Figure 8 Chain

The figure-eight is one of the oldest link forms in goldsmithing. Each link is drawn into a double loop and pinched at the waist, and it is threaded through the next at both ends. Gold necklaces built on this linkage first appear in Byzantine jewellery of the sixth and seventh centuries. A curb chain lies flat and repeats one even beat. The figure-eight has a waist and a crossing in every link, which gives the chain more surface, more movement, and a rhythm you notice up close.

This is a heavy chain, made in Melbourne, at 60cm. At that length it sits below the collarbone, so it can be worn over a shirt collar or against bare skin. It has enough weight to be worn on its own. It’s also strong enough to take a substantial pendant without the pendant taking over.