A long guard, sometimes known as a guard chain, was popular during the Georgian and Victorian eras. These were worn around the necks of women with a timepiece at the end.

The chain may be tucked into a waist belt or draped over the front of the bodice, with the watch tucked into a handy pocket. Alternatively, the wearer could attach a locket or brooch to the necklace and fasten it to her heart. These two styles are modelled by the females on the left and right, respectively.

A lengthy guard chain can be ideal for your layered necklace collection if you like to layer necklaces. After all, you can make an instant neck stack with just one piece of jewellery! And there are a plethora of ways to get various looks. “What is a long guard, anyway? “How do you wear a guard chain?” and “How do you wear a guard chain?”

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Here’s an overview of what a guard chain is all about, including some history and over a dozen different ways to wear one nowadays.

How to wear a Guard Chain 

When it comes to how to wear a guard chain, the truth is that there are a plethora of different methods to drape and wrap a lengthy guard chain. You should be able to wrap a chain around your neck two or three times if it’s between 50 and 64 inches long.

The styling is entirely dependent on how you layer the various chain lengths. Some pieces can be made longer or shorter, and you can design a form that compliments your neckline. I even like the look of knotting the chain’s end – it gives it a laid-back flapper vibe.

You can also use the dog clip – or slide, if there is one – to generate a new appearance by moving it about. You may also attach a pendant, locket, or even a cluster of charms to the dog clip to make your chain even more unique. You can pin your chain wherever you like if you add a brooch at the end. Alternatively, you might leave the guard chain alone and allow the gleaming gold to steal the show.

1. Long Strand

Starting with the first option, loop the chain around your neck three times. Adjust the layers so that the dog clip is shorter and the other two strands fall gracefully behind it.

2. Knotted Guard Chain

It has an old and modern vibe about it, in my opinion. Wrap the lengthy guard in one of the previous two ways first. Then, with the longest piece, tie a loose knot, and you are ready to rock!

3. Long Double Swag 

This is without a doubt one of my favourite outfits! It has an old and modern vibe about it, in my opinion. Wrap the lengthy guard in one of the previous two ways first. Then, with the longest piece, tie a loose knot.

4. Choker Style

Double the chain and add a little extra space between the two shortest layers, you’ll get a tighter choker length and a long drape. The dog clip will appear somewhere in the middle. This is a great way to show off little, light charms and pendants.

5. Like a Plunging Neckline

Fold the guard chain in half and drape it around your neck with the ends facing forward for this look. Then thread the folded end of the chain through the dog clip like a needle. Slide it through again to create a long, beautiful lariat appearance. Consider it with a plunging neckline!

6. Give a Layered Effect 

Another technique to wear a three-stranded guard chain is as follows. You’ll shorten the largest layer and lengthen the two shorter ones in this round. They should all be medium-long in length to create a more relaxed layered effect.

7. Double the Guard

Bring the dog clip upward and connect it immediately to the next longest strand if you’re making a triple strand with the dog clip as the longest length. This will result in a lavish double swag. It’s a unique style that can’t be replicated with anything other than a stunning guard chain!

8. Single Strand Scarf

Here’s a novel technique to make the most of your guard chain’s length. Fold the guard chain in half and wrap it around your neck casually, as if it were a scarf.

9. Tie a Knot

Folding the lengthy guard in half and connecting the dog clip to the opposite end of the chain are the first steps in this style. Drape this over your neck, with the dog clip positioned to the side as an accent element. Finally, tie a loose knot in the bottom half.

10. Drape it like a fish around your neck

For all the mermaids out there, this is a classic pattern to follow while wearing a long guard chain. However, one long end will cling to the bottom of the double swag.