Vintage 1930s German Machine-Age Byzantine Link Necklace – Attributed to Jakob Bengel

A beautiful machine age gold plated and copper alloy byzantine link necklace attributed to the iconic Art Deco Jakob Bengel factory.

The necklace embodies the machine age aesthetics of the Bauhaus movement of early 2th century Europe with hand coiled two toned Byzantine chain with gold plated smooth links.

Founded in 1873 in the legendary gemstone town of Idar-Oberstein, Germany, the Jakob Bengel factory originally spent decades specialising in heavily detailed watch chains and chatelaines for pocket watches. However, by the late 1920s, a design revolution took hold. Driven by the bold visual cues of the Parisian avant-garde movement and inspired by the costume jewellery liberties popularised by Coco Chanel, the factory began experimenting with industrial materials.

They blended geometric, machine-stamped metals with chrome, brickwork patterns, and early milk-casein plastics like Galalith. Because these pieces were primarily shipped unmarked to fashion boutiques worldwide, their true origin remained hidden for decades. In the early 2000s, a massive, forgotten cache of original sample books and machinery was unearthed inside the abandoned factory. Today, the original factory stands as an internationally protected industrial monument.

The necklace is in excellent vintage condition with very little wear to the plating and is a real collectors piece.

The total length of the necklace is 42 cm. 

All Vonk Jewellery is presented in a gift box and pouch with luxe ribbon. If you would like a gift message included please message me at checkout.