Chain, Chain, Chain...
Jewelry can enhance any outfit. It is the finishing touch to what might otherwise be an "okay" outfit. When it comes to jewelry, every detail matters! The look of a diamond band will change between graduated diamonds and diamonds that are the same size. Or setting a pair of diamonds in a four-prong stud setting versus a martini setting. The same applies for chains, many of which can be used with pendants. There are a lot of different styles you can choose from. It can become a bit overwhelming when you are presented with so many options in the showroom. As you know, we love to take care of our H&A customers, so we came up with this ultimate chain guide to help familiarize you with different options before you go shopping!
The anchor chain style is very popular due to its strength, durability, and versatility. The chain looks beautiful with small links, but larger links make for a stunning statement piece as well.
An anchor chain is similar to a curb chain, but each link is reinforced with a vertical bar running through it.
Byzantine chains contain several links that are woven together, and the links are arranged at different angles for texture and style.
These chains come in both rounded and flat forms.
Beaded chains are made up of round and slender tubular links, and are usually small enough to fit through a pendant bail.
The links in a box chain are formed to look like boxes woven together to form a necklace. The final look is of several tiny boxes strung together.
Box chains look lovely on their own, or with a pendant.
Cable chains are the most popular of the chain styles. They come in different link sizes, can be round or oval, with identical links throughout.
Cable chains are the standard chain that many shops sell with their pendants, and their simplicity ensures your pendant is the star of the show.
Curb chains are very similar in style to cable chains but the links are slightly twisted to produce a varied look. Curb chains are designed to lie flat when worn and come in a variety of sizes.
Due to their simplicity, smaller curb chains are also an excellent partner for any pendant and make sure that whatever the size, your pendant is what stands out.
The curb chain is also a popular style worn by men. Typically, the chain will be much thicker and heavier as it will be worn alone.
The Figaro chain has its roots firmly from Italy, though it has now become an international star. Figaro chains are similar to curb chains, in that the links are also twisted to lay flat.
The links in a Figaro chain vary in width and a pattern of up to 5 links will repeat to form a beautiful necklace.
Figaro chains are a graceful design so work well when worn on their own. A thin Figaro chain will beautifully accentuate the elegance of any pendant and work very well when you're dressing up for a special event.
A Figaro chain is also make a great gift for the men in our lives.
French rope necklaces are made of flattened links that twist together to form a spiraling chain.
A larger-linked necklace looks beautiful at rope or lariat length. To add pendants to this style of chain, use a shorter length and larger sized pendants, as a French rope chain is eye-catching in its own right.
The herringbone necklace chain is made of curb chain links that have been swaged to alter their shape (yes, "swaged" is a real word!). The links lie together in different directions to form the herringbone pattern we know and love.
There are many variations within herringbone necklace styles, and the 'scales' can be laid in alternating colors to form a two- or three-tone chain.
The flat nature of the herringbone necklace allows light to bounce off the surface, to create a dazzling mirror-effect.
Omega chains incorporate wide, flattened links that are tightly affixed together. They form a long, shiny chain and are designed to lie flat when worn.
A popcorn necklace is made up of several hollow links, often rounded in shape, and twisted to form a rope-like chain.
Popcorn chains are lightweight, strong and come in different lengths and line widths. They can be worn with a pendant attached, but also look great by themselves - perfect to add a little style to your office outfit.
The serpentine chain is formed from S-shaped links that have been flattened and attached together at the tip of each link. Together, the links form a flexible chain that can be worn as a shorter princess length, or even as a rope or lariat.
While it is possible to add pendants to thinner serpentine chains, most people will wear the chain on its own, as the piece is very interesting in its own right.
The Singapore chain is made in a similar way to curb chains, except that the links are twisted and flattened to make up a simple yet intricate design.
Singapore chains are flexible, durable and versatile.
Usually formed from 4 strands of twisted oval links, wheat chains resemble a ripe stalk of wheat and are similar to rope chain in weight and thickness.
Smaller links make for a wheat chain that is ideal for pendants. Larger or thicker links make a rope necklace that drapes beautifully and can be worn at various lengths.
A long wheat chain can be worn at rope or lariat length and looks stunning when wrapped several times to form a multi-chain pattern.
Once you have an idea of what types of styles of chain you might be interested in, it is time to consider what length you want the chain to be. The most common necklace lengths can be classified as follows:
The style of jewelry you wear says a lot about who you are and what type of person you are. Picking out the right style of chain will enhance your outfit and show us a splash of your personality. Whether you like to wear traditional, modern or contemporary style jewelry, our guide can help you narrow down options and help you choose with confidence! Make sure to come check out our showroom for new pendants and make sure to ask if we have whatever style of chain you like in stock--and if not we can order one for you! Our vendors keep most chains in stock so that they can be delivered within just a few days!
