Antique jewelry lovers will find book chain necklaces charming. The elegant book chain design was a popular Victorian jewelry design choice for styles such as lockets, cameos and all chain necklaces.
About Book Chain Necklaces
Book chain style necklaces refer to a design involving a chain with links that are shaped like books. This design emerged during the Victorian era and was popular through the Edwardian period. In fact, it was still a standard design during the transition from Art Nouveau (1890s to 1905) to Art Deco (1925 to 1945) jewelry era. Book chain jewelry was especially popular during the Victorian jewelry revival during the late Art Deco era of the 1930s and 1940s. The book chain style has also come back in fashion at various times during the 21st centuries in the form of Victorian inspired or neo-Victorian jewelry.
Victorian Book Chain Jewelry
When most people think of book chain jewelry, they consider it a Victorian style. Victorian book chain jewelry designs were elegant and included some of the most intricate artistic details on each book link such as engraved filigrees and scrollwork. Necklaces and bracelets were the most common forms of jewelry featuring book chain.
Popular Victorian Book Chain Jewelry Designs
Victorian book chain style necklace designs evoked a sense of remembrance and artistry. Most of the book chain jewelry of this period was made out of copper, gold, brass, or gold-plated metal.
20th Century Book Chain Jewelry
During the Art Deco era of the 1920s to 1940s, book chain jewelry featured styles that closely resemble some of today's modern jewelry style. The Victorian era included a larger number of long necklaces. During the Art Deco era, there was a larger selection of choker necklaces and short necklaces, such as fringe and bib necklaces, that could be worn with more open neck style of clothing woman wore. Some designs were bolder, bordering on gaudy.
Popular Art Deco Book Chain Style Jewelry Designs
In addition to providing a more modern style, Art Deco book chain jewelry also expanded the metal options. Along with brass, copper and gold, the jewelry metal choices from this era also included platinum and sterling silver.
- Short brass fringe necklace with alternating dangling red coral beads and leaves
- Brass fringe necklace with alternating brass ball drops and acorn drops
- Book chain choker with alternating gold book links and emerald cut green rhinestones
- Goldtone book chain and pearl dangle bib necklace
Modern Victorian-Inspired Book Chain Jewelry
Today many jewelry artists seek to capture the look of book chain style necklaces in Victorian-inspired or neo-Victorian designs. Most modern Victorian inspired jewelry is made out of antiqued brass or copper, with some versions in gold or sterling silver. The modern book chain jewelry often merges the styles of Victorian and Art Deco jewelry under the Victorian inspired name. Necklaces include traditional cameos on long chains, choker styles with intricate scrollwork and many fringe bead and brass stamp designs.
Book Chain Necklace Shopping Guide
Shopping for book chain style necklaces may be a challenge in many locations. Antique and vintage book chain pieces are rare. Modern Victorian inspired designs may be easier to locate. Craft shows and art fairs are also good places to find Victorian inspired book chain jewelry. However, the Internet provides many resources for finding antique and modern book chain jewelry.
When shopping for antique or vintage book chain style necklaces, be sure to examine each piece before purchase to ensure quality. A quality antique or vintage book chain style necklace should have the following characteristics:
- No rust or corrosion on the metal
- No loose stones, damaged areas or missing links
- Working fasteners
- Evidence of authenticity such as intricate handcrafted techniques from the Victorian and Edwardian eras versus the modern machine manufactured cheaper replicas
Classic, Timeless Design
Both antique jewelry collectors and admirers of neo-Victorian jewelry should consider book chain necklaces. The exquisite designs and their intricate detail of each piece truly capture the beauty of an earlier era where fine craftsmanship was the standard.
