Why A Gold Chain Necklace Is The Ultimate Day-To-Night Jewel
Chains are one of the most versatile pieces to have in your jewellery arsenal, helping you transition from daytime chic to after-dark dressing with ease
Wondering whether you should add a gold chain necklace to your wardrobe? Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know before making an investment here.
Jewellery capsule wardrobes should be built on the same premise as that of ready-to-wear; the key is to identify a chic clutch of staples that can carry you through any styling scenario. While for some this may include an engagement ring and a wedding band, there are plenty of other collection staples that serve as wear-me-everywhere hero pieces – a tennis bracelet, diamond stud earrings, and the perfect pair of hoops. When it comes to necklaces? It’s the gold chain.
Why A Gold Chain Necklace Is The Ultimate Day-To-Night Jewel
Chains Offer Limitless Layering
“Gold chains are versatile and timeless, they remain stylish through changing trends, and they can be worn alone or layered to provide flexibility in styling,” says Dima Nawbar, co-founder of Beirut-based brand L’Atelier Nawbar. While clusters of chains often feel nonchalant and effortlessly thrown together, there is, however, somewhat of a science to ensuring your layers remain elegantly arranged from dawn until dusk. “We recommend starting with a classic link chain or a thin chain that can serve as a base. Once you have a staple piece, you can start your stacking game,” she advises.
Dima cites a 42 cm chain as one of their most wearable designs. “This length sits nicely on the collarbone and works well with most necklines. It’s perfect for wearing alone or layering with longer or shorter pieces,” she explains. L’Atelier Nawbar’s collections are planned with mathematical precision and creative flair; each collection offers three types of chains ranging from thin to thick, and Dima recommends chains are arranged in odd numbers to create a balanced story upon the neck.
A Versatile Chain Will Work with Any Neckline
Roll neck? No problem. You need a short chain that sits just above the collarbone. Tailored shirt? Pick a medium size chain that will settle upon the décolletage, resting between its lapels. T-shirt? Go wild, any length will work. Truth is, it’s incredibly hard to find a neckline where a chain – or a flurry of them – will clang. The true hero of day-to-night dressing is an adjustable chain: choose pieces that feature variable jump hooks, or those with a slider that allows you to alter the length. Wear yours loose and long during the day, then tighten up to choker length for evening ensembles.
You Can Personalise Chains With Charms
“Our chains can be dressed up or down depending on what you hook on to them,” says Joanna Dahdah, founder of her eponymous Beirut-based brand, now famed for its eclectic enamel charms. While Joanna’s chain designs themselves are pretty pared back, they’re the perfect host to her glittering array of changeable pendants, which allow her customers to personalise each piece to their every whim.
When it comes to the perfect layered look, Joanna suggests playing with size and scale. “Start with an 16” or 18” chain as a base, and layer chains of different thickness to create a more sophisticated look,” she suggests. Joanna recommends pairing chains with a slender tennis necklace for a scintillating evening look, and stresses the importance of personalisation via your pendant choices. “I believe jewellery should fun, sparkly and tell a story,” she explains. “All of our jewellery can be personalised, we can customize pretty much everything in our collection to include an engraving, stone preference or specific size.”
A Jumbo Chain Is The Perfect Power Dressing Piece
If you aren’t familiar with the power chain, then it’s time you became acquainted. A single jumbo chain is one of the most succinct ways to add a bold, gleaming accent to tailoring for when you need a confidence boost in the boardroom, or try clashing and contrasting a trio of different styles. A mix of ball and chain links, curb links and flat mariner links will exude contemporary classicism. If you need to add some extra shine for an after-work engagement, choose an oversized chain with diamond-set links or a pavé diamond clasp.
Chains Chime Well With Diamonds And Coloured Gems
While a slick stack of chains can hold their own, they have a chameleon-like charm when paired with diamonds and different coloured gems. “For my tribe, it’s all about the art of layering; layers of chains mix beautifully with my other diamonds and gemstone necklaces,” says Jacquie Aiche. The LA-based designer imbues her collections with references and motifs from her Egyptian and Native American heritage, blending light layers and gradually building to heavier gem-set pieces. “You can never have too many chains if it feels good to you… After all, more is more,” she quips.
For Jacquie, finding the perfect pairing of chains, charms and gemstones is about trusting your gut. “Each of our chain designs carries its own energy,” she explains. “I love playing with my charm collection and switching out the pieces when I feel like changing moods. Whether it’s a gemstone, a Hamsa, or a custom piece with something sentimental – I love that I have the power to wear the magic of my choosing.”
Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram / @lateliernawbar
