# Fifteen Links Mounted as a Necklace

- By: Italian
- Date: c. 1550–c. 1600
- Medium: Gold, enamel, diamonds, and pearls
- Classification: Costume and Accessories
- Dimensions: H.: 53 cm (20 7/8 in.); At widest point: W.: 2.1 cm (1 13/16 in.)
- Culture: Italy
- Credit line: Bequest of Dorothy Braude Edinburg to the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection
- Museum: [Art Institute of Chicago](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/210854)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://www.artic.edu/iiif/2/0e227bc7-6b15-6b02-5845-54e9d623bd8d/full/843,/0/default.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

The symmetrical, openwork scrolls on eight links of this chain, or necklace, are likely based on engraving patterns that circulated among goldsmiths. As evidenced by countless Renaissance portraits, richly patterned chains like this example were integral embellishments to costly costume. Draped across the bust of a man or a woman and sometimes used to suspend a pendant, chains were an undeniable indication of wealth and status.

Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0