The paperclip chain has one of the more interesting origin stories in modern jewellery. It's exactly what it sounds like — a chain made of elongated oval links that look like, well, paperclips. And it went from design curiosity to one of the most widely worn chain styles in the world in about three years.
Here's why it's stayed, and why it deserves a place in your collection.
Why the Paperclip Chain Worked
Jewellery trends that last beyond a season usually have a practical reason for sticking around. The paperclip chain's reason: it's flat. Unlike round-link chains that rotate and twist, the paperclip chain lies flat against the wrist or chest. It photographs beautifully — which matters in an era where people share their jewellery on social media. It also has a clean, architectural quality that reads as both minimal and interesting at the same time.
It looks effortless. People who wear jewellery obsessively are drawn to things that look effortless.
The Willow Paperclip Chain Bracelet
OAK + EVE's Willow Bracelet is a dainty paperclip chain bracelet available in 14K gold filled or sterling silver. It's adjustable, clasp-fastening, and sits beautifully against the wrist — flat and clean, exactly as a paperclip chain should. It's a bracelet that works equally well alone (very minimalist) or as the chain element in a fuller wrist stack.
From $58 CAD — Shop the Willow Bracelet →
The Floral Birth Month Necklaces — Paperclip Chain Option
Our Floral Birth Month Necklaces are available in a paperclip chain option — a beautiful way to add the flattering, modern quality of a paperclip chain to a piece that's already deeply personal. Select "Paperclip Chain" at checkout.
How to Style a Paperclip Chain
As a bracelet: The Willow Bracelet works alone (extremely minimal) or alongside beaded stretch bracelets for textural contrast. The flat chain next to round beads is a pairing that photographs very well.
As a necklace chain: A paperclip chain necklace worn at collarbone length with a simple pendant is one of the cleanest jewellery looks you can put together. The Birth Month Necklace on a paperclip chain is exactly this.
Mixed metals: Try the Willow Bracelet in sterling silver alongside a gold filled layering bracelet. The paperclip's flatness creates an interesting contrast with the rounded beads.
Why It's Still Relevant in 2026
Trends that work because of practicality and aesthetics together don't disappear as fast as trends that work on aesthetics alone. The paperclip chain photographs well, sits flat, works in multiple weights and lengths, and complements almost every other chain style. It earned its place. It's not going anywhere.