Necklaces are an excellent way to accessorize an outfit and add some personal style to your look. However, the type of chain you choose can significantly impact the overall appearance and feel of your necklace. In this article, we will explore the different types of necklace chains and help you discover which style is best suited for you.
Cable Chain
The cable chain is a classic type of necklace chain that has been a popular choice for many years. It is made up of individual round or oval links that are uniform in size and fit together to create a smooth, continuous strand. The links are typically flat or slightly curved, giving the chain a simple and elegant appearance.
Cable chains are versatile and can be worn alone or with a pendant or charm. The chain’s simplicity makes it a popular choice for everyday wear, while its strength and durability also make it suitable for holding heavier pendants. Cable chains are typically available in various thicknesses and lengths, making them a popular choice for men’s and women’s jewellery.
Rope Chain
The rope chain is known for its distinctive twisted appearance. It features multiple intertwined small links that form a continuous rope-like strand. The links are usually oval or round, and they are twisted together to create a unique and stylish pattern.
Rope chains are available in a variety of thicknesses and lengths and can be worn alone or with a pendant or charm. The chain’s unique texture and style make it a statement piece that can add character to any outfit.
Box Chain
The box chain is another popular type of necklace chain characterized by its square-shaped links. It is made up of multiple small links that are arranged in a series of boxes, with each box linking to the next at a right angle. This structure gives the chain a strong and sturdy appearance, making it a popular choice for those who want a durable and reliable necklace. Additionally, the chain’s design makes it less likely to kink or tangle, making it a practical choice for those who want a low-maintenance jewellery option.
Figaro Chain
The Figaro chain is a classic type of necklace chain that has been popular since the 19th century. It is a flattened chain made up of three to five small round links followed by a larger elongated oval link. The pattern repeats throughout the length of the chain, giving it a unique and distinct look.
Figaro chains are often used for men’s jewellery and are available in different thicknesses and lengths. The chain’s unique texture and design make it a statement piece that can add character and charm to any outfit.
Snake Chain
The snake chain is a unique and versatile type of necklace chain that has been popular since the 1970s. It consists of small rings tightly woven together to create a flexible, cylindrical chain resembling a snake’s skin texture. The result is a smooth and elegant chain perfect for those who want a delicate and understated jewellery option.
One of the benefits of a snake chain is its flexibility. The tightly woven rings create a flexible and fluid chain that drapes beautifully on the neck, making them a popular choice for delicate pendants or charms often worn for formal occasions.
Curb Chain
The curb chain is a classic and timeless type of necklace chain that has been popular for centuries. It features uniformly sized flattened links twisted and interlocked together to create a chain that lays flat against the skin. The result is a simple and elegant chain perfect for those who want a traditional and understated jewellery option.
It is a durable and sturdy chain type often used for men’s jewellery or to hold heavy pendants or charms. Curb chains are available in various thicknesses and lengths.
Wheat Chain
The wheat chain is a unique and intricate type of necklace chain that features a braided design made up of small, oval-shaped links. The links are woven together in a way that creates a pattern resembling a stalk of wheat, giving the chain its name. The result is a beautiful and delicate chain perfect for those who want a stylish and feminine jewellery option.
One of the benefits of a wheat chain is its strength and durability. The braided design creates a sturdy chain that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it an excellent option for everyday jewellery. Whether worn alone or with a pendant or charm, the wheat chain is an excellent addition to any jewellery collection.
Byzantine Chain
The Byzantine chain is a distinctive and ornate type of necklace chain that originated in the Byzantine Empire, which existed from the 4th to the 15th century AD. The chain is made up of interlocking links that create a complex, rope-like texture. The links are typically square or rectangular and are woven together in a way that creates a pattern that is both intricate and beautiful.
The chain is versatile and can be used for various types of pendants or charms. Byzantine chains are often more elaborate and ornate than other chain types and are available in different thicknesses and lengths.
Link Chain
The link chain is a classic and timeless type of necklace chain that is made up of interlocking metal links. These links can be round, oval, or a variety of other shapes and sizes, depending on the design of the chain.
Link chains became a popular choice for both men’s and women’s jewellery with the introduction of paperclip link chains, and they are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Link chains can be worn on their own or paired with a pendant or charm to create a personalized look.
Herringbone Chain
The herringbone chain is a type of necklace chain that features a distinctive flat and woven pattern that resembles the bones of a fish. The chain is made up of thin, flat and V-shaped links closely arranged to create a fluid and smooth texture. The herringbone chain is a popular choice for both men’s and women’s jewellery and is versatile enough to be worn on its own or paired with a pendant or charm.
Herringbone chains are available in a variety of lengths and widths, and their design makes them a great option for layering with other chains. The chain’s flat and woven pattern creates a sleek and modern look that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit.
Ball Chain
The ball chain, also known as the bead chain, is a type of necklace chain that features small spherical balls evenly spaced along the length of the chain. The balls are typically made of metal and are strung together on a thin wire or cord, creating a lightweight and flexible chain that is durable and easy to wear.
One of the benefits of a ball chain is its simplicity and versatility. The chain’s minimalist design makes it a great option for everyday wear which can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Rolo Chain
The rolo chain is made up of circular links that are joined together to create a smooth and uniform texture. The links are typically the same size and thickness, creating a balanced and symmetrical chain that is both strong and durable. The chain’s circular links are joined together in a way that distributes weight evenly, making it less likely to break or kink.
Rolo chains are a popular choice for men’s and women’s jewellery and are available in a variety of lengths and sizes. They can be worn on their own or paired with a pendant or charm to create a unique and personalized look.
Venetian Chain
The Venetian chain, also known as the mirrored box chain, is a type of necklace chain that features square links closely spaced together, creating a smooth and flexible texture. The links are typically square or rectangular, with each link featuring a mirrored surface on one side and a smooth surface on the other.
The key feature of the Venetian chain is its unique texture and design. The chain’s links are closely spaced together, creating a smooth texture that is both visually interesting and comfortable to wear. Additionally, the mirrored surface of the links creates a unique and reflective quality that adds depth and dimension to the chain.
Singapore Chain
The Singapore chain is a type of necklace chain that is made up of tiny twisted links closely spaced together, creating a delicate and intricate texture. The links are typically diamond-shaped and are twisted together in a way that creates a unique and visually interesting pattern that adds depth and dimension to the chain.
Popcorn Chain
The popcorn chain is a type of necklace chain that is made up of small, rounded links arranged in a way that creates a three-dimensional, popcorn-like texture. The links are typically evenly sized and spaced, creating a continuous and seamless design.
Popcorn chains are a popular choice for both men’s and women’s jewellery and are available in a variety of lengths and sizes. They can be worn on their own or paired with a pendant or charm to create a unique and personalized look.
Omega Chain
The omega chain has a flat and flexible structure, resembling the Greek letter “omega” in shape. The chain is made up of interlocking metal plates that are closely spaced together, creating a smooth and continuous surface that conforms to the wearer’s body, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Additionally, the flat surface of the chain allows it to reflect light in a unique way, adding a subtle shine to the necklace.
Franco Chain
The franco chain is a type of necklace chain known for its durability, strength, and unique design. It is made up of small, interlocking links that create a woven and braided appearance, giving it a sturdy and robust feel.
Franco chains are a popular choice for men’s and women’s jewellery and are available in a variety of lengths and sizes. They can be worn on their own or paired with a pendant or charm to create a unique and personalized look.
Foxtail Chain
The foxtail chain is a type of necklace chain known for its intricate design and smooth texture. It is made up of a series of small, flat, and closely connected links that form a chain resembling the tail of a fox.
One of the benefits of a foxtail chain is its smooth and fluid texture. The flat and closely connected links create a chain that moves and flows with ease, making it a comfortable and practical choice for everyday wear. Additionally, the chain’s intricate design gives it a sophisticated and elegant look that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Featured image: Karloz Monsalve / Canva
