Are you in a chain rut? A different type of chain in your jewelry designs or a combination of multiple styles of chains in one piece will easily update your work. You can create many lengths and styles of necklace, bracelet or anklet with unfinished chain. Read on to discover our top 10 best-selling chain styles, along with design ideas to inspire your creativity.
The popular paperclip chain style features elongated oval links that resemble its namesake office supply. The links can be smooth or textured, wide or narrow, but all are fairly open and airy—ideal for easily adding drops or charms.
Cable chain consists of a series of symmetrical round or oval links, uniform in width and thickness. The links can be flat, rounded, smooth or textured. As one of the most versatile and popular chain choices, this is a great option for pendant necklaces and dangling earring tassels.
Box chain is also known as Venetian chain. Small cubes are linked directly together to create a strong chain that has a smooth appearance. This chain is perfect for larger pendants.
Singapore chain has links that are connected to form an elongated diamond-shaped structure. Each section is then twisted and flattened. It is sometimes referred to as a twisted curb chain. This timeless chain pattern makes beautiful pendant necklaces.
Curb chain is a cable chain that has been twisted so that the links lie flat. This chain is well-loved for how it drapes against the body in necklace and bracelet designs.
Rolo chain features round or oval links created from flat or half-round wire. Some of the larger sizes of this chain adds a slight hand-forged look, perfect for historical-inspired designs. Large rolo chain also has an almost rugged appearance that works well for men's and unisex styles. Rolo chain is a great choice for bracelets and anklets or incorporated into wirework.
This smooth, cylindrical chain is made of lightly curved plates tightly woven with thin links. Snake chain is known for its strength and durability. This chain can stand alone but also looks great with the addition of a slide pendant, making it a good option for necklaces. Lengths of thin, fine snake chain can be used as earring dangles or interspersed in a beaded design when combined with cord ends or crimp ends with loops.
Rope chain has links that are connected to two other links in each row, forming a twisted rope-like pattern . Rope chains can be found in various sub-styles, such as double rope and French rope. All of these decorative chains are often worn in larger sizes to show off the design, although the finer sizes add a touch of elegance however they're worn .
Ball chain is made of small, hollow metal balls connected by short lengths of wire. Ball chains make great necklace designs and nicely lend themselves to small pendants, charms and military-style dog tags. For a dramatic, textured effect, use several strands of ball chain in necklace or bracelet designs, or as a fun option for tassels.
This is a cable chain with links that differ in size. It typically has three to five shorter links connecting individual longer links for a distinctive pattern. Some styles are diamond-cut for a flatter chain and a little extra glint. Figaro chain has a unique look and is often used in men's jewelry.
Want even more chain inspiration? To find additional chain styles for all your jewelry-making needs, simply shop by style, material and finish here. Use our jewelry chain styles guide to untangle any confusion over chain and learn the common names for 34 different types of chain. And view this free resource on standard necklace, bracelets and anklet lengths to help ensure you cut the right chain length for your designs.
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