Things to Know About Various Types of Chains

ROPE, FIGARO or CURB?  Understanding Chain Types

There are many gold and silver chain styles available, each serving different purposes and offering different effects to the wearer.

For your interest, below is a list of the more popular chain styles:

A.  ANCHOR / MARINER or RAMBO

Similar to the Figaro chain, described below, except the Anchor chain alternates a single, small round link with a larger oval link.  These links resemble the chain attached to an anchor on a boat; hence, the name.

B.  BELCHER or ROLO

Comprising of oval interlocking links with alternate links turned 180 degrees.  This chain comes in a range of widths; smaller chains being more popular with females and larger, chunkier chains with males.

C.  BEAD or BALL

The ball chain has round beads fixed along a chain, either with some distance between each bead or, more popularly, strung close together with a small space in between.  Popular for use with pendants and, in particular, dog tag pendants.

D.  BOX

Box chains have square links rather than round links, giving the chain a ‘boxy’ appearance.  Thinner versions of box chains are popular for women’s jewellery and often paired up with pendants.  Thicker chains look great worn by men or by women as statement pieces.

E.  CURB

Curb chains are a very popular choice, particularly with men, as they are available with heavy, large links.  The curb is a simple and classic design of flat, interocking, identical links.  Historically, the links were large as they were made with very little machinery and; hence, were very time-consuming.  Nowadays; however, with the advent of modern machinery, smaller and more feminine curb chains are available. Smaller curb chains work well with pendants and diamond cut or twisted curb chains and tend to reflect the most light.

F.  FIGARO

The Figaro chain has flattened links which vary in size.  It usually has 2 or 3 shorter links alternating with a longer link.  Figaro is a style that originated in Italy and is popular with both men and women.

G.  ROPE

Rope chains are chains where small links are maniuplated to avoid calling attention to their appearance.  Instead, they are linked in a twisted pattern to resemble a genuine rope.  Rope chains come in both delicate versions where they are a popular choice for pendant necklaces and heavier versions where the chain itself is the main attraction.

H.  SNAKE

Rather than visibile links, snake chains are made up of rings which fit together closely, making a chain with an appearance of a flexible tube and the texture of snakeskin  Snake chains are usually narrow and delicate.  Again, a great choice for a pendant.

I.  SPIGA/WHEAT

Spiga or Wheat chains are normally created witih four strands of twisted oval links.  The links are braided and woven together to make a lovely looking chain that is quite eye-catching!

To learn more about these and other chains, visit your Professional Jeweller.