Choosing the right chain can elevate a necklace to a whole new level. From simple and delicate to bold and intricate, there are countless chain types to choose from. This article will explore the different types of necklace chains, including their unique features, characteristics, and styles.
Whether you are a jewelry enthusiast or simply looking to purchase a new necklace, this comprehensive guide to chain types will help you make an informed decision and choose the perfect necklace for your style and personality. So, let’s dive into the world of necklace chains and discover the diverse styles available to create your next stunning piece of jewelry.
Box chain
Box chain, also known as Venetian chain or Book chain, is a classic and versatile type of necklace chain. The links of a box chain are square or rectangular in shape, and they are connected at 90-degree angles to form a simple and clean pattern.
Box chains are typically made of thin metal plates, making them lightweight and comfortable. They are often used for delicate and dainty necklaces but can also be found in larger sizes for bolder statement pieces.
Rolo chain
The Rolo chain, also known as the Belcher chain, is a type of necklace chain that features round links typically rounded on the outside and flat on the inside. This gives the chain a smooth and uniform appearance that is both classic and contemporary. The links are connected by a simple and consistent pattern that creates a fluid and flexible chain, making it a popular choice for various necklace styles.
Rope chain
As the name suggests, the rope chain features twisted links to resemble a rope. The twisting of the links creates a spiral effect, giving the chain a unique and interesting texture.
Unlike other chains with flat or rounded links, rope chains have a three-dimensional look that gives them a more substantial and bold appearance. The twisting also adds strength to the chain, making it a durable option for everyday wear.
Curb chain
Curb chain is a popular type of necklace chain that features flattened and twisted links that lie flat against the skin. The links are often square or rectangular in shape, and the flattened design creates a simple and classic look.
The links of a curb chain are interlocked in a symmetrical pattern, creating a consistent and uniform appearance. The flat design of the links allows the chain to lay flat against the skin, making it a comfortable option for everyday wear.
Curb chains are often used as a base for pendants but can also be worn independently for a simple yet elegant look.
Figaro chain
Figaro chains are a distinctive necklace chain type with a unique and recognizable pattern. The pattern consists of flattened links, typically three small links followed by a larger one. This pattern repeats throughout the length of the chain, giving it a classic and timeless look.
One of the defining characteristics of a Figaro chain is the ratio of the links. The pattern of three small links followed by a larger link is repeated in a consistent ratio throughout the chain. This ratio is often referred to as the “Figaro ratio” and is typically 1:2 or 1:3, meaning that for every small link, there are two or three larger links in the chain.
Singapore chain
The Singapore chain is a delicate and lightweight chain characterized by its small, twisted links. These links are closely interwoven, creating a strong and flexible chain. The links are typically flat and have a slight diamond shape, which adds to the chain’s overall sparkle and shine. The Singapore chain is a popular choice for delicate, dainty jewelry pieces such as necklaces and bracelets.
Mesh chain
A mesh chain is a type of chain that is made up of woven or interlocking metal links that resemble a mesh fabric. The links are often flattened and arranged in a uniform pattern, creating a flexible, lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing chain. The chain can be made in various shapes, including rounded and flattened styles, and is popular for its unique texture and comfortable feel.
Mesh chains are popular for their unique texture and ability to reflect light, creating a shimmering effect that makes them a great choice for statement pieces.
Panther chain
The Panther chain is a type of chain that is characterized by rectangular-shaped links that are offset and stacked in three or more rows. This creates a chain with a lot of drapes and a bold, distinctive appearance.
The links are tightly interlocked, providing strength and durability to the chain. Panther chains are typically worn alone and not paired with a pendant, as the unique design of the chain is usually enough to make a statement on its own.
Cobra chain
Cobra chains are named after their resemblance to the scales of a cobra snake. The links of this chain are curved, creating a distinctive round shape that lays flat against the skin when worn. The links are typically joined together by small metal plates, creating a continuous and flexible design.
Cobra chains typically feature triangular links arranged in an interlocking pattern. This design gives the chain a unique texture and appearance, making it stand out among other chain types.
Byzantine chain
The byzantine chain, also known as the birdcage chain, is an intricate and decorative chain characterized by its woven and interlocking links. The links of a Byzantine chain are typically shaped like small boxes or cubes, and they are connected in a complex pattern that creates a rope-like effect.
The Byzantine chain is known for its durability and strength, as the woven design helps to prevent the chain from breaking or kinking easily. Due to its heavy and intricate design, the Byzantine chain is typically unsuited for pairing with a pendant. It is best worn on its own to showcase its unique and detailed pattern.
Anchor chain
The Anchor chain, also known as the marine chain, is a type of necklace chain that features oval-shaped links with a bar support in the center of each length to create a sturdy and durable design. The links are usually flat and relatively thick, giving the chain a substantial weight and a noticeable presence.
This chain type is often chosen for its strength and resilience, making it popular for men’s necklaces and statement pieces. The simple yet robust design of the Anchor/Marine chain gives it a timeless and classic look that can complement a wide range of styles and outfits.
Serpentine chain
Serpentine chains are typically identified by their unique “S” shaped links, which are arranged in a series of curves that resemble the undulating motion of a serpent. These links are interlocked and layered in a parallel design, giving the chain a smooth and flexible texture. The shape and flexibility of the serpentine chain make it a popular choice for delicate and intricate jewelry designs.
Snake chain
The links of a snake chain are closely interlocked, creating a smooth and flexible surface that resembles the skin of a snake.
One of the distinctive characteristics of a snake chain is that it has a rounded or semi-rounded profile, which gives it a smooth and fluid appearance. The links are typically narrow and elongated, giving the chain a delicate and refined look.
C link chain
C link chain, also known as a Cuban link chain, is popular for the distinctive design that sets it apart from other necklace chains. The C link chain features links shaped as the letter “C” or an oval with flattened sides interlocked in a uniform pattern, creating a distinct look.
Cable chain
Cable chain is a popular type of necklace chain that is recognized for its simple yet timeless design. The cable chain comprises oval or round links interlocked in a simple and uniform pattern, creating a classic and elegant look. This chain type is versatile and can be used to create various necklace styles, from delicate and dainty to bold and statement-making. It is commonly used in pendant necklaces or as a base for layered necklaces.
Wheat chain
The links of a wheat chain are shaped like grains of wheat, with four strands of metal woven together to create a braided appearance. This gives the chain a textured and ornate look that is elegant and sophisticated.
The wheat chain, also known as the Spiga chain, is a popular choice for pendant necklaces due to its intricate design, and it is also often used for bracelets and anklets. Its braided pattern creates a sturdy and durable chain that is less likely to kink or tangle than other chain types.
Herringbone chain
Herringbone chains are distinctive for their flat and closely interlocking V-shaped links arranged in a zigzag pattern. The links are usually slanted at a 45-degree angle, giving the chain a unique texture and appearance. Due to their tightly woven construction, herringbone chains are known for their durability and strength.
Herringbone chains can be found in a variety of widths, with wider chains being more popular for bold statement pieces and thinner chains being used for delicate and elegant necklaces.
Foxtail chain
Foxtail chains are a type of necklace chain that is known for its distinctive chevron pattern created by the links set at a 45-degree angle. Unlike wheat chains, foxtail chains have a more squared edge, with thinner links on two sides and wider on the top and bottom. This unique design lets the chain lay flat, showing off its striking pattern.
Foxtail chains are a popular choice for delicate and intricate necklaces and bracelets and are often used interchangeably with wheat chains.
Infinity chain
Infinity chain, also known as the figure of eight chain, is a unique and eye-catching type of necklace chain. The links of an infinity chain are shaped like a figure eight or the mathematical symbol for infinity, giving it a distinct look.
Infinity chains can be found in various sizes and thicknesses, from delicate and dainty to bold and statement-making. They are often used in necklaces with pendants or as standalone pieces, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit.
Boston link chain
The Boston link chain is characterized by its flat, interlocking links connected in a pattern resembling a brick wall. The links are typically wider than thick and are arranged in a uniform, symmetrical pattern. The chain has a smooth and polished finish.
The design of the chain is simple yet elegant, making it a versatile option for both men’s and women’s jewelry. The Boston link chain is often used for bracelets, necklaces, and anklets and can be worn on its own or paired with a pendant.
Barleycorn chain
Barleycorn chain is made up of oval or oblong links that are arranged in an alternating pattern. The links are usually flat and have a textured, grain-like appearance, similar to the kernel of a barleycorn, hence the name. The links are interlocked in a way that creates a flexible and durable chain.
The design of the chain is simple yet elegant, and it is often used for necklaces and bracelets. The texture of the links gives the chain a unique look and feel, making it a popular choice for those who want something a little different from a traditional chain.
Nugget chain
Nugget chains, also known as tinsel chains, are characterized by their irregularly shaped links that resemble small nuggets or pieces of tinsel. The links are often flattened and twisted into a more dimensional shape, creating a loose, jumbled pattern. Nugget chains are popular for their unique texture and shimmer and are often used for statement pieces.
Peanut chain
The Peanut Chain, also known as the Crinkle Chain, is a type of chain made up of small, curved links resembling a peanut’s shape. The links are often twisted and flattened, creating a unique texture and visual interest. The Peanut Chain is a popular choice for men’s and women’s jewelry, as its rugged appearance makes it suitable for more casual pieces.
Prince of Wales chain
This type of chain is made up of interlocking oval links that create a chain with a delicate and intricate appearance. The links are twisted in a way that creates a spiral pattern, giving the chain a flexible and fluid quality. Prince of Wales chains are often used in necklaces and bracelets because of their elegant and sophisticated look.
Popcorn chain
Popcorn chains feature small, rounded links that are closely interwoven to create a three-dimensional texture resembling a popped corn kernel. This unique pattern gives the chain a sturdy and durable quality while still remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Due to its distinctive texture and appearance, the Popcorn chain is often worn alone as a statement piece, though it can also be layered with other chains for a more complex look. Its understated yet eye-catching design makes it versatile for casual and formal occasions.
Saturn chain
Saturn chains, also known as station chains, are characterized by evenly spaced beads dotted along the chain’s length. These beads can be made of various materials and shapes, adding texture and visual interest to the chain.
The chain itself can be a cable, curb, or box chain, and the combination of the chain style and the bead design creates a delicate and feminine look that is perfect for layering with other necklaces. The Saturn chain is versatile and can be worn with casual and formal outfits, making it a staple in any jewelry collection.
Filigree chain
Filigree chain is a type of chain that is made up of intricate, delicate patterns of interwoven metal, often resembling lace or embroidery. The metal is usually bent, twisted, and shaped into intricate designs linked together to create the chain. This gives the chain a delicate and ornate appearance, making it a popular choice for decorative jewelry.
The patterns can range from simple and minimalistic to highly intricate and detailed and can be used in various jewelry styles, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Ball chain
Ball chains, also known as bead chains, are pendant chains that feature small, spherical beads that are either solid or hollow. These beads are threaded onto thin wire or connector bars, giving the chain a textured and patterned appearance.
Due to their thinness, ball chains can often fit through a pendant bail, making them a popular choice for hanging pendants or charms. While this chain style has a reasonable fluidity, it can be more rigid than other classic chains due to its design.
Paperclip chain
The Paperclip chain is characterized by its flat, oval-shaped links connected in a linear pattern. The links are designed to look like elongated paperclips, hence the name. This chain style has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its sleek and modern look and ability to complement casual and formal attire effortlessly.
The flat links of the Paperclip chain lay flat against the skin and create a comfortable fit, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.
San Marco chain
The San Marco chain features semi-circular links that are tubular and have a flat back, but appear twisted from the front, creating a unique rope-like texture. This design gives the chain a substantial and impressive look that stands out, making it a popular choice for statement pieces. Despite its heavy appearance, the chain is comfortable to wear against the skin due to its smooth finish.
Scroll chain
The Scroll chain, also known as the Snail chain, is a unique type of chain that features small, tightly coiled links that resemble a rolled-up scroll or a snail shell. These links are connected by small loops, creating a continuous and flexible chain that is both sturdy and delicate in appearance.
The intricate design of the Scroll chain gives it a vintage, ornate feel that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. The links are often embellished with delicate etchings or patterns, adding to the chain’s intricate and sophisticated look.
Bar chain
Bar chain is a type of chain that features a series of elongated, narrow bars that are connected to create a unique design. The bars can be flat or rounded, often arranged in a repeating pattern. The chain is lightweight and flexible, making it comfortable to wear.
Bar chains are popular for their minimalistic and modern look, and they are often worn alone as a statement piece or layered with other chains for a trendy, layered effect.
Omega chain
Omega chains are unique and distinct from other chains due to their sleek and almost seamless appearance. They are made by assembling closely aligned metallic plates onto a wire or woven mesh, which gives the illusion of interlocking links. The embedded wire provides strength to the plates while allowing them to be designed in a visually pleasing manner.
Omega chains can be flat or rounded in shape and have limited flexibility, making them excellent at holding their shape. They are typically arranged in a specific curve to retain a constant oval shape when worn.
Margarita chain
Margarita chains are characterized by their unique construction, consisting of rectangular links connected widthwise to create a twisted row. This design creates a distinctive textured and tubular appearance that catches the light beautifully, resulting in a chain with excellent sparkle and shine.
The twisted links of the margarita chain provide a distinct look that allows the chain to stand out, even when worn with other pieces of jewelry made from the same metal type. The margarita chain is a popular choice for casual and formal occasions and can be worn alone or as a base for layered necklaces.
Railroad chain
Railroad chains are characterized by flat, rectangular links arranged in a repeating pattern. The links are typically wider than they are thick, creating a strong and durable chain.
The design of the chain is reminiscent of the chains used on old-fashioned pocket watches, giving it a vintage and classic look. Railroad chains, such as bracelets and necklaces, are often used for men’s jewelry.
