The chain just got interesting
Both strong and delicate, vital and invisible, chains are often a forgotten element in fine jewellery design. Thanks to niche, emerging brands, such as Shay, Foundrae and Marla Aron, and established jewellers, including Boucheron, Georg Jensen and John Hardy, the chain is being reimagined. Designers are embracing interesting, reinvigorated approaches that span the spectrum from delicate to statement. Get to know the jewellers leading this new direction and shop their signature styles here.
Shay
The expressionist’s favourite, Los Angeles-based jewellery brand Shay has released a strong offering of chain designs, from rings and bracelets to necklaces and anklets. While some are classic, feminine and rounded, the most noteworthy pieces are decidedly chunkier, more faceted and stronger in shape. The statement all-gold and white pave-diamond chains find a balance between pretty and progressive, and can act as the foundation for a strong, layered look. The solid profile of each design has the sensuous, weighted quality of gold and precious metal against the skin – a detail that’s offset by the smooth, seamless links that move harmoniously when worn. It’s this combination of weight and sound, along with the visual facets of diamonds and gold catching the light, that make it one of the most striking chains out there right now.
Georg Jensen
Smooth, sculptural, organic and chunky, Georg Jenson’s ‘Offspring’ collection is defined by interlocking shapes that illustrate the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. ‘When you wear an Offspring necklace, it should become a part of your body,’ says Jacqueline Rabun, the jeweller behind the eponymous collection. ‘It should empower you.’ The use of sterling silver for the chain gives each design its unique scale and volume, allowing for a more voluminous effect than gold would, thanks to it’s delicate weight. The fine silver clinks while the wearer moves, and becomes a subtle sound, something wearers will become attached to when putting it on each day.
Boucheron
The new ‘Jack de Boucheron’ collection from revered French jeweller Boucheron showcases a unique edit of chain bracelets and necklaces that combine a smooth snake-like chain, fastened with an innovative, magnetic clasp, emulating the shape of a jack cable. The concept of the chain creating connections is played to prominently in this collection, as each fastening can be connected to another chain to create a longer sequence, mixing together textures and metals. The profile of each piece is seamless and fluid, a tactility that’s complemented by the highly polished geometric-facet closures – a timeless Boucheron signature.
The new demi-fine jewellers to know
From classic pavé-diamond designs to geometric styles made for stacking, get to know the demi-fine jewellers creating talking-point pieces for every day.
The five bracelets to try now
Jewellers are reimagining the bracelet in innovative new ways in 2019. Discover the pieces and shop the latest styles, perfect for every day, here.