What's In A Chain?

When I first began designing jewelry, I didn't pay much mind to what components I was using.  If I liked the way it looked, I used it.  Where it came from or what use it generally served, were of little consequence.  I'd spend hours on Brightlings Beads, scrutinizing the pictures, in an effort to determine if this or that component would work with my design.  At some point along the way however, I realized that if I actually learned about the various types of components and their uses, I could save myself a lot of time and energy.

Chain is one of the most widely used jewelry components.  So much so that we rarely take a step back to contemplate just how essential it is for many of our jewelry designs.  Commonly designed to stay in the background in order to highlight another component, we often forget its significance and beauty.

Once you familiarize yourself with many of the most popular types of chains, you'll shop with ease and confidence the next time you're designing a jewelry piece featuring chain, whether it be a necklace, bracelet, or any number of possible options.

Cable Chain

Probably the most common of the jewelry chains, Cable Chain is made of uniform sized links, which can be round or oval.  Cable Chain is also known as Link Chain.

Curb Chain

Similar to Cable Chains in that they have uniformed sized links, the links of a curb chain are also flattened.

 

Figaro Chain

A Figaro Chain also has flattened links like that
of the Curb Chain.  However, the links are different sizes, with a common pattern being two or three small links alternating with a larger link.

 

 

 

Ball Chain



 

The Ball Chain is somewhat self-explanatory, with round beads used to create the chain.  Some ball chains space the beads at intervals, while others space them directly next to each other.  It may also be known as a Bead Chain.

 

 



Sterling Silver Heart Chain

This chain is just plain fun - and requires no explanation.


Keep in mind that not all chain suppliers use the same names for their chain products.  Chains are often labeled and described differently by different manufacturers.  This is just a simple guide to get you started as you educate yourself on the various types and styles of chains.  Browse our website for an assortment of Jewelry Chains, in several finishes, to meet all of your jewelry design needs.

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