The Different Types of Chains Used in Jewelry: A Comprehensive Guide

Necklace chain types serve as the foundation for many types of jewelry, including pendants, charms, and lariats. There are many different types of necklace chain styles, each with its own unique characteristics and design elements. In this article, we will explore the different types of necklace chain styles, including ball, bead, box, byzantine, cable, curb, figaro, figure 8, fox tail, herringbone, omega, rolo, rope, satellite, serpentine, snake, specialty chain, and stone and cup chain.

Key Takeaways

• Necklace chain types serve as the foundation for many types of jewelry, including pendants, charms, and lariats.
• There are many different types of necklace chain styles to choose from, including ball, bead, box, byzantine, cable, curb, figaro, figure 8, fox tail, herringbone, omega, rolo, rope, satellite, serpentine, snake, specialty chain, and stone and cup chain.
• Each type of necklace chain has its own unique characteristics and design elements, and can be made of various materials including metal, leather, or fabric.
• No matter what type of necklace chain you choose, it is an essential element in any jewelry collection and can add a touch of style and personalization to any outfit.
• It is important to consider the type of chain that best fits your personal style and the occasion for which you will be wearing it.

Ball Chain

Ball chain, also known as bead chain or ball chain necklace, is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, uniform spheres connected together by thin wire. The balls are typically made of metal, such as stainless steel or brass, and can range in size from 2mm to 8mm in diameter.

Ball chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and can be worn on its own or paired with a pendant or charm. It is known for its simple, classic design, and is often used in military and industrial applications due to its durability and resistance to tarnish.

Bead Chain

Bead chain, also known as seed bead chain or pearl chain, is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, uniform beads strung together in a continuous chain. The beads can be made of various materials, including glass, plastic, wood, or gemstones, and are often strung onto wire or thread.

Bead chain is a versatile and lightweight type of necklace chain that can be worn on its own or paired with pendants and charms. It is often used in bohemian or beachy styles, and can add a touch of color and texture to any outfit.

Box Chain

Box chain, also known as square link chain, is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, square-shaped links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 2mm to 8mm.

Box chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its sleek, modern design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Byzantine Chain

Byzantine chain, also known as bird's nest chain, is a type of necklace chain that features a complex, interwoven pattern of rings and links. It is named after the Byzantine Empire, where it is believed to have originated.

Byzantine chain is known for its intricate and ornate design, and is often used in high-end jewelry. It is typically made of gold or silver, and can be worn on its own or paired with pendants and charms.

Cable Chain

Cable chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, cylindrical links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 1mm to 4mm.

Cable chain is a classic and timeless type of necklace chain, and is often used in pendant necklaces. It is known for its simple, elegant design, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Curb Chain

Curb chain, also known as curb link chain, is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, flattened links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 1mm to 4mm.

Curb chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its distinctive, flat appearance. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Figaro Chain

Figaro chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of a repeating pattern of small, flat links interspersed with elongated links. It is named after the character Figaro in the opera "The Barber of Seville," and is believed to have originated in Italy.

Figaro chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its unique and stylish design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Figure 8 Chain

Figure 8 chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, oval-shaped links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 2mm to 6mm.

Figure 8 chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its sleek and modern design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Fox Tail Chain

Fox tail chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, elongated links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 2mm to 6mm.

Fox tail chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its unique and stylish design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Herringbone Chain

Herringbone chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, zig-zagged links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 1mm to 4mm.

Herringbone chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its distinctive, woven appearance. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Omega Chain

Omega chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, circular links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 2mm to 8mm.

Omega chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its simple, classic design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Rolo Chain

Rolo chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, cylindrical links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 2mm to 6mm.

Rolo chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its simple, classic design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Rope Chain

Rope chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, twisted links connected together to form a continuous chain. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 2mm to 8mm.

Rope chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its unique, textured appearance. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Satellite Chain

Satellite chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, circular links connected together to form a continuous chain, with additional small, spherical beads attached to each link. The links and beads are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 2mm to 6mm.

Satellite chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its unique and stylish design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Serpentine Chain

Serpentine chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, flattened links connected together to form a continuous chain, with a sinuous, serpent-like appearance. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 1mm to 4mm.

Serpentine chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its unique and stylish design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Snake Chain

Snake chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, flattened links connected together to form a continuous chain, with a sinuous, snake-like appearance. The links are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can range in size from 1mm to 4mm.

Snake chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its unique and stylish design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

Specialty Chain

Specialty chain refers to any type of necklace chain that has a unique or unusual design, and can be made of various materials including metal, leather, or fabric. Specialty chains can be handcrafted or machine-made, and can be found in a wide range of styles and sizes.

Specialty chain is a great choice for those looking to add a touch of personality and creativity to their jewelry collection. It can be worn on its own or paired with pendants and charms, and can be used to create a wide range of looks, from bold and statement-making to delicate and understated.

Stone and Cup Chain

Stone and cup chain is a type of necklace chain that consists of small, circular cups connected together to form a continuous chain. The cups are typically made of metal, such as gold, silver, or stainless steel, and can be filled with gemstones, pearls, or other decorative elements.

Stone and cup chain is a popular choice for both men's and women's jewelry, and is known for its unique and stylish design. It is often used in pendant necklaces, and can be worn on its own or paired with charms and other accessories.

In conclusion, there are many different types of necklace chain styles to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and design elements. Whether you prefer a classic and timeless chain, such as cable or omega, or a more unique and fashionable style, such as byzantine or specialty chain, there is a necklace chain type to suit every taste and preference. No matter what type of necklace chain you choose, it is an essential element in any jewelry collection, and can add a touch of style and personalization to any outfit.