Culture & Style
By Jill Newman. March 10, 2025
How to Wear Heavy Metal Chains Like a Pro
Chunky diamond chains are the season’s must-have. They’re modern, bold and an instant wardrobe update.
EARRINGS TIFFANY & CO. • NECKLACES (TOP) SHAY (BOTTOM) TIFFANY & CO.
When Beyoncé appeared in Vogue UK’s December 2020 issue wearing layers of diamond chains, she made a bold style statement that instantly put chunky chains in the spotlight. After all, the music and fashion icon showed that the heavy metal look, a style that was originally made popular by 90s rap artists, is back and better than ever.
Signs of the contemporary chunky diamond chains first appeared on the catwalks of fashion houses from Gucci to Bottega Veneta in 2021. Styled as statement pieces atop more casual clothing, these chunky chains were the antithesis of the lightweight layered jewels that have been popular over the past few years. In breaking out bold jewelry, designers appeared to say, ‘After a year at home, ‘I’m ready to go out and have fun again.’
Meet the Experts
Elizabeth Von der Goltz is the Chief Executive Officer of luxury fashion e-commerce destination, Farfetch
Rachel Garrahan is the Project Curator, Jewellery at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London
Will Khan is a jewelry and watch expert and stylist, as well as a contributing editor to Town & Country and Elle Decor
“The new modern links feel substantial, yet very easy and simple,” says Elizabeth Von der Goltz, Chief Executive Officer of Farfetch. “I love how you can wear these statement pieces in a very new and modern way and not feel that they are too precious.”
Classic diamond chains been reimagined this year in new pieces including Pomellato’s large, sensuous diamond-paved links, Tiffany & Co.’s slim and elongated diamond-dotted Hardware line, Shay’s chunky metal styles and Sara Weinstock’s elegant link triple strand necklace
BRACELET DAVID WEBB • EARRING SHAY
“The chain’s versatility means it can suit any age, gender or style depending on the design; it could be urban cool or ultimate classic,” say Rachel Garrahan, Project Curator, Jewellery at the Victoria and Albert Museum. “Rather than just the means from which to hang a pendant, the chain has become the focus, further elevated by a splash of diamonds.”
Walters Faith is one jewelry brand that has made chunky chains their signature look because owners Stephanie Abramow and Mollie Good say they work with the currently prevailing casual fashion looks—joggers included. “People are dressing down and bold jewelry is in,” they said. “We love bold jewelry that has weight to it, and the feel of a good chunky chain.” A key piece in their collection is the super-sized oval-shaped Saxon link necklace, which they both wear with jeans and t-shirts.
RINGS POMELLATO
The chain’s versatility means it can suit any age, gender or style depending on the design; it could be urban cool or ultimate classic. Rather than just the means from which to hang a pendant, the chain has become the focus, further elevated by a splash of diamonds.
Rachel Garrahan,
— Project Curator, Jewellery at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Great chain links aren’t confined just to necklaces: designers are also creating chunky chain link bracelets, large earrings and even rings. Stand-out pieces include David Webb’s chain link bracelets and rings with enamel, stones and diamonds, which were originally designed in ‘60s and ‘70s and are still being produced today.
NECKLACE SARA WEINSTOCK
The iconic designer David Webb always believed chains were here to stay. “Chains will not go out of style,” Webb said in 1970. He was right: Fifty years later and women still want a strong statement chain.
How to Style Diamond Chains:
Will Kahn, jewelry editor and stylist: “A thick chain necklace accented with diamonds has become the cool-girl signature. Throw it on with a t-shirt, jeans and a blazer and you are instantly dressed. The bold scale and heavy metal look is great worn alone or layered, and will become a staple of your wardrobe.”
