Handmade Metal Chain Necklaces

What Is a Chain Link Necklace?

A chain link necklace is a necklace built entirely from individual metal links joined into a continuous chain, with no pendant, beads or stones. The design comes from the metal itself: the shape of the links, the texture worked into their surface, and the way light moves across them as the chain drapes. In this collection every link is formed, textured and closed by hand in John S. Brana's San Francisco studio.

What Is in This Collection

Five designs, all priced at $175, in two lengths. Four necklaces measure 26 inches and one measures 22 inches. Every design uses links in several sizes rather than one repeating link, which is what gives these chains their movement and their weight across the collarbone.

• Chased Nu Gold Brass Chain Link Necklace – warm yellow gold tone, round and oval links, hand-chased texture
• Hammered Stainless Steel Chain Link Necklace – cool silver tone, repeating round links in three sizes, high polish
• Chased Bronze Link Chain Necklace – deep golden brown, circular and oval links, chased across the full 26 inches
• Hammered Bronze Link Chain Necklace – the same bronze tone with a dimpled hammered surface instead of chased lines
• Hammered Copper Chain Link Necklace – warm rose-copper tone, hammered links, the softest colour in the group

For necklaces in precious metal, see the 14K gold-filled necklaces and the silver necklaces.

How These Necklaces Differ

Three things separate one design from another: the metal, the surface treatment and the length.

Metal sets the colour and the upkeep. Copper is the warmest and most rose-toned, and it darkens into a patina unless polished. Bronze sits between copper and gold, a deep golden brown that also deepens slowly with wear. Nu Gold brass reads closest to yellow gold and holds its colour with a wipe. Stainless steel is the only cool-toned option and the only one that needs no care at all.

Surface treatment changes how the chain catches light. Hammering dimples the metal, scattering light in every direction for a lively, uneven shine. Chasing incises fine lines with a punch, producing a sharper, more linear glint. Both are applied by hand, link by link.

Length changes where the necklace sits. At 22 inches a chain rests just below the collarbone and works over a crew neck. At 26 inches it falls to the upper chest, which suits open collars, V-necks and layering over a shorter chain.

How to Choose a Chain Link Necklace

Every necklace in this collection costs the same, so the decision comes down to colour, texture and length rather than budget. Use the table below to narrow it down.

Which length should you choose?

• 22 inches – sits just below the collarbone, the easier length over a crew neck or a sweater
• 26 inches – falls to the upper chest, better for open collars, V-necks and layering

Hammered or chased?

Choose hammered if you want a lively, uneven shine that reads from a distance. Choose chased if you prefer a finer, more linear texture that shows its detail up close. Bronze is the only metal here offered in both, so it is the easiest way to compare the two side by side.

Who each metal suits

• Copper – for anyone drawn to warm, earthy metals and rose gold tones, and a natural choice for a 7th wedding anniversary
• Bronze – for autumn and neutral wardrobes, and the traditional metal for 8th and 19th wedding anniversaries
• Nu Gold brass – for anyone who wants the look of gold every day without the cost, and for a 21st anniversary
• Stainless steel – for daily wear, sensitive skin and anyone who does not want to polish jewellery, and for an 11th anniversary

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are these necklaces?

Four of the five measure 26 inches and one measures 22 inches. A 22 inch chain sits just below the collarbone; a 26 inch chain falls to the upper chest and layers well over a shorter necklace.

Which metal is best for everyday wear?

Stainless steel. It will not tarnish, resists scratching and needs no polishing. Nu Gold brass is the next easiest, since it holds its gold colour with a simple wipe.

Will copper or bronze turn my skin green?

Both contain copper, so they can leave a temporary green mark depending on your skin chemistry, lotions and perspiration. It is harmless and washes off with soap and water. If that concerns you, choose the stainless steel or Nu Gold brass chain.

Are these necklaces suitable for men?

Yes. The heavier link scale and the 26 inch length suit men as readily as women, particularly the stainless steel and bronze designs.

What is the difference between hammering and chasing?

Hammering strikes the metal with a rounded face, leaving dimples that scatter light. Chasing uses a punch to incise fine lines into the surface. Hammered chains shine more brightly from a distance; chased chains show finer detail up close.

How should I care for a handmade chain necklace?

Put it on after perfume and hairspray, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and lay it flat or hang it rather than coiling it in a drawer. Remove it before swimming, since chlorine is hard on every metal here.

Do they come gift boxed?

Yes. Each necklace arrives in a John S. Brana gift box, ready to give.

Collection Details

• Designs in this collection: 5
• Price: $175 each
• Lengths: 22 inches (1 design), 26 inches (4 designs)
• Metals: copper, bronze, stainless steel, Nu Gold brass
• Made by: John S. Brana, handcrafted in San Francisco
• Prices and availability last confirmed: 29 September 2026