Chains are possibly the most popular jewelry accessory nowadays. They are quite popular and an important part of any jewelry collection. Jewelers have created a number of options for chain lovers since chains are very easy to shape and decorate, but what does that imply?
We occasionally struggle to decide what kind of chains to use as a result. Relax! This article, without being encyclopedic, provides all the knowledge you require about the various chain types for necklaces & bracelets so you can choose the one that best matches your preferences and resonates with your style.
Tennis Chain
A tennis necklace is a particular style of necklace with complete and uninterrupted strand of diamonds, giving the entire neckline an attractive and timeless appearance. Tennis necklaces are available with different diamond sizes, grades and gemstone inlays. Tennis necklaces are most frequently made of sterling silver or white gold, although they can also be made of yellow gold or rose gold. Tennis necklaces typically come in lengths of 16″ or 18″, which are worn shorter and closer to the neck.
Pros
- Eye-catching sparkle, works well as a statement piece
- Ideal for high-end or special occasion jewelry
Cons
- Fragile compared to solid chains
- Higher cost due to gemstone setting
Source: Pinterest
Snake Chain
A snake chain is made up of round, twirly metal rings that are connected to form a flexible tube with a smooth, scaly surface that resembles snake skin.
Snake chains, also called Brazilian chains, are usually worn alone or with single, small pendants. Unlike traditional chains, which are made up of a series of connected rings, snake chains are made up of tiny, curved plates that are closely woven together. What you’ll get is one continuous chain with no obvious breaks. As a result, the surface is extremely flexible and smooth, making it quite comfortable for wearing as a single chain around the neck. The name “snake chain” refers to the scaly surface of the chain.
Pros:
- Durable and resistant to kinking, comfortable to wear
- Modern and stylish with a unique texture
Cons:
- Can be prone to catching on clothing or hair
- Limited flexibility compared to other chains
Source: Pinterest
Figaro Chain
Originating in Italy, the Figaro chain features a pattern of two or three small circular links followed by one elongated oval link. Popular among men, these chain link types are often paired with pendants like crucifixes or medallions, making them versatile for both casual and formal styles.
Pros
- Stylish and distinctive
- Stronger than many decorative chains
Cons
- Pattern limits its pairing with certain pendants
- Can twist during wear, affecting appearance.
Source: Pinterest
Wheat/Spiga Chain
The strength and rigidity of wheat chains are provided by a network of long, thin, teardrop-shaped links that all point in the same direction.
From a distance, a wheat chain resembles a rope chain. The links are entwined together to form a splendidly attractive necklace. The rigidity of wheat chains also makes them very durable.
Pros
- Elegant, durable, and flexible
- Holds shape well
- Ideal for both pendants and standalone wear
Cons
- Complex design can make cleaning harder
- Prone to snagging on fabrics
Source: Pinterest
Box Chain/Venetian chain
Box chains, as the name implies, are chains made up of little box-like links. These chains acquire their name from their distinctive links, which are different from the standard rounded links seen in other chains. They are manufactured from spherical wires that have been flattened and fashioned into a sequence of square-shaped links. Pendants look fantastic on box chains, but make sure the bail is large enough to accommodate the chain.
Pros
- Strong and doesn’t easily break
- Modern design, suitable for both men’s and women’s jewelry
Cons
- Less flexible than other chains
- Can feel stiff compared to more flexible chains
Source: Pinterest
Rolo Chain/belcher chain
Rolo chains, also known as belcher chains, are a popular redesign of cable-link chains. They are made up of round or oval links on the outside but flat on the inside. They are smaller and thicker than standard cable chains, giving them a more robust appearance. They are commonly worn as a bracelet but can also be worn as a necklace.
Pros
- Balanced and sturdy look
- Popular in charm bracelets
Cons
- Basic design may feel less unique.
- Links may twist, affecting the chain’s look.
Source: Pinterest
Curb Chain
A curb chain is a chain that has had its links twisted, creating a tight, interlocking connection. Its name derives from the fact that this particular type of chain was first used to curb or rein in a horse by securing it under the jaw.
Both men and women enjoy wearing these chains, which are highly flexible and come in a variety of thicknesses. Curb chains have been around for decades and come in a number of styles, such as the rounded curb, flat curb, closed curb, and open curb.
Pros
- Very durable and strong
- Lays flat and comfortable on skin
Cons
- Common design—less unique
- Links can twist if not properly maintained.
Source: Pinterest
Bead Chain/ball chain
These are chains with balls linked together by connector bars. These balls may be either solid or hollow to reduce weight. Ball chains are reasonably flexible and go well with pendants. These necklace chains types are often used for dog tags, keychains, or lightweight pendants.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to wear.
- Popular for dog tags and keychains
Cons:
- Fragile—beads can detach.
- Not suited for heavy pendants
Source: Pinterest
Cuban Chain
The Cuban chain is a modern evolution of the curb chain with thicker, rounder, and more tightly packed links. Known for its bold presence, it’s a staple in urban and hip-hop jewelry styles. The Cuban chain is one of the most trending types of gold chains and silver chains.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty and extremely durable
- Strong enough to stand alone without a pendant
Cons:
- Can be too chunky for subtle or feminine styles
- May be expensive due to weight and width
Source: Pinterest
Rope Chain
The rope chain is made by twisting metal segments to mimic the look of a genuine rope. lt has a shiny, textured look and is durable and strong. These chains vary by the thickness and tightness of the braid or weave.
Pros:
- Extremely strong and reliable
- Great for both pendants and standalone wear
Cons:
- Difficult to repair if broken
- Heavier versions may feel weighty
Source: Pinterest
Paperclip Chain
Paperclip-style chain, also known as elongated box or elongated cable, has round or oval links that are stretched to make the appearance longer and narrower. It’s a trending style in fashion jewelry and is especially popular for layering necklaces due to its open, airy look.
Pros:
- Great for layering or wearing alone
- Minimalist, lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Less robust than tightly linked chains
- May tangle or snag easily
Source: Pinterest
Cable Chain
Cable chain is created from perpendicular round or oval links that are exactly the same and connected together. The links of the chain can be fattened so that the chain is fat. Its simplicity makes it the backbone of many jewelry designs.
Pros:
- Timeless and versatile
- Durable and low-maintenance
Cons:
- Plain design lacks uniqueness
- Prone to tangling
Factors affecting chain strength
Clasp type
The clasp plays a crucial role in the overall strength and security of a chain, thus it’s crucial to learn different types of jewelry clasps. A weak or poorly constructed clasp can be the first point of failure, regardless of how strong the rest of the chain is. Lobster clasps and spring rings clasps are generally considered more secure, durable and widely-used. A sturdy clasp ensures the chain stays fastened during daily wear and minimizes the risk of accidental loss.
Link
The type of link in a chain determines the extent of its flexibility, and solid objects are more likely to break if they have little or no flexibility. Thus, links that do not allow the chain to move freely or flexibly reduce the chain’s strength and durability. Similarly, chains with permissive links are less likely to snap or kink.
Examples of chains with links with little flexibility are snake and herringbone chains. While examples of chains with flexible links include anchor, curb, cable, and Figaro chains.
Metal type
The type of metal used in the chain’s construction greatly influences its strength. Stronger metals, such as stainless steel, platinum, sterling silver, and solid gold, provide strength and endurance to a chain, but less strong metals, plated metals, and hollow metals do not.
Metal thickness
The strength and resilience of a chain are also significantly influenced by its thickness. Larger links included in thicker chains make them more durable.
Now that we’ve examined some of the factors influencing chain strength, let’s take a look at some of the strongest and weakest chains available, taking into account the aforementioned factors.
Types of Strongest Chains
- Cuban Chains
- Wheat/Spiga chains
- Curb chains
- Cable chain
- Figaro chain
- Rope chain
- Box chains
Note: This list does not rank chains in any particular order of strength and may exclude less common types of strong chains.
Types of Weak Chains
- Snake chains
- Herringbone chains
- Bead/ball chains
- Omega chains
Best Chain Types for Pendants
When choosing a chain for a pendant, the goal is to complement the pendant without overpowering it — while ensuring the chain is strong enough to support the added weight. Here are some best chain types for pendants:
- Cable Chain
- Box Chain
- Wheat Chain
- Rolo Chain
- Rope Chain
These types of necklace chains are sturdy, flexible, and complement various pendant sizes.
The Most Comfortable Chain to Wear
Chain jewelry, while attractive, can be unpleasant at times. Hair twisting or tugging is a common issue or factor that causes discomfort when wearing chains. Chains with pincer-like links capture hair and skin more frequently than other chains. The clasp, jump rings, and cap are other places where hair or skin can get caught.
Necklace types that are likely to pull your hair
- Herringbone chains
- Snake chains
- Omega chain
You may have noticed that the three chain designs are similar in that they have multiple tiny links running the length of the chain. Though attractive, the numerous tiny links increase the possibility of the fine hair or the skin at the base of the neck becoming caught and pulled; therefore, you may want to avoid or limit your use of these types of chains if you are worried about hair pulling.
Necklace types that are less likely to pull your hair
- Box chains
- Bead chains
- Curb chains
- Mariner/anchor chains
- Cable chains
- Figaro chains, etc
The vast majority of chains are quite friendly and comfortable to wear without pulling your hair. Most chains have links large enough for your hair to enter and exit without being painfully pulled at.
Most-Recommended Chain For Bracelets
Chain bracelets are a nice way to keep up the chain style you have on your neck. When choosing a chain for bracelets, the ideal type should be:
- Durable enough for wrist movement
- Flexible for comfort
- Stylish yet practical for daily wear
What is the most popular chain style? Here are some most recommended chain bracelet styles:
- Curb Chain – Flat, interlocking links make it strong and comfortable — a timeless choice for everyday bracelets.
- Figaro Chain – Features an elegant pattern of one long link followed by two or three short ones — stylish, yet sturdy.
- Cable Chain – A classic go-to with simple oval links — versatile, durable, and perfect for adding charms.
- Rope Chain – Twisted links give it a bold, textured look — great for chunkier or statement bracelet styles.
- Cuban Chain – Tightly packed, thick links offer excellent durability and a bold, fashionable presence on the wrist.
- Box Chain – Square links form a smooth, clean design — sleek, modern, and less prone to tangling.
Chain Selection Tips for Jewelry Brands
Curating the right chain selection enhances your brand identity, product appeal, and customer satisfaction. Here’s how to choose wisely:
Balance Durability and Aesthetics
Offer types of gold chains for luxury, types of silver chains with anti-tarnish coatings (tarnish free coating like rhodium plating and e-coating), or stainless steel chains for budget-friendly durability.
Machine-Made vs. Handmade Chains
Machine-made chains are budget-friendly with fast production, but less durable and more prone to breaking. Handmade chains, however, created through mold-making, offer exceptional durability and craftsmanship but may take a longer production time.
Define the Purpose
Match chains to the jewelry’s intent. Delicate chains (e.g., Snake or Paperclip) work for layering or dainty pendants, while sturdier styles like Wheat or Cuban Link suit bold statement pieces.
Offer Variety in Lengths and Widths
Include multiple lengths (16″, 18″, 20″, 22″+) and chain thicknesses to suit layering trends and individual styles. Add a necklace size guide to your website to help customers visualize fit and reduce returns.
Conclusion
Because of their timeless elegance, chains, whether as necklaces or bracelets, are key parts of jewelry today. Whether you’re choosing necklace chains types for pendants or bracelet chain types for daily wear, understanding their pros, cons, and strengths ensures you pick the perfect piece. Use this guide or contact an expert custom jewelry manufacturer to navigate the world of jewelry chains and elevate your collection with confidence.
