index

Types of Chain Necklaces and Styles Explained

Paras Jhamb 0 comments

There are multiple types of necklace chains, each having a different aura. Which one will suit you best is the question. Let us help you answer that question.

Chain necklaces are a classic choice for blingy fashion and hip-hop culture. From rappers like Drake to celebrities like Johnny Depp everyone is wearing and styling themselves with a chain on their neck. 

Each type of chain, from classic cable chains to iced-out rope-styles makes a swag statement in its own right. 

So, if you want to sparkle on stage, stun the streets or impress at any event – we give you this guide breaking down the dopest chain styles. 

Read on for the different types of chain necklaces as we attempt to help you find that one perfect piece.

Types of Chain Necklaces and Styles

1. Cable Chain Necklace 

Cable Chain Necklace

The cable chain that is one of the most demanded among types of necklace chains. It is created using round or oval links that resemble traditional iron chains. And due to the ease of the design, one can wear this design for casual occasions, as well as, for formal occasions. 

Benefits

The cable chain is quite strong and as mentioned earlier the structure is more suitable for heavier pendants. It is one of the most durable necklace chain types. It is not gender specific thus can be worn by anyone and is compatible with various items of dressing codes and other accessories. 

Style Guide

The cable chain style is versatile and can be worn on its own when worn with other jewelry for a more rich look. In combination with moissanite pendants it defines the tenderness while at the same time does not overpower the piece. Choose the cable chain of a less thickness if you want the final touch to look fine and like something that is girly, then go for the thicker ones for the strong and what like manly appeal. 

2. Curb Chain Necklace 

Curb Chain Necklace

Curb chains are types of chain links that have tightly meshed, even circular links with a twist to make them as leveled as possible for a very smooth look to it. Such a chain has a specific, rather heavy look which makes its demand high among both men and women to wear. 

Benefits

Curb chains are one of the strongest types of necklace chains due to their design. They do not tangle or twist easily and hence are suitable to be worn for extended periods. Also, it does not lose its essence with chunky pendants and can be worn as a single piece. 

Style Guide

The curb chains are typically associated with the streetwear or charismatic statement fashion and particularly the thicker ones. Thinner curb chains are available and can be a little more elegant and are ideal to be worn in layers. The best way is to wear them with pendants, especially big and intricate, it makes an addition to formal or semi-formal clothing.

3. Rope Chain Necklace 

Rope Chain Necklace

These rope types of chain links basically include a series of metal segments twisted around one another in a style similar to a rope which makes its texture more luxurious. The integrated design technique makes the chain look like it is reflecting as it swings. 

Benefits

Their durability is due to the complex design used to make them as compared to a normal chain, hence they do not break easily. Their nature makes them elegantly different from other types of jewelry and perfect to be worn as a single piece of jewelry or complemented with a pendant. 

Style Guide

An ideal type of necklace chain to be worn in any occasion is the rope chain. Thicker rope chains are worn on their own in massive size to create noticeable necklaces and thin ones can be worn with pendants for a more elegant look. Due to its natural shiny quality, this chain can easily be incorporated in any outfit and looks especially good in gold or silver. 

4. Figaro Chain Necklace 

The Figaro types of necklace chains consist of a long link established between two short links and the latter could have three short links in between them. This design has origins in Italy and therefore showcases a clear European taste.

Benefits

The chain styles of Figaro are long lasting and strong, these make them the best choice for everyday use. The provision of a pattern of links varies with the other as it gives the chain more texture and creates movement unlike any other types of chain links. 

Style Guide

Figaro chains are worn often as a single chain or can be worn with a pendant added to them for extra bling. This arrangement by the chain is good when worn with the formal wear and also with the casual attires as it can fit in with any fashion setting. Large and wide Figaro chain designs look good on a man while a thin line suits the smart and pretty women.

5. Snake Chain Necklace 

The snake chain is a type of chain link so named due to the fact that it has a very smooth surface and has a scale like texture of a snake. The links are close and integrated to each other thus providing a good link connection with little spaces between two adjacent links. 

Benefits

The snake chain style is strong and does not easily form sharp bends or kinks. It has a very flexible feel to it and may be worn on a daily basis, however the external layer is very sleek which brings elegance to the piece. 

Style Guide

Types of necklace chains like snake chains are usually worn without pendants because they neither require nor benefit from additional accessories; as their smooth structure is striking on its own. Nonetheless, slender snake chains are ideal for combining with delicate minimalist jewelry in the form of pendants. This style is perfect for dressing up formal or elegant clothes including those that are worn on special occasions or functions when coupled with the contemporary jewelry. With the knowledge of the several types of chain necklaces, it will be easier to decide on which chain to wear depending on the event, outfit or personal preference. 

6. Box Chain Necklace 

box chain necklace

The chain itself forms cubes, and it may look simple but it is not. These types of necklace chains are called box chains and resemble a line of small cubes placed together. Such chains can be thick or thin based on the dimensions of the links within that chain. Such design ideas result in a clean and structured appearance that has a different vibe. Box chains pair exceptionally well with solitaire pendants, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the modern design

Benefits

Box chains as the name suggests are strong and less prone to breakage because of the enclosed shape of the chain design. This makes them suitable for hanging heavier pendants or stacking them with other types of chain links. They are also relatively less prone to breakage as compared to other types of chains.

Style Guide

They are in the same sense fresh and elegant and seem to fit the present day fashion trends perfectly well. Thinner box chains are versatile and when worn in layers or when combined with other pendants look lovely, the thick ones are ideal for the ‘in your face’ sort of look. The geometric design of the ‘‘chain’’ is clean cut and clear creating a touch of sophistication for day and night appearances.

7. Singapore Chain Necklace 

Singapore Chain Necklace

The Singapore chain style is a twisted necklace, which, because of the close proximity of the links, looks elegant as the links of the chain have a woven pattern. This necklace is similar to the curb chain with a little bit of design hint from the rope chain. All in all, it provides a sparkling look. 

Benefits

The design of the Singapore chain is twisted and offers additional strength and flexibility so that it does not tangle easily. The shine brings out the sheen of the material and reflects light thereby giving it an eye catching appearance. These types of necklace chains are cheap and light thus ideal for everyday use especially for casual occasions. 

Style Guide

A Singapore chain necklace is ideal for casual and formal use. It goes well with pendants as it does not overpowers the necklace but instead provides the glimmer and shine needed. This chain style best works with dresses, evening gowns, statin shirts and whenever you desire to give an elegant appearance to your attire. There are different types of chains when it comes to Singapore chains that are thin and fine, these will give you a more discreet shine. There are also Singapore chains that are wider and chunkier if you want more of a blingly look. 

8. Belcher (Rolo) Chain Necklace 

Belcher (Rolo) Chain Necklace

Belcher or Rolo chain is composed of round or oval shaped links as in the case of the cable chain, the difference being that the links are usually uniform and thicker and more massive than those of a cable chain. This chain style is simple and elegant giving it the appearance of a classic type of necklace chain, which can be worn by either a male or a female. 

Benefits

As a Belcher chain is a type of chain link that is stronger and more durable than other types of chains, the chances of its breaking or tangling are considerably low. Because of its evenly formed links, it is suitable for bearing more massive pendants whereas it will not look clumsy at all. 

Style Guide

The Belcher chain, due to its shape and size, can be worn day to day as well as for a business occasion, or for an accessory to spice up your outfit. Delicate chains can be accompanied with pendants, whereas chunky chains are perfect on their own, as an accessory. The Belcher necklace chain type has a round shape which fits perfectly with any attire and brings something graceful and refined. 

9. Anchor (Mariner) Chain Necklace 

Anchor (Mariner) Chain Necklace

The Anchor chain is clearly inspired by the maritime theme with links resembling boat anchors with a bar through the center of the circle. These types of necklace chains have a design that is unique enough and at the same time, is suitable for the purpose. It also requires less material to provide strength and durability. 

Benefits

The chain used for the anchor is very strong and hanging any sort of weight to it will not cause the chain to break. The look is quite appealing and it is for this reason that the product is quite preferred in the market especially for people who want to make a statement. 

Style Guide

An Anchor chain is best suited for street style, formal wear and even sportswear, thus it can be worn as a single piece to make a style statement. As the anchor chains become thicker, they are better paired with large pendant or massive charms and thus are better worn in a bolder way. However, optimized for a more elegant and sleek appearance such as thin chains are also recommended. 

10. Herringbone Chain Necklace 

Herringbone Chain Necklace

This different type of chain is created of thin flat metal links set in ‘V’ shapes similar to the bones of a fish hence the name- herringbone. This chain is worn flat against the skin and features baroque styled, smooth and polished brass exterior. 

Benefits

Herringbone chain looks very stylish and comfortable at the same time because of the non-standard design and also can without a doubt be referred to as fairly strong types of necklace chain. Still, it is less versatile in comparison with other chains and may twist and break if one is not very cautious. 

Style Guide

This is a different type of chain which is worn separately because of its attractive pattern and the fact that it does not go with every attire. It is more appropriate for formal or special occasions and gives a classy touch to any outfit. Theis chain reflects a metallic sheen because of which, it can best be worn for occasions that require an elegant look such as family dinner or office party. It is also advised not to wear this type of necklace together with other necklaces since the chain of this design will tangle or kink with the other chains and pendants. 

11. Cuban Link Chain

cuban link chain

The hallmark of the cuban link chain is interlocking, oval-shaped links that give off a bold, heavy appearance. These types of necklace chains are sleek, smooth and heavy in weight. It has become one of the most demanded chains in casual and luxury fashion. Basically, the cuban link chains are made from gold, silver, and even stainless steel. Due to which people prefer it for its durability and timeless appeal.

Benefits

The benefits are that cuban link chains are sturdy, strong, and resilient and, therefore, never break. This is a quality that makes them appropriate for everyday wear. Their versatility allows them to be worn alone to make a bold statement or paired with pendants so as to be personalized.

Style Guide

Cuban link chains never fail to look good with streetwear or formal clothes. Wear thick links for a more dramatic bold and masculine appeal; go subtle yet very sophisticated with the thinner ones. First, V-neck shirts and open-collared jackets create maximum impact.

12. Baguette Chains

baguette chain

The Baguette chain features small, rectangular-cut stones or baguette cut stones set close to each other in a continuous line and is usually quite sophisticated or even elegant in appearance. These types of chain links usually host diamonds or moissanite as the main stone.

Benefits

A baguette cut shows the maximum light reflection of a diamond, hence giving off the most luxurious glow. These chains are appropriate to add a touch of glamor and sparkle without overdoing it.

Style Guide

This type of chain works most effectively for formal, evening wear. Wear this piece on its own with some minimal adornments or layer it up with chains for that trendy, multi-textured look.

13. Tennis Chains

tennis chains

They are made of small-sized gemstones, mostly diamonds or moissanite, which are evenly arranged and set in a single row. This chain got its name because of an incident when tennis star Chris Evert lost her diamond bracelet during a tennis match.

Benefits 

Tennis chains are lightweight, flexible, and very elegant. They can be worn by themselves for a sophisticated look or layered intertwined with other chains for a more detailed style. 

Style Guide

Tennis chains are perfect with any formal or semi-formal events, be it with a little black dress or a fitted suit. When wanting to wear on an everyday basis, a thin chain is preferably worn off for that delicate but sophisticated look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of necklace chains?

There are many necklace chains, some of them are - cable, rope, curb, snake, Figaro, herringbone, box and Singapore chains all of which have different link formations giving different feels. 


What is the most attractive type of chain?

These chains may be selected based on the individual preferences and tastes but the rope chain or herringbone chain is seen as rather pretty because of their exquisite look and the shine that they radiate.


What is the most popular type of necklace?

One of the most common types of necklace is the cable chain due to the factors such as simplicity and sturdiness, and these are suitable for wear with always and accompanying pendants. 


What is the best type of necklace chain material?

The finest type of chain designs is those made of solid gold, sterling silver or platinum since these metals do not corrode, contain no allergic elements, and can withstand wear and tear. 

Conclusion

If there is one item of jewelry that gives you versatility and can range from being simple and classy to edgy and rough, it is a chain necklace. Every chain type; from the thin snake chains to the thicker rope ones, all come with their distinct allure for different occasions. It is useful to take the time to know the differences of the possibilities of different types of chains, the advantages, and the style wear you want to wear so you find the chain that fits you! Therefore, from the fine metals to the chosen piece, or no piece at all, a necklace can draw the eye and help one make that statement.