Jewellery & Watch News

From chunky necklace chains to dainty, stackable bracelet chains, the trend for sterling silver and gold chains continues to govern the fashion world. As the “it” accessory of the past year, jewellery chains have evolved into new shapes and sizes and with so much choice comes a little confusion on which jewellery chain style to choose. In this handy guide, we’ll be explaining all the different types of jewellery chains on offer so you can choose from the more classic ball chains, snake chains and box chains to the more unique paper link chains and zig zag chains.

Cable or Oval Link Chain

One of the most common jewellery chains, the cable chain or oval link chain, is used widely in necklace styles that hold a pendant. It comprises on several, identically sized oval links that can be flattened or risen.

Belcher or Rolo Chain

Similar to the cable chain, the belcher chain is another popular jewellery chain for holding pendants but instead elects perfectly round links instead of oval. Belcher chains are also sometimes referred to as rolo chains.

Trace Chain

Trace chains are crafted much in the same way as cable or belcher jewellery chains. The metal links are uniform in breath and thickness and can be round or oval in shape. They are often delicate and dainty in size, joined together one after the other to form a straight, timeless chain.

Curb Chain

A curb chain also features oval or rounded links but ones that have been flattened and twisted slightly. Curb chains are widely used for holding pendants, often very fine in their formation at around 1mm in size but more recently chunky curb chains have become popular.

Ball or Bead Chain

As its name suggests, a ball chain is a type of chain consisting of small metal beads. They are widely known for being the type of jewellery chain used on dog tag necklaces but more recently have been utilised in women’s jewellery, sometimes combining the ball or bead links with cable or belcher chains for a contemporary look.

Box Chain

While most jewellery chains use circle or oval-shaped links, the box chain stands out for its unique row of square links. Chunky box chain necklaces have become increasingly popular recently for their look when layered with other styled jewellery chains.

Snake Chain

Resolutely modern, snake chains take their name from the shape of the tightly coiled links which evoke the body and pattern of a snake. The links are bound so close together that you cannot see through them which also allows snake chains to become flexible. There are several varieties of snake chain to choose from including knotted snake chains where the chain is tied into a knot in certain places. Meanwhile, a twisted snake chain sees the chain turned around on itself several times.

Double Link Chain

Rather than having a single link intertwine with another single link to create a jewellery chain, double link chains feature two links, usually curb or belcher style, to create a statement look. Double link chains are usually reserved for chunky necklace and bracelet chains.

Triple Link Chain

You guessed it, while double link chains use two links, a triple link chain uses three. This creates a truly bold, statement piece of jewellery, perfectly fitting in with the current trend for large, chunky bracelet and necklace chains.

Spiga or Wheat Chain

Spiga chains are typically crafted using stands of twisted oval links. The final result looks like a row of twisted figure of eights or tear-drop shapes, creating a thick, three-dimensional chain. The plaited design also evokes the look of an ear of wheat, hence why Spiga chains are sometimes referred to as wheat chains.

Twisted Link Chain

The links of a twisted link chain are coiled around into an infinity symbol or figure of eight and secured to the next twisted link using a classic round or oval link. Twisted chains are fantastic jewellery chains for layering, adding depth and texture to your look while also sitting perfectly flat against the skin.

Figaro Chain

The figaro chain style is largely associated with the chunky, metal chain necklaces worn by men. They feature one elongated oval link followed by several smaller circular rinks. The chains are typically chunky and although originally reserved for men, have becoming increasingly popular with women who have a love of statement jewellery.

Bar Link Chain

A bar link chain is a jewellery chain made of long, slender metal tubes with smaller rounded links at the end to attach to the next bar link. The bars are often straight, although can sometimes be found curved, the latter allowing for a more flexible fit around the body.

Rope, Tube or Popcorn Chain

The jewellery chain of many names, the rope chain is sometimes also called the tube chain or popcorn chain for its hollow, round links that create a rope-like effect. These jewellery chains are often highly flexible and lightweight so perfect for wearing every day.

Byzantine Chain

The byzantine chain is one of the most complex chain types around. It does not consist of individual links but several which are formed together to create a type of knot. Byzantine chains can have links that are square, oval or round and since they utilise a large number of links, they are often chunky and heavy.

Mariner or Anchor Chain

A nautical-inspired jewellery chain, the mariner chain comprises of several interlocking oval links with the links themselves featuring a straight bar down the middle. It gives the chain an unusual appearance that looks a little like a string of DNA. Mariner or anchor chains typically lie flat but can also be found twisted.

Paper Link Chain

A relatively new style of jewellery chain, the paper link chain features a row of thick and elongated oval links which interlock together in a repetitive series. The chain gets its name from the paper chains made at school, where you cut out strands of paper and turn them into hoops, linking them with another.

Bone Link Chain

The bone link chain is self-explanatory, with each link shaped like a bone. The slender, elongated metal links are often secured to the next by thin pieces of wire. Bone link chains look particularly breathtaking when paired with gothic-inspired pendants.

Zig Zag Link Chain

Finally, another unusual type of jewellery chain is the zigzag chain. As its name suggests, the links of this chain are shaped like arrows which when formed together with those of the same create a long zigzag pattern.