Great find Leni,

I too have wondered about glass chains....
A nice example of the curved rod design is illustrated in the book "The Elegant Epergne". There is a lovely "maypole" design epergne with the central vase linked to a series of smaller ones via curved rods.
If you haven't got this book it is highly recommended as it shows a drool-worthy collection of epergnes of all kinds, in the equally sumptuous settings of their very wealthy owner. Totally to-die-for!