The most fashionable chain types – part 1
March 8, 2022
Ring blanks – design stylish jewellery for hands – part 1
March 16, 2022
Update 12.04.2023
Welcome to the second part of our journey through the virtual world of the most fashionable jewellery making chains – timeless findings for jewelry that will probably always be in vogue. In the first part (The most fashionable chain types – part 1) we presented the top choice of decorative chains with unusual names, such as: royal chain, cable chain (anchor), singapore, figaro, curb chain, fox tail, and cordell chain. Now it’s time for another intricate and beautiful chain styles. During the journey, you will also discover the extensive facilities of the 925CRAFT jewellery making supplies shop.
We believe that this trip will also result in successful shopping and beneficial cooperation!
Styles of jewellery making chains
From the first part of the article The most fashionable chain types – part 1 you will learn what to keep in mind when choosing the chain link styles. All the presented silver and gold chains can be found on the website of our shop in different variants and thicknesses as finished ready made chain necklace with clasp and chains sold by the meter.
Cardano chain
The cardano chain was inspired by a patent by an Italian scientist from the 16th century: a mathematician, physician, astrologer, and inventor Girolamo Cardano. He designed the universal joint (shaft), which later became the basis for the construction of the clutch. The chain isn’t made of traditional links, but rather from longitudinal modules connected with each other by Cardan joints. It’s not flat, but spacious and may have a round, polygonal, square or oval profile – it looks a bit like a rope chain. This weave has a sophisticated look and usually comes in delicate women’s versions, but you can also find a range suitable for men. The cardano chain bends easily, however it doesn’t break or tangle. It is often used as a base for a pendant, but it also looks attractive in the solo version.
On our website, you will find this chain in the form of:
- chains by the meter with round or octagonal cross-sections,
- bulk chain necklaces for pendants,
- plain bracelet chain,
- silver chain earrings.
Venetian box chains
The venetian chain is typically a feminine pattern. Its name indicates how it is built – it consists of closely fitting square links, being associated with boxes. The weave is spatial and has a square cross-section. The surfaces of the links reflect light well, so that it shines beautifully, especially in twisted variant. The box link chain is usually produced in thin versions. Additionally, the way the links are connected makes it a subtle chain for pendant, so it is recommended to choose no too heavy pendant for this type of chain, because its delicate weave is prone to breaking. Due to its structure, it cannot be used as a necklace extender, but it is well suited for the production of silver tassels. The decorative qualities of densely arranged interlocking links are the reason for its great popularity and belonging to one of the most impressive weaves.
Our offer includes silver box chain in the form of:
- reel of chain – square cross-section in two thickness sizes;
- box necklace chain:
- diamond cut chain in many lengths and in two sizes: 0.95 mm and 0.80 mm,
- twisted diamond cut version, 0.90 mm thick – beautifully shiny;
- necklace bases for connector charms,
- box chain bracelet,
- long chain earrings – two chains of different lengths connected together.
Rolo chains (belcher chains)
The rolo chain, in their classic form, looks like rings – flat on the inside and convex on the outside. They are connected at right angles – similar to cable (anchor) chains. Apart from the patterns made of perfectly round links, there are also made of wire with a round cross-section, so the chain looks like it is composed of jump rings. In our offer you will also find oval shaped links (oval belcher chain), and more fancy – with flattened links. Due to the fact that the rolo chain is produced in many sizes of links – it is ideal as findings for charms in both necklaces and bracelets (also ankle bracelets). Thicker silver belcher chain is a great proposition for designing men’s jewellery. The shape and size of the links make them perfect to create chain extensions. Silver belcher is very popular among jewelry makers and craftsmen, which is why we offer a wide range of jewelry findings based on them, which will allow you to compose fashionable accessories for women and men according to personal preference. These are:
- jewelry chains by the meter, with the outer diameter of the link in the range: 1.8 – 9 mm,
- belcher bracelet,
- rolo chain necklace with clasp for pendant,
- chains for pendants with circle for threading or two-piece bases for connector charms,
- chain extender with hallmark tag.
Ball chains (bead chains)
The ball chain has a very simple but attractive structure – it consists of tiny beads connected with each other with very short, equal lengths of wire. The range of sterling silver bead chain has many variations – instead of balls, there can be cylinders, ovals, and other figures or balls interlaced alternately with other shapes. The ball bead chain is not as soft as chains with classic chain links, but it is easy to untangle. It might seem that it is rather worn by women, but it was nevertheless adapted to the needs of military jewellery traditions, so it is treated as unisex style. On this type of chain, soldiers wear dog tags – badges with their identification data. Today, this style of jewellery has become very popular necklace trends. Various shapes of pendants for engraving hung on a silver ball chain necklace, are a typical example of personalized jewellery (for more ideas for accessories with a personal meaning, see the article Personalized jewellery with individual engraving).
In the virtual showcases of our online wholesale jewellery shop, you will find sterling silver ball chain in a classic form and diamond cut (polished for decorative purposes and for better reflection of light) as:
- ball chain link by the meter,
- ball chain necklace for pendants – findings with clasp of different length and thickness,
- sterling silver ball chain connector,
- ball bracelet of different lengths,
- braided ball chain bracelet,
- ear chain for long earrings or extensions.
Rombo chain
The rombo chain takes its name from the form of links, which are shaped like a rhombus. In our offer you will find a range of it in different thicknesses as:
- single weave made of round wire and wire cut on opposite sides,
- double diamond cut patterns in several versions.
It looks very attractive in both variants. Thinner models, both single and double, can be used as a base for a pendant in men’s and women’s necklaces. Double rombo and diamond cut rombo chain, are most often found in the version with large sizes of links (in our offer, for example, 5.75 mm or 5.9 mm) – such dimensions of links make them very popular in solo necklaces and bracelets. Polishing the edges of the links results in a beautiful gloss. Such a large link chain necklace doesn’t require any additional decorations. A single rombo can be successfully used as an extension.
In our offer, you will find a rombo chain in the form of:
- chains by the meter,
- rombo chain link necklace with clasp in many lengths,
- chain links bracelet in various sizes,
- extensions with or without end tags.
Snake chain
The snake chain, as the name suggests, resembles the skin of a snake. Sometimes it is also called brazilian chain and is similar to real snake chain (CST). This range of chains consists of segments rather than typical links that are tightly connected to each other, which gives a beautiful shine, but also makes it a less flexible type of chain. For this reason it is more prone to crease (slight deformations), at the same time, attempts to smooth it (straighten the sequence of segments) may fail – it won’t return to its original form perfectly. Therefore, it should be handled carefully. Nevertheless, this small disadvantage is compensated by its attractive appearance and versatility as findings for necklaces and bracelets. The weave fits nicely on the neckline, which is why it is eagerly worn by ladies. It is usually produced in thin variants, and these are exactly the ones available on our website: round, octagonal, square or oval-flattened. All of them also look great solo.
We offer that chain type as:
- silver snake chain by the meter,
- snake chain necklace with clasp for pendants in many lengths and thicknesses,
- thin silver snake necklace for connector charms,
- snake chain bracelet in various sizes and length,
- short chains,
- silver braided chains – in the form of finished necklaces with clasp,
- flat snake chain also called herringbone chain,
- gold snake chain 14K / AU 585.
Real snake chains
The structure of a real snake chain is very similar to snake weave, so we would like to make you aware that both have different technical symbols. The real snake chain is marked CST and CSTD, and the snake: SN. The presented chain consists of closely matched modules, and unlike the snake, it is more flexible, which makes it less prone to breakage. It belongs to one of the sturdy weaves – it isn’t easy to break. The most famous examples of its use are bracelets with beads and charms.
In the offer of the 925CRAFT jewelry findings wholesaler in the category of sterling silver chains, you will find this weave in many thicknesses and lengths, also in the diamond cut version (CSTD) in the form of:
- wholesale chains by the meter (diamond cut),
- necklace chains for jewelry making, including models with extension,
- wholesale sterling silver chains for making bracelets with beads and charms.
Coreana chains (popcorn chains)
The popcorn chain is a very attractive type of chain made of metal sheet, not wire, so it is hollow inside and light. It consists of elements made of polygonal plates overlapping each other and comes in a classic or diamond cut variant. In the classic version, the plates of the segments are smooth and flat, and the cut ones have more sides, thanks to which the chain shines attractively. The coreana chain is available in our online jewelry supply store in several varieties: bombata, flattened and diamond cut. Bombata chain (popcorn chain) differs from the classic coreana in that the sides are convex, which gives the weave an interesting texture that looks even more attractive in a platinum or rhodium-plated version. In our offer, you will find it as a diamond cut popcorn chain. Bombata resembles popcorn, hence its other name. The coreana chain is so decorative that it can be worn solo. This pattern is also perfect for the production of braids, which look beautiful in the form of bracelets and necklaces. Braids made of coreana are less stiff than those made of snake style.
Our jewellery chain types offer include coreana as:
- plain silver chain by the meter in various thicknesses,
- wholesale necklaces in diamond cut, flattened, bombata, and braided versions – in different thicknesses and lengths,
- finished bracelets (including braided bracelets),
- plain necklace chain for pendant connector charms,
- ankle bracelets.
Indicative division of male and female chain types
The table shows the division of styles of chains according to their popularity among ladies and gentlemen. It is a convenience for people who aren’t oriented or sure which pattern is best to create, for example a gift jewellery. It is important to bear in mind that the division is only indicative, as trends change, and so do our perception.
| Types of chains for women: | Types of chains for men: |
|
|
The chain type isn’t the only feature that is taken into account before buying. It is also worth considering the quality of the metal and the galvanic plating options. 925CRAFT isn’t only jewellery findings wholesaler, but also a manufacturer, so you will find here jewelry and findings made of the highest quality precious metals such as nickel-free 925 sterling silver, 14-carat gold 585 and 8-carat gold 333. Thanks to experienced employees and advanced galvanic services, we can offer you several types of coatings in different colors for all silver chain types or other jewelry supplies:
- 14K – light yellow gold plated,
- 24K – gold plated,
- 14K – rose gold plated,
- white rhodium plated,
- platinum plated.
Plating provides not only an aesthetic value, but also protects silver against darkening – the reaction that occurs during the contact of silver with sulfur compounds present in air and sweat. Thanks to the galvanic coating, you can not only freely match the color of selected accessories to your styling, but also enjoy their diversity. Nevertheless, we encourage you to treat your jewellery (even the one with a plating) with care, so that it retains its beautiful appearance and shine as long as possible. Don’t expose it to direct contact with water, chemicals, and cosmetics or to mechanical damage. Put the chain in a dry and clean place (the best jewellery box) before going to bed, so that it doesn’t get tangled. Don’t wear jewellery before strenuous exercise, when you are sweating a lot.
Thank you for your participation in the journey through the world of variations of chain styles.
We hope that the article inspired you to enrich your jewellery collections
for new designs of silver chains or for creating original accessories.
If you have any questions about jewellery making, feel free to ask them in the comment section – we will gladly reply as soon as possible!
- Get inspired by other articles:
Read part 1 of the article about jewellery making chains: The most fashionable chain types – part 1. - Find out about GAVBARI jewelry gemstones and semiprecious stones: Semi-precious stones and crystals from GAVBARI.
- Make pearl jewelry with the use of silver findings: GAVBARI pearls – how to make jewelry with pearls.
If you found this article valuable, we would be grateful if you like, share with others, or comment. Thanks and Have a Nice Day!
Follow us:
925CRAFT (@925craft)Join to our group of jewelry makers: Making jewellery with 925CRAFT
