Types of Chains

Chains are a staple in the jewelry industry. Both men and women add chains to complete their looks. Chains can be worn plain, or pendants and diamonds can be added to elevate the look. Though chains are needed to make a majority of necklaces, it can be difficult at times to choose the right materials, length and style. Ancient Egyptians were the first to practice the act of rolling metal into wire and connecting links together. The chain was made to represent an eternal love, with no beginning and end. Alongside the creation of chains, the Greeks were amongst some of the first to create beautiful pendants to wear on chains. Chains and pendants were the accessories of some of the most prestigious figures of the era. As time and technology advanced, so did the process of creating chains. The art of chain making is now automated, which speeds up the creation of this fine jewelry. Materials Chains are typically made of links of metal combined together to form a long piece of jewelry. Chains are most commonly made out of metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and titanium. These metals have a wide range of prices which allows almost anyone to find something within budget. Gold chains are usually the most expensive type of chain one can purchase and comes in a variety of colors including rose gold and white gold. Gold is soft and delicate which requires extra maintenance and care. Silver is a lot more affordable than gold chains, but still requires a good amount of maintenance. In order to keep your silver chains in quality condition, it is best to get them cleaned and polished on a regular basis. Titanium and platinum chains are known to be very durable as well as more affordable. These metals require a lot less maintenance and are easier to care for. While these chains cost less, they still offer a similar, shiny and sleek look. Length When choosing the length of a chain, most people consider appearance and comfortability. There is no right or wrong in this category. 14-16 inch chains are usually considered chokers and are typically the shortest chain you will find. 18-20 inch chains usually rest somewhere near the collarbone on a female. This length of chains are commonly worn with every-day wear and appear flattering around the neck. 22-36 inch chains are a bit longer and rest anywhere above or below the bust area. The longest chains range anywhere from 36 inches to 42 inches. These chains rest below the bust area and are usually worn in a more formal setting. Chains made specifically for men usually range between 18 and 24 inches. These chains lay right above and below the collarbone and usually pair well with any sweater or button up shirt. Style When it comes to the appearance of a chain, style is the most important factor. Some of the most popular types of chains include: the mariner chain, ball chain, curb chain, rope chain, and figaro chain. Some chains are thicker, and others have a slimmer and sleek look to them. While there are many different styles of chains, some work better than others to achieve a certain look. A rollo chain is commonly used for women's necklaces with pendants attached. The Byzantine chains and wheat chains are thicker chains that are a lot more durable. Some chains come with unique patterns that the metal is weaved into. Chains such as the San Marco chain and Singapore chain have patterns that make light reflect beautifully off the piece of jewelry. These pieces are extremely intricate and usually stand alone as statement pieces. Another fun way to accessorize is by layering chains. Mixing different lengths and styles can add dimension to your look. Chains are a fashion forward accessory that have been developed and enhanced over the centuries. With a wide selection of metals, lengths, and styles, there is sure to be a chain to fit anyone’s style.