They’re seen on both wrists and necks, a favorite of stylists and fashion editors this season, a classic style that works for fashion-forward woman everywhere: chunky chains. The popularity and variety of chain-link jewelry practically ensures that you’ll find an example of this classic design that suits your distinctive style.
The cover look for the January 2011 issue of Glamour (also pictured inside the magazine, as shown here) features actress Reese Witherspoon wearing a dress by Burberry Prorsum with a chunky chain necklace from Shery Shabani for Fragments and a chunky chain bracelet from Neil Lane.
In its November 2010 issue, Harper’s Bazaar provides this montage of four beautiful and very different bracelet designs from Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Oscar de la Renta, Verdura, and Seaman Schepps.
Vogue explains the appeal of chunky chain bracelets: “When it comes to haute joaillerie, few pieces can rival the timeless elegance of a gold chain bracelet, a long-held favorite of screen sirens and society swans.” Fall’s versions are “big on character,” says Vogue, which adds: “Opt for mixed armfuls of gilded gloss for day or a standout to accent a full-skirted cocktail dress after dark, and you’re golden.” The featured bracelets are from Diane von Furstenburg by H.Stern, Van Cleef & Arpels, Seaman Schepps, David Yurman, and Bottega Veneta.
Chain-style necklaces have been receiving a similar amount of editorial comment. The October 2010 issue of Elle pictures a trio of chunky chain necklaces with the suggestion “Give floaty dresses some heft with industrial-grade chain necklaces.” The necklaces pictured are from Chanel, Lanvin, and Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci.
In its September 2010 issue, Elle featured this necklace of rose gold and brilliant-cut diamonds from Pomellato.
Actress Maggie Grace is pictured in the December 2010 issue of Glamour wearing a dress by D&G accessorized with a bolero from Cassin and a chunky chain necklace from Lanvin.
The November 2010 issue of Harper’s Bazaar adorns a 1960s-inspired elegant dress of “uberwomanly shape” by Dolce & Gabbana with a chunky chain link necklace by Vhernier, along with a Cartier watch and a bracelet from Phillips Frankel. The sunglasses are from Tom Ford Eyewear.
Another elegant look accented with a gold chain, this one seen in the October 2010 issue of Glamour, is a monochromatic ensemble in camel from Rochas worn with a chunky chain necklace from Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Indeed, a chunky chain design might be the epitome of elegance or an example of tough chic, as evidenced by a pair of contrasting designs from the October 2010 issue of Elle. About the yellow gold Verdura curb-link necklace above, Elle states: “Verdura’s link necklace goes with nearly everything. Showy enough for strapless yet suitably simple for the office, this chain staple of Italian founder Fulco Santostefano della Cerda’s 71-year-old line transcends the trends.”
In contrast to the Verdura necklace Elle features this pair of white gold and diamond ID bracelets from Chrome Hearts, noting: “Launched in 1988 as a line of motorcycle gear, L.A.-based Chrome Hearts soon expanded to include jewelry as chic as it is tough—just like the brand’s following.”
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, in an edgy Balmain ensemble adorned with rhinestones and safety pins, wears a Lazaro Soho chunky chain bracelet of sterling silver and black diamonds, along with a second bracelet of leather, sterling, and diamonds from the same designer, in this photo from the January 2011 issue of InStyle.
In this edgy look from the January 2011 issue of Marie Claire, actress Amy Adams wears a costume jewelry version of a chunky chain bracelet by Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz with her blazer and shorts by Doo.Ri. She also wears a ring from Jack Vartanian.
The December 2010 issue of Marie Claire includes a profile of designer Reed Krakoff along with a photo of this necklace design combining chunky chain links with ribbon—an inspired way to get more length out of precious links of chunky chain.
Widely available at jewelers and jewelry retailers, a chunky chain necklace or bracelet might just be the perfect last-minute Christmas present for any fashion-savvy woman.
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