Types of Jewelry Chains

Since jewelry production has become a recent passion for many people around the world, the chains offered to improve our creativity are also enhanced in beauty and variety. And it is not always possible to identify these different chains as easily as you might expect.

Here is a short list of chains with names and descriptions that could enhance our knowledge and improve our jewelry making adventures.

Types and styles of jewelry chains

Anchor rings in this chain usually have a bisected loop (ie 2 holes per ring). These rings intertwine to form a very classic and popular chain. Its name derives from the history of the transport vessels, which had much larger but similar-looking chains that joined their anchors.

Basketweave - less common but certainly beautiful. The name comes from the fact that the chain has a construction that results in the appearance of woven basket braids.

Ball: Also known as string of beads, it is named because it has small round beads located along the entire chain. These small round beads can be side by side or separated by generally short spaces between them.

Box: Also known as Square Link Chain or Venetian Chain, is formed by square links that are usually very closely interconnected. It has a square cross section. And although you may think no, this type of chain produces a very fluid and light chain.

Byzantine - very popular in the mail chain technique. This chain has an air of old-fashioned romance about it. Its construction gives a very complex and exciting aspect. Very decorative and resistant.

Link - also less known as cable chain. This is the most common of the chains, built with interlaced rings in a single row. This is the chain that first comes to mind when people think of jewelry chains.

Curb: Very similar to the chain of links, except that the rings in the edge chain have areas with flat surfaces, giving an extra air of elegance.

Figaro: It is very similar to the Curb chain, except that instead of having rings of uniform size, it usually consists of two or three shorter rings that change with a longer ring in the middle. Like the Curb chain, the rings have flattened segments.

Infinity Link - less common but very beautiful. It has an "8" (or infinite symbol) along the chain. These "8" shaped rings are usually connected through a smaller round ring.

Rolo - also known as the Belcher chain has been around for a long time and is so popular today as it ever was. It is the most used chain to hang amulets and pendants.

Snake - or as it is more commonly known these days as the Pandora chain. It has had a renaissance in popularity due to the phenomenal success of Pandora's charm.
There is an infinitely more selection of chains than I have covered here. Knowing the names of the chains (although the names are not always universally adopted) will make it easier for you to find supplies for them when performing a search. And with jewelry you never get tired of trying new varieties to stimulate another phase of creative exploration!