Joining the Links
CHAIN HAS BEEN AROUND for centuries and is utilised in many ways: For joining, load-bearing and our favourite – adornment. The oldest examples of chain were found in Babylonia (now Iraq) where royal tombs held gold jewellery dating to around 2500 BC. Among the treasures found were intricate loop-in-loop chains, which is a technique that was quite popular throughout the Mediterranean and Western Asia that eventually spread all around the world.
The first chain-making machine was invented in the mid-1700s, and the process of chain making was mechanised around 100 years ago.
The Ancient Egyptians also used gold chains as jewellery, modifying the single strand chains into chokers and broad collar style necklaces, which were often buried with their proud and often wealthy owners. During the era of the Roman Empire, only women were permitted to wear gold chain necklaces. By the end of
