Lee is correct, the chains (called "emzeebies") are a Hanoverian (and fetishistic) fashion. The point being, in this culture, historically, women are generally considered the property of men, either their fathers or their husbands. Although, certain exceptional women can establish various measure of independence for themselves.
Lia Woodgate is one example. As the only surviving child of the former Ceo, and as well shall see, being an extraordinarily strong and resourceful person, she has established herself as ruler of this simultaneously advanced and backwards culture. There are strong parallels here with both Elizabethan and Victorian England.
Lia is endeavoring to improve her emprie's culture but this is a monumental task even for an absolute monarch, and progress is achingly slow.