechanisms called clasps serve as fastenings to enable the chain to be undone and redone.[9]

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History

The earliest chain necklaces have been found in ancient Babylonia among jewellery dating back to 2500 BC.[10] The tomb of Queen Puabi, who was buried in 2600 BC, included several gold chains that she wore in different ways.[11] The old Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilisations followed later.[12] An intricate 4th or 5th century Romano British gold body chain with an amethyst and four garnets, made for a slight woman or a girl, was found in the Hoxne Hoard in Suffolk.[13] Around the Tudor period, heavy gold chains were both fashionable and statements of positions and power.[11]

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Styles

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There are a vast number of chain styles and techniques for making them. These are some of the more popular designs and their more common names. However, the names differ with countries depending on traditions.

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Video

Making a silver chain.

See also

References

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