Have you ever stopped to think how chains are the most omnipresent types of jewellery, forming an essential part of any getup or attire, and easily enhancing it?
Many people wear chains casually while others wear a specific one each day of the week. To some, chains are merely the final piece of their getup, but to others, they are a treasured piece of jewellery.
Chains also happen to have a staggering variety and this can make it somewhat challenging to decide which one is right for your personal style, needs, and preferences.
In this in-depth piece, we are going all out to cover a range of well-known chain types, including some of the most popular styles, and what kind of appeal or ‘end result’ you can expect from each one. Let’s get to it!
Different Types of Chains – An expansive and insightful guide
Classic Chains
We thought it best to kick things off with the classic chain type – simple yet timeless and versatile.
The cable chain, for example, is the typical image most people visualise when they think about chains. Cable chains feature uniform links, which are either round or oval, with a join on either side. A common variation of the cable chain is the paperclip chain (also called trombone link chain), where you’ll find elongated oblong-shaped links resembling the wearer’s namesakes, alternating with smaller round links. This style is also referred to as a connector chain. If you want to enjoy your chain for layering or as a pendant, cable chains are great.
Box chains are a very popular style of classic chains, featuring relatively simple yet very sturdy designs. Each link is square-shaped, boasting a very sleek appearance. Box chains are usually designed with thinner profiles in mind, so people tend to use them frequently with pendants, although they can also be used for layering. Another name for a box chain is the Venetian chain.
The rolo chain (also called a Belcher chain) is a well-known style variation of the cable chain. It features round links which are rounded externally and flat internally. However, chains featuring links which are rounded both internally and externally are also referred to as rolo chains. Again, these are great for both layering and wearing with pendants.
Twisted Chains
Twisted chains are some of the most sparkling, eye-catching, and textured chains you’ll find today, turning heads and attracting attention with ease.
The rope chain, for instance, is a wildly popular variety, available in many different styles and weights. Rope chains, in their most classic form, are designed with uniform links, with each link connected to two links at a time. This unique design gives the chain a very natural twisting look. A variation of this style is called the French rope chain. It features a tight and twisted appearance, offering incredible sturdiness, and normally weighs heavier than the typical rope chain. Whether you want to wear it alone, as a layer, or as a pendant, rope chains can famously live up to all three purposes.
A margarita chain is designed using rectangular links, all connected into a twisted row widthwise. This is necessary to achieve a tubular and textured appearance which gives off a remarkable sparkle, both up close and from a distance. This rather unique design makes margarita chains stand out easily in a crowd, even if you choose to layer yours with other chain pieces of the exact same metal type. So, go ahead and wear your margarita chain either on its own or as a layer with your favourite neck pieces.
Singapore chains comprise diamond cut links which are flattened and twisted to achieve a certain effect. Unsurprisingly, this design boasts an intense sparkle and superb fluidity. Singapore chains can be worn ‘relaxed’ to provide a plain and flat look, although they tend to naturally twist on their own with movement, creating a desirable amount of sparkle. They can be worn alone or as part of your favourite neck layering.
The tinsel chain, also known as the twisted serpentine chain, features a beautiful sparkle where the S-shaped links can be clearly made out in the design, thanks to the links being twisted into a unique multi-dimensional shape. These type of classic chains typically feature a lightweight profile, so you can pair them with many different styles of pendants or your typical layering profile.
Flat Chains
Ah, yes – flat chains – patterned, attractive, and comfortable to wear – these chains offer an incredible amount of variety, so sit back and enjoy your cuppa, while we cover each one:
The Serpentine chain (not to be confused with the twisted serpentine chain from the classic chain variety) is easily identifiable through its distinctive S-shaped links which are layered in a gorgeous parallel design. Serpentine chains feature a thinner profile than most chains and are attractive enough to wear on their own, although they blend in just fine if you prefer a layered look. The twisted version of this type of chain is known as a nugget chain.
The curb chain is a variation of the cable chain where the links are twisted and normally diamond cut to make for a flat and uniform wear. Curb chains are considered one of the most versatile flat chains, available in multiple thickness levels. One common variation of the curb chain is the Cuban chain, where the links are more densely grouped. It is also usually heavier than the standard curb chain featuring the same length. Another well-known variation of the curb chain is the parallel chain, which many people use as a foundation for their charm bracelet. Owing to their versatility, curb chains can be worn with some pendants and as part of your neck layering.
The anchor chain, also called a Gucci link chain and mariner chain, derives its design from a common style of curb chains, featuring a bar support running across the centre of each length. This well thought-out design offers extra strength to the chain’s design, all the while creating a lovely pattern around the wearer’s neck. As you might have guessed by the name, the very same style of chains are used for anchoring ships, which is a clear indication that some very clever engineering went into its design. The anchor chain is best worn alone and is not ideal for layering.
Figaro chains look and function similarly to curb chains, although their links have alternating sizes to create a certain pattern. When it comes to men’s chain styles, Figaro chains happen to be very popular and are typically worn on their own. A similar style to this type of chain is the figarucci chain, which also features alternating link shapes but with one addition: a reinforcing bar found within the link (just like an anchor chain).
The foxtail chain is commonly used interchangeably with wheat chains. However, foxtail chains feature a more squared edge where the links are set at a 45° angle. Foxtail chains are usually thinner on the sides and wider on the top as well as bottom. This creates a clever design which lays flat, revealing an eye-pleasing and distinctive chevron pattern. Wear your foxtail chain on its own to achieve the desired effect!
The herringbone chain features unique, pointed links which interlock stylishly in an eye-catching pattern. Since the design lays completely flat on your neck, it’s perfect for wearing as a standalone statement piece. Herringbone chains are known for offering a superb balance between rigidity and fluidity, which means they’ll stay in place as you move about.
Infinity chains, also called a figure of eight chain, comprise oval links that are twisted slightly to lay flat (just like a curb), all of which are connected by links twisted into a figure-8 shape. The alternating link chain design makes for a very attractive pattern, offering a feminine look, even though it can be worn by men. Wear your infinity chain either on its own or as part of your daily layering.
Ever heard of a Boston link chain? This is a kind of cable chain which has been flattened to create a stacked and flat appearance. However, unlike most flat chains, the Boston link chain is available in thinner profiles, making them ideal for wearing with certain kinds of pendants. So, wear them with a matching pendant or in a layered manner, if you prefer.
The cobra chain is a kind of flat laying chain as it has a zigzag design which runs through the centre. Even though some people tend to mix it up with a C-link or Boston link chain, it can be quickly differentiated by looking at the triangle-shaped links that form the underlying pattern. The cobra chain is best worn on its own.
Some people tend to confuse a C-link chain with a Boston chain although the C-link variety has a curved shape like a boomerang, and not a trapezoid. C-link chains also lay flat like a herringbone chain but have greater flexibility. These are best worn alone.
The scroll chain has distinctive links which are created by two wires intermingling with each other. Once intermingled or intertwined, the links create a heartwarming pattern which lays absolutely flat when worn on the neck. Scroll chains come in different weights and when worn in their narrower form, they can be layered beautifully with other pieces, even though they can be also look stunning when worn as a standalone piece.
Specialty Chains
Specialty chains are among the fanciest, most unique, and gorgeously patterned chains you’ll find today. Let’s start with this one:
The bar chain (also called bar and link chains) were made particularly popular as watch chains during the Retro and Art Deco eras. These chains alternate with single oval links, ranging from plain designs to ornately patterned ones. Bar chains can look absolutely amazing when worn on their own although the thinner profile ones makes it super-easy to be worn in layers with your favourite neck pieces.
The peanut chain, also called a crinkle chain, has links which are crimped into a wavy shape, hence the term ‘peanut’ to describe this kind of chain. They are desirably lightweight, so many folks like to use them as a way of adding texture to their necklace stack or layering. You could, however, still wear your peanut chain on its own for a rather delicate and refined look.
The San Marco chain features tubular semi-circle links which are flat on the back. But if you look at them from the front, they give off a twisted appearance, almost like a rope. The unique design affords the chain a chunky and impressive look, while never feeling uncomfortable to the wearer. This kind of chain is ideally worn on its own.
Filigree chains typically comprise oval or marquise shaped links which are designed using scrolling wire filigree. These chains have a feminine appearance, offering a lace-like quality that is very ornate at first glance but still wearable. You can wear it as a standalone piece or with your favourite layering, the choice is yours.
Rounded Chains
Rounded chains are known for their fluid, sleek, and textured designs.
The snake chain is probably the most well-known rounded chain in existence today, owing to its fluid and sleek design. Each link features a little point in the centre – creating a chevron pattern when joined, making the chain look like snakeskin. You can wear your snake chain either with layering or on its own.
The ball chain (also known as a bead chain) is a very popular pendant chain as it boasts more pattern and texture than a cable chain. Yet, you’ll find them to be thin enough to easily fit through a bail. You’ll find either hollow or solid spheres in ball chains which are intricately joined together using connector bars. This style offers a reasonable amount of fluidity, although it can sometimes appear more rigid than some of the classic chain designs we listed at the start. Wear this chain as a pendant or with your favourite layering.
Here’s a fun fact about the Byzantine chain: these chains have existed since 300 BCE! The chain is sturdy, intricate, and legal, offering a powerful and bold presence which truly makes a statement on its own. While we don’t quite know where the chain gets its name from, it’s fair to say that the word ‘Byzantine’ could mean ornate or complicated. The chain has a heavier profile compared to others, so it’s best worn on its own and not with a pendant.
Conclusion
While we couldn’t cover every single chain in existence in just one article, we hope that you have now gained valuable insights into the wonderful and illustrious world of chains.
If it’s one jewellery piece that has stood the test of time in terms of design variety, style, and versatility, ranging from being classy and simple to rough and edgy – it’s the chain.
Now that you know some of the differences between the types of chains and how to wear them, perhaps, you can pick one up more easily – a chain that truly speaks to your style, personality, and most intimate character traits.