The Paperclip Chain Necklace: Why It’s the Must-Have Jewelry Staple of the Year

Some jewelry trends come and go (looking at you, chunky plastic chokers), but every so often, a piece comes along that feels like it was always meant to be in your collection. Enter the paperclip chain necklace: the minimalist hero that’s officially everywhere right now.

And honestly? It deserves the hype.

The paperclip chain is one of those rare pieces that manages to feel current while also looking like it could have lived in your jewelry box for years. It’s sleek, easy to wear, and it plays well with literally everything—from a dainty pearl to a bold charm.

At Raiz, we see the paperclip chain as the ultimate foundation piece: versatile enough to style a hundred different ways, lasting enough to move with you through every season, and personal enough to hold your story. When you layer it with charms, it stops being “just jewelry” and becomes a stack that feels unmistakably you.

What Is a Paperclip Chain Necklace?

The name says it all—yes, it really does come from the everyday paperclip. Once just a humble office supply, clipping together homework and tax forms, it’s now upgraded to holding together entire outfits.

Elongated links give the design its signature sleekness: structured, modern, and a little bit edgy. The style first appeared in fine jewelry decades ago, but it’s having a huge revival because it’s exactly what today’s trends are about—clean, effortless, and endlessly versatile.

Think of it as the “white tee” of necklaces: simple enough for every day, but elevated enough that it never feels boring. From the boardroom to brunch, it’s the chain that makes everything else you wear look more intentional.

A Quick History of the Trend

The paperclip chain didn’t just pop up on Instagram one day—it’s been around for decades. The design dates back to the early 20th century, when jewelers started experimenting with elongated oval links as a sleeker alternative to traditional round ones.

In the 1940s, paperclip chains gained even more cultural weight—especially in Europe—where the paperclip became a quiet symbol of unity and resistance during WWII. Wearing one wasn’t just fashion; it was a statement.

Fast-forward to the ’70s and ’80s, and the chain found its way back into mainstream jewelry, embraced for its bold yet minimal silhouette. And today? It’s having a massive revival. Why? Because it checks every box modern style is craving: minimalism, versatility, and just enough edge to feel fresh.

What once clipped papers together is now the chain tying together your jewelry stack—and your outfits.

Why Everyone Loves the Paperclip Chain

• It’s minimal but makes an impact. A single gold or silver Beatriz Paperclip Necklace can dress up a plain sweatshirt or polish off a slip dress.
• It feels edgy and elegant at the same time. The bold links have a modern feel, but the simplicity keeps it chic.
• It’s insanely versatile. Wear it alone, layer it with pearls, or stack it with chains—you can’t really go wrong.
• It’s the perfect charm carrier. Those open links were practically made for charms, which is why Raiz paperclip chains are never just “chains.” They’re a canvas.

Basically, the paperclip chain is the denim jacket of jewelry: easy, effortless, and endlessly customizable.

How to Style a Paperclip Chain Necklace

Rock It Solo

Sometimes you want one piece to do all the talking. The Hugo Square Paperclip Chain Necklace in gold is perfect for that—it’s sleek, shiny, and instantly elevates your look. Prefer silver? The Beatriz Dainty Paperclip Chain nails that cool-girl polish.

Layer It Up

Think of layering like mixing your favorite playlists—you want a little variety, a little surprise. Pair your paperclip chain with the Edith Mini Ball Chain for texture, or add the Ophelia Freshwater Pearl Necklace for a whisper of sparkle. Throw in pearls (we’re obsessed with the Bruna Caramel Mini Pearl Charm) for that high-low mix that feels effortless.

Add Charms That Mean Something

This is where Raiz takes the paperclip trend to the next level. A necklace is beautiful, but when you add charms that tell your story, it becomes truly unique.

• Custom photo charms to keep your treasured people close
• Letter charms for your initials (or your favorite inside joke)
• Travel charms to wear your adventures everywhere you go
• The Lucky 7 Charm for a little everyday magic

Match Your Mood

What’s cool about a paperclip chain is how it shifts with you:

• Travel days → Keep it simple with just your chain and one charm for easy wear.
• Celebrations → Layer two paperclip chains, add an Ophelia Dainty Pearl Necklace for layering, and stack on some gold bracelets for shine.
• Everyday life → Mix gold and silver chains for a casual, lived-in feel that says, “Yes, I threw this on in two minutes, but also yes, I look amazing.”

Beyond the Necklace: How to Style the Full Paperclip Look

Don’t stop at your neckline—paperclip links look amazing across your jewelry stack.

• Bracelets → Match your necklace with the Hugo or Beatriz Paperclip Chain Bracelets, or stack them with daintier gold bracelets for contrast.
• Earrings → Since the chain makes such a statement, balance it with simple studs or small hoops.
• Mixed metals → Nervous about combining gold and silver? The paperclip chain is the perfect “bridge” because its clean design makes mixing feel intentional, not accidental.

Choosing The Right Chain Length And Thickness

Not all paperclip chains are created equal, and the right length or thickness can completely change your look. Think of it like shoes: chunky for drama, dainty for everyday chic.

Length:

• Choker / 14–16 inches – Perfect for layering or wearing with V-neck tops; adds a subtle pop.
• Mid-length / 18–20 inches – The most versatile, sits at the collarbone, ideal for solo wear or layered stacks.
• Long / 24+ inches – Makes a statement on its own or layered with shorter chains for that effortlessly “curated” look.

Pro Tip: Can’t find the perfect fit? Our 3" Adjustable Chain Extender is a game-changer. With loops at every inch, it lets you customize your necklace to exactly the length you want—perfect for layering or solo wear. Available in gold or silver, it blends seamlessly with your favorite chains while giving you ultimate flexibility.

Thickness:

• Thin links – Minimal, delicate, and understated, ideal for mixing with charms or dainty chains like the Edith Mini Ball Chain.
• Medium / chunky links – Bold, structured, and eye-catching, perfect for making a paperclip chain necklace the star of your stack.

The Raiz Difference

Sure, you can grab a paperclip chain anywhere. But at Raiz, we design ours with meaning in mind. The Hugo and Beatriz chains are made to be lived in, layered, and loved. Add a charm for your latest milestone, mix metals for fun, or build a stack that feels like your personal highlight reel.

Because jewelry isn’t just about looking good—it’s about carrying your story with you. And that’s what makes the paperclip chain necklace more than a trend.

It’s your foundation piece for today, tomorrow, and years from now.