Golden necklaces. Do you recognize these 10 most popular pendant and necklace designs?
What is a link chain or curb chain? Most of us can immediately recognize a few of the most well-known chain types, but there are dozens of different models available on the market. When all variations are counted, we are talking about hundreds.
The history of the most famous chain models goes back hundreds of years. Practice has shown their effectiveness even today. Of course, new chains are entering the market, but almost always they are variations of well-known models.
Here is a small information package about the 10 most well-known chain models.
10 most popular chain models
Classic and well-known
1. Link and anchor chain
The link chain has uniform, either oval or round links, each with one connection on both sides.
The links form a cohesive and uniform pattern, where each link is at a 90-degree angle to its neighbor. The link chain is perhaps the most well-known classic type of chain.
There are numerous variations of the link chain, including anchor chains and paperclip chains, which feature elongated links.
Style: Delicate, subtle, minimalist, and classic.
It beautifully bends light thanks to the 90-degree link angle. It is suitable for use with most small to medium-sized pendants.
Popular general chain
2. Curb chain
The curb chain is a popular chain model among both women and men.
The chain features regular, bent square or rectangular links that "lock" into each other, forming a fairly tight and strong bond. The whole resembles "armor."
There are several different variations of the curb chain, including "flattened," rounded, elongated, and diamond-cut.
Style: Masculine, sturdy, and classic
Thinner widths under 2 mm are popular as women's pendant chains, while 3-8 mm are used as men's necklaces without pendants.
Style guide
3. Box chain (Venetian chain)
The Box chain is appreciated for its geometric simplicity. Round wire is rolled flat and then folded into square links that form open "boxes" or cubes. This gives a sturdy yet smooth, stylish, and uniform appearance.
The Box chain reflects light particularly well. Also known as the Venetian chain.
Style: feminine, subtle, elegant
Usage: Small to medium-sized pendants. Thicker versions can also be worn as a simple necklace.
Simplified and versatile
4. Roloketju (Papuketju ja Belcher)
The Rolo chain is actually a special variation of the familiar link chain. It became known in England in the 19th century and is named after Jim Belcher.
Rolo is made from D-shaped wire, which is shaped into individual round or oval links. Each link is closed and soldered.
The popularity of the Rolo chain lies in its versatility - it fits almost any use. The Rolo chain is also referred to as a curb chain and a Belcher chain.
Style: Classic, minimalist, strong
Usage: Suitable for many applications as a pendant chain, necklace, and bracelet chain.
Luxurious and feminine
5. Cordell chain (Rope and Prince of Wales)
The Cordell chain consists of uniform links that are connected to two other links at a time. The connection can be tight or looser, which significantly changes the appearance of the chain.
The special connection of the links gives the chain a natural twist. The twist reflects light particularly well, making the Cordell chain one of the brightest types of chains.
Style: luxurious, timeless, sophisticated
Usage: Thinner chains as pendant chains, thicker ones as necklaces. Loosely linked models, e.g., Prince of Wales, are best as necklaces.
Queen of Chains
6. Spiga chain (Wheat chain)
The name Spiga comes from the Spanish word espiga, which means wheat. Spiga is made from small parts containing eight links, giving it an almost square, braided profile.
Spiga is a strong and intricate chain, which is also reflected in its price. The advantage of the chain is that it stays in place and does not twist into a spiral.
Spiga is one of the most beautiful types of chains - if not the most beautiful.
Style: Luxurious, elegant, charming
Usage: While thinner chains can also be used with a pendant, Spiga shines best as a necklace due to its natural beauty and attractiveness.
Clear and modern
7. Snake chain (snake chain)
The Snake consists of smooth, round metal plates or strips, with a small curve in the center. They are tightly connected to form a flexible chain that resembles a snake's skin due to a slight zigzag effect.
The Snake chain has a practically closed surface profile, giving the chain a flexible, wavy, and modern appearance.
There are several different variations of the Snake chain, including oval-shaped ones.
Style: Clear, modern, comfortable
Usage: Provides support and structure as a pendant chain, making the overall look appear larger than life. Thicker chains are festive.
Classic men's necklace
8. Figaro chain
The Figaro chain resembles a bit of a curb chain, but generally, after one, two, or three smaller links, there follows one longer link. The Figaro chain usually has a slightly lower height profile than the curb chain.
The Figaro chain became famous in the late 19th century through the opera The Marriage of Figaro, where the main character wore such a chain. With the opera, its popularity spread across Europe.
Style: masculine, open, sturdy
Usage: Figaro is usually made only in medium-width or wider chains. Therefore, it is typically used as a necklace or bracelet. Most users are men - although a newer trend is that Figaro is also seen as an accessory for women.
Attention-grabber
9. Ball chain
The ball chains have a simple yet very attractive structure.
Solid or hollow balls are connected to each other by thin rods or chains. The balls can be attached to each other or spaced apart. The variations of the ball chain can be cylindrical, ring-shaped, etc.
A tight ball chain is quite stiff, while a loose chain is very flexible.
Style: Practical, clear, eye-catching
Usage: As traditional versions, they serve as affordable pendants (low-end), especially in long forms. Military insignia. Newer chain models, where the balls are connected in between the chain, are trendy necklaces.
King of Chains
10. Byzantine chain (king chain)
The Byzantine chain is known as one of the most beautiful chains. The decorative pattern is formed by intricate links, where each horizontal link pair connects to a vertical link pair.
The name likely has an association with the ancient Byzantine Empire and is also known as the king chain. There are various variations of the chain.
Byzantine chains are usually quite massive and often handmade. However, the chain is surprisingly soft and flexible, making it easy to wear.
Style: Decorative, massive, striking
Usage: This type of chain is particularly popular among men and is used almost exclusively as a necklace without a pendant. Bracelets are also popular.