Abstract: A machine for the production of an ornamental chain of the type formed by so-called "figure-of-eight" links, comprising a slide (23) for transferring a section of wire of prefixed length, folded in a U shape, from a unit (51) for supplying said section of wire to a calibrated tubular guide (34), holding the already formed chain, to engage it with the last formed link of the chain. The guide (34) is radially surrounded by tools for bringing together (55,56) and permanently joining (71,72) the ends of the arms of said U-shaped section engaged in the last U-shaped link, and tools for centring (73) the resulting closed link with respect to the axis of the guide (34).A push device (81) is further provided for performing an alternating movement away from and towards the last formed U-shaped link along the axis of the guide (34) so as to supply a force onto said link, causing at the same time sliding of the chain inside the guide and folding the closed link about its middle transverse axis.