Vintage Grossé Silver Chain

Grossé is a famous company founded in 1907 by Heinrich Henkel and his brother-in-law Florentin Grosse. Those times it was called “South-Germany Gold and Hair Jewelry.“

“The firm specialized in producing jewelry and watch chains made of woven and plaited hair. The pieces were surprisingly popular, and they picked up momentum at the outbreak of World War I. The practice of remembering loved ones with mementos made out of their hair dates back to the Victorian era“. (from DSF Antique Jewelry)


After World War I, the firm started to utilize new materials such as bronze, aluminum, wood, and bakelite. As a result, Grossé jewelry became popular in Europe because it was as good as authentic jewelry but more affordable. In the 1930s, Grossé produced a series of jewels for Elsa Schiaparelli, and the company made a series of models for her.

In the 1950s, Grossé started selling their jewelry at the Dior boutique. Christian Dior appreciated the quality of the jewels and concluded a partnership with Grossé.

Christian Dior at the Henkel and Grosse office:

Over the next 50 years, Grossé was responsible for the production of Christian Dior Bijoux and had the right to sell it.

The Grossé chain that we found is made of silver. You can wear it full-length or loop it twice around the neck.