Top 10: Precious Chains Dominate High Jewellery for 2023

September 25, 2023

By Sarah Jordan

10 min read

The humble chain necklace or bracelet has never gone out of fashion, but this season, they were given a precious and creative makeover in true high jewellery style. From Van Cleef & Arpels to Gucci, Ana Khouri and Pomellato, be prepared to see links in a whole new light. Here is our pick of the best on show for the summer 2023 high jewellery season…

Interlinking loops of metal are ubiquitous in jewellery and often mass-produced for speedy fashion collections. Taking something so ordinary and making it extraordinary is what makes chains in high jewellery so tempting. They’re familiar yet completely removed from the daily-wear scenario in which they’re most commonly worn. For this reason, I will always have a soft spot for meticulously considered and preciously adorned chains, whether for the neck, wrists, or ears. Throughout 2023, brands and Place Vendôme maisons have pulled out all the stops to breathe new life into links. Some have traversed Pop Art inspirations, others have elevated chunk chains into something sensual and rope-like, while the bravest have created statement swinging pendulums affixed with coloured gems. There really is something for everyone.

A model wears the Louis Vuitton Rupture bracelet from the Deep Time High Jewellery collection with mixed metals, opals, diamonds and coloured gemstones

A model wears the Louis Vuitton Rupture bracelet from the Deep Time High Jewellery collection with mixed metals, opals, diamonds and coloured gemstones

The Van Cleef & Arpels Le Grand Tour Venice Bracelet

As we journey around Europe with Van Cleef & Arpels, we must make a pit stop in Italy to view this intricate chain bracelet from the Venice suite, complete with oval-shaped rubies enveloping the wrist. Its crisscross links of warm rose and white gold are evocative of the bridges that rise and fall over Venice’s network of canals, accented with bezel-set princess-cut diamonds as a further architectural touch. However, these aren’t the only chain creations in the Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection to grab our attention. The Rome set contains the Diana transformable long necklace with a cushion-cut sapphire of 8.55 carats and a colourful concoction of beaded linking parts, and the Piazza Divina with precious links of white gold leading the eye to a 13.09-carat Ethiopian emerald.

Van Cleef & Arpels Diana transformable long necklace with a cushion-cut sapphire of 8.55 carats from the Rome set of the Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Diana transformable long necklace with a cushion-cut sapphire of 8.55 carats from the Rome set of the Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

  Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with oval-shaped rubies and diamonds from the Venice set of the Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet with oval-shaped rubies and diamonds from the Venice set of the Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

 Van Cleef & Arpels Piazza Divina necklace with a 13.09-carat Ethiopian emerald from the Rome set of the Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

Van Cleef & Arpels Piazza Divina necklace with a 13.09-carat Ethiopian emerald from the Rome set of the Le Grand Tour High Jewellery collection

The Bulgari Mediterranea Roman Esedra Sautoir Necklace

One of the most striking pieces in the Bulgari Mediterranea High Jewellery collection shines from the Roman Splendor chapter. The Roman Esedra sautoir has the most deliciously colourful hexagonal-shaped pendant, set with a 68.88-carat emerald cabochon, amethysts, turquoises, further emeralds, and geometric sunrays of diamonds. For this article, though, it’s the long and detailed chain that has our hearts. Slightly elongated oval-shaped links are dusted with round brilliant-cut diamonds and connected to ‘stations’ with emerald-cut rondels. Elsewhere, there are nine hexagonal-shaped decorative elements that envelop the neck, dotted with amethyst cabochons, diamonds and turquoises.

A model wears the Bulgari Roman Esedra sautoir from the Roman Splendor chapter of the Mediterranea High Jewellery collection with a 68.88-carat emerald cabochon, amethysts, turquoises, further emeralds and diamonds

A model wears the Bulgari Roman Esedra sautoir from the Roman Splendor chapter of the Mediterranea High Jewellery collection with a 68.88-carat emerald cabochon, amethysts, turquoises, further emeralds and diamonds

 Bulgari Roman Esedra sautoir from the Roman Splendor chapter of the Mediterranea High Jewellery collection with a 68.88-carat emerald cabochon, amethysts, turquoises, further emeralds and diamonds

Bulgari Roman Esedra sautoir from the Roman Splendor chapter of the Mediterranea High Jewellery collection with a 68.88-carat emerald cabochon, amethysts, turquoises, further emeralds and diamonds

The Louis Vuitton Deep Time Rupture Necklace

Undoubtedly one of the most shared photographs of the 2023 high jewellery season, the Louis Vuitton Rupture necklace from the Deep Time High Jewellery collection is a sensational feat of layering and contrast. The eye is immediately drawn to a 15.02-carat oval-cut opal from Mexico, which sits at the centre of a platinum chain at the base of the necklace. Next, there’s a triangular-cut yellow sapphire of 13.81 carats, this time hailing from Sri Lanka, on a thick golden chain, topped with a row of 13 round-cut zircons for a total of 163.71 carats. A smattering of diamonds and a further 17.75 carats of opal cabochons complete the composition, which manages to blend classical and contemporary elements in striking fashion.

Model wearing Louis Vuitton Rupture High Jewellery transformable necklace in gold, platinum, a 15.02-ct oval-cut opal, a 13.81-ct triangle-cut yellow sapphire, 17.75-cts of oval-cut opals, zircon and diamond from the Deep Time High Jewellery Collection

Model wearing Louis Vuitton Rupture High Jewellery transformable necklace in gold, platinum, a 15.02-ct oval-cut opal, a 13.81-ct triangle-cut yellow sapphire, 17.75-cts of oval-cut opals, zircon and diamond from the Deep Time High Jewellery Collection

The Ana Khouri x Christie’s Paris Exhibition Jewels

In July 2023, Christie’s hosted an exhibition in Paris to celebrate the works of high jeweller Ana Khouri, whose sculptural style always leads to special, unique creations. Among the pieces on display were some sensational chain-fueled chokers, including one with a smooth curve of rock crystal and an emerald-cut green tourmaline drop. A second choker, this time encrusted with pavé diamonds in yellow gold, features a large pink diamond as its accent stone, suspended by a quartet of oval-shaped links. The exhibition with Christie’s Paris was themed around ‘connection’ with “oval forms symbolizing the feminine”. Of course, nothing is more connected than a chain link, especially in a three-strand necklace with a row of round brilliant-cut diamond solitaires and two curb chains injected with baguette-cut stones. Now, the only question is, which one is your favourite?

Ana Khouri x Christie’s necklace with rock crystal and green tourmaline in yellow gold

Ana Khouri x Christie’s necklace with rock crystal and green tourmaline in yellow gold

 Ana Khouri x Christie’s necklace with diamonds and a pink diamond drop, set in yellow gold

Ana Khouri x Christie’s necklace with diamonds and a pink diamond drop, set in yellow gold

 The Ana Khouri x Christie’s diamond-set chain necklace, worn by model Irina Shayk to the 2023 Met Gala

The Ana Khouri x Christie’s diamond-set chain necklace, worn by model Irina Shayk to the 2023 Met Gala

The De Beers Metamorphosis Summer Lariat Necklace

Inspired by the spiralling forms of ammonite fossils, the Summer suite in the Metamorphosis High Jewellery collection is one of our favourites for its warm and uplifting plethora of yellow gold designs. This piece is a standout – the Summer Lariat necklace – featuring a chord-like chain of gold with two pear-shaped diamond drops accentuated with two rough yellow diamonds. The central clasp slides up and down, allowing the chain to be worn at different lengths, and is also decorated with a band of princess-cut diamonds and a fossil-inspired engraved motif. It is deceptively simple yet beautifully constructed.

De Beers Summer necklace from the Metamorphosis High Jewellery collection with two pear-shaped diamonds and rough yellow diamonds in yellow gold

De Beers Summer necklace from the Metamorphosis High Jewellery collection with two pear-shaped diamonds and rough yellow diamonds in yellow gold

The Pomellato Ode to Milan High Jewellery Collection

Any story of chains in high jewellery has to include Pomellato, which has always had a penchant for weaving links in its most elaborate designs. Take, for example, the new Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection, which includes numerous pieces with chain details, including bracelets, chokers and long necklaces. In the Vertical Landscapes chapter, there’s the Giardini Verticali necklace with three emerald-cut indicolites suspended from over-sized rose gold links, covered in diamonds; the Urban Bloom bracelets with tsavorites, blue sapphires and pink and violet sapphires in a chain-link mesh of contrasting rose, yellow or white gold; and the Nudo Cascade necklace with dripping grey moonstones and diamonds. A standout is the Castello necklace from the Contemporary Heritage chapter, where a collar of chunky gourmette-style links are alternated with reverse-set rubellites of 29 carats and a further 28 carats of baguette-, princess- and brilliant-cut diamonds. The finishing touch is a swag chain that hangs across the decolletage, creating an additional layer of finery.

Model wearing Pomellato Giardini Verticali necklace in rose gold featuring 3 emerald-cut indicolites from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

Model wearing Pomellato Giardini Verticali necklace in rose gold featuring 3 emerald-cut indicolites from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

 Pomellato Urban Bloom bracelet in white gold, sapphires and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

Pomellato Urban Bloom bracelet in white gold, sapphires and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

 Model wearing Pomellato Urban Bloom necklace and bracelet in  rose gold, pink and purple sapphires, and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

Model wearing Pomellato Urban Bloom necklace and bracelet in rose gold, pink and purple sapphires, and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

 Pomellato Nudo Cascade necklace with grey moonstones and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

Pomellato Nudo Cascade necklace with grey moonstones and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

 Model wearing the Pomellato Castello necklace in rose and white gold, rubellites and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

Model wearing the Pomellato Castello necklace in rose and white gold, rubellites and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

 The Pomellato Castello necklace in rose and white gold, rubellites and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

The Pomellato Castello necklace in rose and white gold, rubellites and diamonds from the Ode to Milan High Jewellery collection

The Piaget Metaphoria Essentia Necklace 

Proving that chain links don’t always have to be geometric, Piaget wowed with its Essentia suite, including a necklace, a pair of earrings and a matching watch, as part of its Metaphoria High Jewellery collection. The sinuous and organically shaped links, crafted in rose gold and set with diamonds, are connected with diamond-set oval-shaped loops of gold to add structure and balance. The composition is said to be inspired by driftwood found on the beach, which is most clearly captured in the watch, complete with a deep brown tiger’s eye dial.

Piaget Metaphoria Essentia suite, including a necklace, a pair of earrings and a watch with organic-shaped chain links in 18k yellow gold, diamonds and tiger’s eye

Piaget Metaphoria Essentia suite, including a necklace, a pair of earrings and a watch with organic-shaped chain links in 18k yellow gold, diamonds and tiger’s eye

The Chaumet Le Jardin de Chaumet Flowers Tulipe Necklace

Out of all the creations in the whimsical Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection, one stood out for its intensity… the Tulipe necklace in the Flowers chapter. This white gold chain features marquise-shaped diamond-set links that lead to an asymmetrically placed, abstract tulip motif set with a 10.71-carat pear-shaped red spinel, calibrated buff-topped red spinels, round spessartite garnets and diamonds. Other, more unusual iterations of chains appear in this collection, too, like the Pensees and Feuille de Vigne secret watches. Both have bracelet straps that appear like a map of bezel-set round diamonds connected through a network of white gold.

Chaumet Tulipe necklace from the Flowers chapter of the Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection, set with a 10.71-carat pear-shaped red spinel, calibrated spinels, spessartite garnets and diamonds

Chaumet Tulipe necklace from the Flowers chapter of the Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection, set with a 10.71-carat pear-shaped red spinel, calibrated spinels, spessartite garnets and diamonds

 Chaumet Feuille de Vigne secret watch from the Fields chapter of the Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection with a bezel-set diamond bracelet strap

Chaumet Feuille de Vigne secret watch from the Fields chapter of the Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection with a bezel-set diamond bracelet strap

 Chaumet Pensees secret watch from the Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection with bezel-set diamonds and sapphires in an elaborate chain-like bracelet strap

Chaumet Pensees secret watch from the Le Jardin de Chaumet High Jewellery collection with bezel-set diamonds and sapphires in an elaborate chain-like bracelet strap

The Boucheron More is More Just An Illusion Necklace

We took a deep dive into the More is More collection, and there really are some spectacularly weird and wonderful pieces to explore. One of the most outrageously fun was this Just An Illusion necklace, crafted to look like a cartoonish creation straight from the pages of a comic book. The base of the piece is titanium, layered with blue, white and black HyCeram – a hybrid ceramic compound. The orange chain links are paved with mandarin garnets and round diamonds, thinly lined with black lacquer, and contrasted with rock crystal (mirroring the look and feel of baguette-cut diamonds) for extra dimension and contrast. Perhaps it is not to everyone’s tastes, but you must admit it’s a work of art!

Boucheron Just An Illusion necklace with diamonds, spessartite mandarin garnets, rock crystal and HyCeram in titanium and white gold, from the More is More High Jewellery collection

Boucheron Just An Illusion necklace with diamonds, spessartite mandarin garnets, rock crystal and HyCeram in titanium and white gold, from the More is More High Jewellery collection

The Gucci Allegoria High Jewellery Collection

This collection surprised us when we wrote about it earlier this year. It’s a step away from the Hortus Deliciarum high jewellery offering that has dominated Gucci headlines for some time and presents a more nuanced (albeit still ostentatious) take on high jewels for the Italian house. Long chains are present throughout the collection, including hefty pendulums of green tourmaline, princess-style necklaces with Paraiba tourmaline, chrysoberyls, spinels and diamonds, plus a sensational floral chain set with fancy colour tourmalines, leading the eye to an emerald-cut pink tourmaline of epic proportions. What’s important is that the chains here aren’t an afterthought but a fundamental ingredient in the design’s overall recipe.

Models wearing  Gucci High Jewellery necklaces, including (left) a piece in gold, green tourmaline, yellow beryls, fancy tourmalines and diamonds from the Gucci Allegoria High Jewellery collection

Models wearing Gucci High Jewellery necklaces, including (left) a piece in gold, green tourmaline, yellow beryls, fancy tourmalines and diamonds from the Gucci Allegoria High Jewellery collection

 Models wear chain necklaces from the Gucci Allegoria High Jewellery collection

Models wear chain necklaces from the Gucci Allegoria High Jewellery collection

Whether you are a chain lover or a hater, it’s impossible to deny that when done well, the results can be beautiful and creatively diverse. Where might the humble link go next? We can’t wait to find out.

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