The Big Guide to Chain Types

Chains are a crucial element of any jewelry collection, offering versatility and style. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect chain for your needs and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various chain types, from classic and rounded chains to flat, twisted, and specialty chains. Whether you’re looking for a timeless piece or a unique statement necklace, this guide has got you covered.

Classic Chains: Simple, Timeless, Versatile

Cable Chain

Cable chains are the quintessential chain type that most people envision when they think of chains. They feature uniform oval or round links with a single join on each side. This classic style is often referred to as a ring and connector chain. Cable chains are ideal for wearing with pendants and for creating layered looks.

Belcher Chain / Rolo Chain

Belcher or rolo chains are a popular variation of cable chains. They consist of round links that are rounded on the outside and flat on the inside. Some rolo chains have links that are rounded both on the outside and inside. Belcher chains are versatile and suitable for wearing with pendants or creating layered looks.

Box Chain

Box chains are known for their simple and sturdy design. Each link is square-shaped and has a sleek appearance. Box chains are often made with thinner profiles, making them suitable for wearing with pendants. This style is also referred to as a book chain or Venetian chain.

Rounded Chains: Sleek, Fluid, Textured

Ball Chain / Bead Chain

Ball chains are popular for their textured and patterned appearance. They consist of solid or hollow spheres joined with connector bars. Ball chains offer more texture than cable chains while still maintaining a thin profile. They are suitable for wearing with pendants or creating layered looks.

Snake Chain

Snake chains are highly sought after for their sleek and fluid design. Each link has a slight point in the center, creating a chevron pattern reminiscent of snakeskin. Snake chains offer similar flexibility to omega chains but with a more rounded profile. They are perfect for wearing with pendants or creating layered looks.

Byzantine Chain

Byzantine chains have stood the test of time since 300 BCE due to their intricate and regal design. The chain features intricate links that create a bold and ornate appearance. It’s an excellent choice for wearing alone as a statement piece. Byzantine chains are also known as birdcage or idiot’s delight chains.

Wheat Chain / Spiga Chain

Wheat chains have a braided or woven appearance that resembles a stalk of wheat, hence the name. They can be flat or rounded and offer good flexibility. Thin versions of wheat chains are suitable for wearing with pendants or creating layered looks. Wheat chains are also popularly known as Spiga chains.

Popcorn Chain

Popcorn chains are highly unique and beautifully textured. They consist of rounded, hollow cup-shaped or flat round links connected in a tubular design. Popcorn chains offer a thicker profile while remaining lightweight and comfortable to wear. They are often worn alone as a statement piece.

Flat Chains: Comfortable, Patterned, Attractive

Curb Chain

Curb chains are a type of cable chain that features links that have been twisted and diamond cut to lay flat and uniform. Curb chains are highly versatile and come in various thicknesses. A variation of curb chains is the Cuban chain, which has more densely grouped links and a heavier weight. Curb chains are suitable for wearing with some pendants or creating layered looks.

Serpentine Chain

Serpentine chains are known for their distinctive “S” shaped links layered in a parallel design. These chains typically have a thinner profile and are aesthetically pleasing enough to wear alone or create layered looks. A twisted version of the serpentine chain is also known as a nugget or tinsel chain.

Figaro Chain

Figaro chains feature alternating sizes of links that create an attractive pattern. They are popular as a men’s style and are often worn alone. A similar style called figarucci chain has alternating link shapes with a reinforcing bar within the link, resembling an anchor chain. Figaro chains are ideal for wearing alone.

Anchor Chain / Marine Chain

Anchor chains are a style of curb chain that includes a bar support in the center of each length. This design provides added strength to the chain while creating an attractive pattern. As the name suggests, this chain type is similar to the chains used to anchor ships. Anchor chains are suitable for wearing alone.

Infinity Chain / Figure of Eight Chain

Infinity chains are composed of oval links slightly twisted to lay flat and connected by links twisted into a figure-eight shape. This alternating link design creates an attractive pattern with a more feminine touch compared to a Figaro chain. Infinity chains are perfect for creating layered looks or wearing alone.

Herringbone Chain

Herringbone chains feature unique pointed links that interlock to create a stylish pattern. These chains lie completely flat, making them ideal for wearing alone as a statement piece. Herringbone chains strike a balance between fluidity and rigidity, allowing them to stay in place when worn.

Foxtail Chain

Foxtail chains are often used interchangeably with wheat chains, but they have a more squared edge. These chains are made up of links set at a 45º angle, with two thinner sides and wider top and bottom edges. The design creates a chevron pattern that lays flat and showcases the chain’s unique texture. Foxtail chains are ideal for wearing alone.

Cobra Chain

Cobra chains are flat-laying chains with a zigzag design running through the center. They can be easily mistaken for Boston link or C link chains, but the distinguishing feature is the triangle-shaped links that form the pattern. Cobra chains are perfect for wearing alone as a statement piece.

Boston Link Chain

Boston link chains are cable chains that have been flattened to create a flat, stacked appearance. Unlike many flat chains, Boston link chains come in thinner profiles, making them suitable for wearing with specific pendants or creating layered looks.

C Link Chain

C link chains are similar to Boston link chains, but the links are curved like boomerangs. C link chains offer greater flexibility than herringbone chains while still lying flat. They are perfect for wearing alone.

Panther Chain

Panther chains feature a brick pattern with rectangular-shaped links stacked in three or more rows. This chain type has excellent drape and a bold presence. The chain’s design may also create a mesh-like appearance, depending on the link size. Panther chains are ideal for wearing alone as a statement piece.

Mesh Chain

Mesh chains can be either flat or rounded, depending on the method used to make them. These chains have a beautiful fluidity similar to fabric and are created with fine woven or knitted wire. Mesh chains offer an elegant and delicate appearance and are perfect for wearing alone.

Omega Chain

Omega chains are beloved for their sleekness and near-seamless links. They are created by crimping closely aligned plates to a mesh substructure. Omega chains can be flat or rounded and have limited flexibility but excellent shape retention. Some round omega chains can be worn with pendants.

Scroll Chain / Snail Chain

Scroll chains feature links created by two wires spiraling into each other, forming an attractive pattern that lays flat when worn. Scroll chains come in varying weights, and narrower versions are suitable for layering with other pieces. They are also perfect for wearing alone.

Twisted Chains: Eye-Catching, Textured, Sparkling

Rope Chain

Rope chains are highly popular and come in various styles and weights. In their classic form, rope chains consist of uniform links connected to two other links at a time, creating a natural twist. French rope chains are a variation with a tight, twisted appearance and a heavier weight. Rope chains are suitable for wearing with pendants, creating layered looks, or wearing alone.

Nugget Chain / Tinsel Chain

Nugget chains, also known as twisted serpentine chains, have a dazzling sparkle. The S-shaped links are visible in the design, but they have been twisted into a more dimensional shape. Nugget chains usually have a lightweight profile, making them suitable for wearing with various pendant styles or creating layered looks.

Singapore Chain

Singapore chains feature diamond-cut links that are flattened and twisted. This design provides intense sparkle and excellent fluidity. Singapore chains can relax into a flat design while naturally twisting on their own. They are perfect for layering or wearing alone.

Margarita Chain

Margarita chains consist of rectangular links connected widthwise in a twisted row. This creates a textured, tubular appearance with excellent sparkle. Margarita chains stand out even when layered with other pieces of the same metal type. They are perfect for layering or wearing alone.

Specialty Chains: Unique, Patterned, Fancy

Bar Chain

Bar chains, also known as bar and link chains, were popular as watch chains in the Art Deco and Retro eras. They feature bar links alternating with single or multiple oval links. Bar chains range from plain to ornate patterns and are visually appealing when worn alone or layered with other pieces. They are perfect for layering or wearing alone.

Barleycorn Chain

Barleycorn chains derive their name from the similarity of the tapered and rounded links to grains of barley. This design gives the chain a scalloped profile that strikes a balance between versatile and ornate. Barleycorn chains are suitable for wearing with some pendants or creating layered looks.

Peanut Chain / Crinkle Chain

Peanut or crinkle chains feature links that have been crimped into a wavy shape resembling a peanut. These chains are lightweight, visually appealing, and perfect for adding texture to a necklace stack. They can be layered with other pieces or worn alone for a delicate look.

Filigree Chain

Filigree chains are made up of marquise or oval-shaped links created with scrolling wire filigree. These chains have a feminine appearance with a lace-like quality that is ornate yet wearable. Filigree chains are perfect for layering or wearing alone.

San Marco Chain

San Marco chains feature tubular semi-circle links that are flat on the back and twisted from the front, resulting in a rope-like appearance. This unique design gives the chain a heavy and impressive look while remaining comfortable against the skin. San Marco chains are perfect for wearing alone.

Saturn Chain

Saturn chains are cable, curb, or box chains interspersed with evenly spaced beads. Also known as station chains, they create an attractive pattern around the neck, perfect for layering or wearing alone.

These are just a few of the many chain types available, each offering its own unique style and appeal. Whether you’re looking for a classic, rounded, flat, twisted, or specialty chain, there’s a perfect chain type for every occasion. Shop our collection today to find the perfect chain to complement your personal style and complete your jewelry collection.