Chains

Box Chain
The box chain is made from a sequence of cubic links. This gives each link the appearance of being a small box. Smaller linked box chains form a smoother looking chain. They come in a variety of widths. The thicker ones are fairly strong and won’t easily break. A box chain can be fixed without too much difficulty.

Cable Chain
Cable chains have identical round or oval links and each link can be soldered or unsoldered. They are one of the stronger chains when the links are soldered. Each individual link is connected to the next and some cable chains are round and some are flattened. Diamond cut cable chains have facets cut into the links and are polished to enhance the light-reflecting properties. Cable chains won’t easily break, but if they do, they are easy to fix.

Cuban Link Chain
Cuban link chains are a variation of cable chains with oval-shaped interconnected links. The links are twisted, and they intersect in a rope pattern that has a cable-like design. Cuban link chains originated from Miami.

Curb Chain
Curb chains have uniform links that have been flattened and twisted to fit together to form the chain. The links come together at two grooves. There are many different types of curb chains. The most common curb chains are thick and heavy, so they are very durable. If it does break, it is not difficult to fix.

Both Curb and Cuban link chains are designed to interlock and sit flat. Curb chains have oval links with a slightly flattened face while the links on Cuban chains have rounder, thicker walls with tightly packed links to give them a heavier look.

Figaro Chain
The Figaro chain is a flattened link chain where the links are not all the same size. Usually, there are 2 or 3 shorter links separated by a long link. The shorter links are the same size as each other and have a uniformed design throughout the chain. Figaro chains were first created in Italy. They are solid and durable and this type of chain is easy to fix, if broken.

Herringbone Chain
The herringbone chain has a flat appearance with slanted, parallel chain links. The links are thin and the chain sits flat on the skin with limited flexibility. The chains are available in various styles. Herringbone chains derive their name from the herringbone fish with a similar bone structure and it has its origins in Ancient Egypt. The chain can easily bend and kink. They’re also harder to repair because the links are intricately linked.

Mariner Chain
The mariner chain consists of oval links with a bar running across the middle of each link. Traditionally, they have been flat, but now there is a new type known as the puffed mariner chain. The Mariner chain is also known as the Anchor chain because of the connection with the chains used for anchors. It is one of the stronger chains and just like the curb and cable chains, it is not difficult fix.

Rolo Chain
Rolo chains are a modification of the cable chain. They are also known as belcher chains. The symmetrical links that make up the chain connect in an alternating pattern. Each link in this chain is frequently rounded on the outside and flattened within. They are not difficult fix, if broken.

Rope Chain
The rope chain segments are connected tightly in twos or threes and have a twisting pattern so that it has the appearance of a rope. They also come in diamond cut chains. The twisted style gives a rope chain extra durability and the tighter the weave, the stronger it is. Rope chains are easy to fix, but it is more complicated than cable chains.

Loose rope, carded cable and double rope chains are other types of twisted chains.

Singapore Chain
A singapore chain is a combination of a rope and a curb chain. It alternates the flat loops of the rope and the curved links of a curbed chain. The links are interconnected and then twisted and flattened. Many are diamond cut to catch more light. The chain is sturdy, but is more prone to tangling than some other chains. It is not difficult to fix these.

Snake Chain
This snake chain got its name because it has a shape similar to a snake. The movement of the chain also resembles one. They consist of several tiny rings that are tightly connected to create an uninterrupted chain. Snake chains are more delicate because they are usually narrow and have limited flexibility. They can kink or break easily and fixing them isn’t easy due to the design.

Wheat or Spiga Chain
The wheat or spiga chain is made by plaiting usually four strands of twisted oval links together in a single direction. They look a little like rope chains, but are braided or woven. Wheat chains got their name because they resemble a stalk of wheat. They are flexible and may be either circular or flat. These chains usually hold up well, but repairing them is a little more difficult.

Considerations

Hollow link chains are not as strong as the solid link chains and they break more often. They are also more difficult to fix, but it can be done.

Diamond-cut chains have precision-cut facets cut into the links with diamond-tipped tools. The facets are then polished to enhance the light-reflecting properties of the link surfaces.

Most types of chains will slowly stretch and lengthen overtime as you wear them.

The strongest types of chains are those made of individual, interlocking, soldered links. Most precious metal chains have soldered links. The thickness will also determine the chains durability. Thicker chains have larger links, which are more resistant to damage. Rope, Cable, and Curb chains are highly recommended due to their strength.

Chain Lengths

Chains come in various lengths, but not all chains are available in all these lengths.

Choker Length – The shortest types of chains are called choker chains. They sit high on the neck and range from 13-15 inches in length.
Collar Length – Collar length chains are usually 16-17 inches long and sit at the base of the neck. Collar-length chains are good chains to use if you want to highlight a pendant.
Princess Length – Princess length chains are considered by many to be the standard chain length. They typically lay on the collarbone. These chains are usually around 17-19 inches and is good if you want to display a pendant.
Matinee Length – The typical length of a matinee chain is between 20 and 24 inches.
Opera Length – Opera length chains are between 28 and 37 inches and are called this because of the long necklaces popularly worn by female opera singers.
Rope Length – Rope length chains are chains that are longer than 37 inches. They usually fall just over or below waist level in most cases.