A necklace chain is a string of metal or links put together to create the chain. Chains are often called necklace chains. Necklace chains come in varying lengths that range from 16 inches to 36 inches. A rope chain can look beautiful alone, or with a pendant. This is a perfect necklace chain to wear as an everyday part of your jewelry.
What Are Chains?
A chain is a piece of jewelry made to be worn around your neck. It is often referred to as a necklace. Chains are often made of either metal or plastic and can be used with many types of pendants. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
A chain is intended to be worn around your neck, and it is often referred to as a necklace chain. The chain itself was invented by the jeweler Benberg Amsler during the 15th century for use on church altars because he found that the crucibles he used were too fragile to withstand the wear and tear they received from parishioners when they placed their offering in them. He came up with the idea of putting several pieces of iron together and twisting them so that they could hold larger amounts of gold and protects be handled more comfortably.
The first type of chain was a “flat” link chain. It is made up of small flat closed rings that are linked together to create the chain. In the 17th century, artisans started making chains in which they alternated between twisted links and flat ones to give it a different look from the original design.
This new design became known as Byzantine Chain because it resembled the complex patterns seen on coins created by the Eastern Empire called Byzantine coins. The name also refers to an ornamental style of jewelry that was popular during this period. By the late 18th century, goldsmiths had developed wire weaving techniques and were able to make chains with thinner links than what had previously been possible using flat rings alone.”
Distinguishing Between Metal and Plastic Chains
Metal chains are often used for high-end pieces while plastic ones are usually more affordable. The main reason behind this is that metal is much stronger than plastic, and it doesn’t break as easily. Some metals can be combined in order to make a sturdier chain. They are linked together using jewelry pliers to keep their shape.
Gold or silver wires may be twisted together in order to give the chain extra strength without adding too much weight or bulkiness to the piece itself. If you want your chain to look more elegant, you can opt for a silver one instead of gold because they reflect light better and so they seem lighter than gold chains do
Metal chains are very versatile, you can match them up with any type of jewelry you want. They can be worn with a simple pendant or even combined with other chain pieces to create multiple, layered necklaces. An 18k gold necklace chain is never used alone; it is often coupled with other chains to create the perfect design for your outfit and unique style.
Some of the most popular necklaces that are made with a combination of chains include the waterfall necklace and choker styles. The former has one long, single strand while the latter features two strands (sometimes more) that make up the entire piece. Each has its own advantages.
If you opt for a single-strand style, it will drape beautifully around your neck; however, you will have fewer options when it comes to jewelry to attach to the chain because they can only accommodate a single pendant. You will have more flexibility if you choose a choker style, but you will have to consider how many strands you want.
If you go with two necklaces, though, they can usually hold multiple pieces of jewelry that look beautiful together and yet retains the ability to be worn individually. You will have a huge variety of pieces from which you can choose and make your own unique combinations.
Where To Buy Them
You can buy a chain from many different stores. Some are specialized jewelers, others a general store. The prices will vary depending on how big the chain is and what type of metal it’s made from.
Gold chains are often more expensive than silver ones because silver doesn’t hold its value, as well as gold, does over time. Chains can cost anything from $10 to hundreds or thousands of dollars … if you’re looking for a unique designer piece that may even include real diamonds in the links!
Whatever your budget is, there is an option available for you. You can find online sellers who sell multiple styles so that you have plenty from which to choose (even those with diamond accents). They also offer current trends so that you always look stylish and up-to-date when wearing your new chain necklace.
Types of Chains
There are many different types of chains. They are usually separated based on their length and thickness.
1) Short Chains
The most common is the short chain, which has links of 2 to 4 mm thick. They hang around the neck at a length between 20″ to 24″. These ones look better with pendants that have large surfaces for them to rest upon. Most people purchase this style because it looks great with a variety of outfits and works well with a wide range of jewelry pieces. The way they drape around your body adds interest to your outfit while still allowing you to express your unique sense of style when using various types of jewelry combinations.
2) Long Chains
These chains have links that measure more than 4mm thick; therefore, they hang lower on the neck than short chains do. They usually measure between 20″ and 24″, but some can be as long as 36″. You should wear them with a pendant that is large enough for the entire piece to lay on top of. Long chains work well with chokers because you have more room to accommodate smaller pieces or layer multiple ones together.
3) Mariner Chain
These chains have a flat, wide surface on both sides. They are popular choices for women who want a larger pendant to be the focal point of their necklace. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is; you will always see the entire piece when wearing this chain.
4) Barrel Chain
These chains are thick and large in diameter, but they are not quite as long as some other options. The links measure from 2mm up to 6mm thick and are usually between 16″ and 12″. This style makes spectacular chokers since they can hold many smaller pieces at once so that it’s easy to create multiple styles with just one single chain. You should only wear barrel chains if you like simple jewelry because the size alone makes them stand out.
5) Navette Link (Banana) Chain
This style has wide, flat-topped links that look like a banana. The links are between 4mm and 8mm thick and usually have holes in them to allow for more flexibility in the necklace design or to add charms.
6) Cluster Chain
These chains consist of small, irregular-shaped links that are stacked together. They range from 2mm up to 6mm thick and can be as short as 16″ or as long as 24″. This style works well for pendants that have multiple sides since you will see all areas of the piece when it is around your neck. It also layers well with other pieces because they don’t always rest flat on one another; instead, they drape over each other in a unique fashion. You can either use your imagination to decide what looks best on you or take a photo of yourself and print it out to try on your pendant before you buy. This will save you from the hassle of sending back several pieces that don’t look good with each other.
7) Ball Chain
This type of chain has extra links that make it appear round. They rest on your neck without falling off, but they do not drape over the body as much as other styles. The links are between 2mm and 6mm thick, although you can find some with up to 8 mm in thickness. These chains work great for pendants that have a wide surface area since most models have a design that allows them to nestle into each other.
8) Curb chain
This chain is short and thick. The links are between 2mm and 4 mm thick, so they drape less than other styles. They work well for pendants that have a small surface area because they will easily cover the entire piece at all times; therefore, there’s no chance of losing sight of your jewelry while enjoying yourself.
9) Wrap Chain
These chains wrap around your neck to form an open loop. They are usually between 16″ and 24″. You should wear them with pendants that have a small surface area so you can get rid of any gaps when wearing them around your body.
10) Wire-O Chain
The strands in these chains come together without being soldered or crafted together. It works best if you like to layer several pieces together since it is the most flexible choice you can make. The links measure between 2mm and 6 mm thick, although some designs have as many as 8 mm of thickness. They usually come in a variety of sizes from 16″ to 24″, but there are some that go up to 36″. Many people choose this style because they can pair it with any pendant or charm they have in their collection.
11) Lobster Claw Chain
This chain has a clasp fixed at one end while the other end hangs freely. You wear them by hooking the free end through another part on your necklace; therefore, you need several pieces to use this type of chain effectively. This feature makes these chains great for matching several pieces together so you are able to wear several different necklaces at once. It also makes it easy for you to change out your jewelry often since the pieces can be attached and detached easily.
12) Cable Chain
This chain has a series of round links that are assembled together so the chain is sturdy. They come in several different lengths from 16″ to 24″. Although they can give you a layered look, they do not drape as much as other styles. They also only work well with pendants that need a lot of security since the style itself does not mold around the piece; instead, it goes straight across and may require some additional help to hold your jewelry in place.
13) Rope Chain
This type of chain looks like its name. It usually forms in a spiral shape at one end and then either feed through another link toward the other end or lays flat on top of the rest of the chain for people who want more privacy when wearing their jewelry. They usually come in 16″ to 24″ lengths. It works well with pendants that have a small surface area because they will easily cover the entire piece without any gaps.
14) Box Chain
This is a chain that has a box-like design at its center. The links surrounding the small box are often soldered together, which makes it pretty sturdy. They come in different lengths from 16″ to 24″, but they do not drape over your neck like other styles. Instead, they offer a straight path for small pendants and charms.
You can also find them with two or three boxes attached together around one end. These chains give you options for how you want to wear this jewelry around your body since the pieces can be arranged differently on each side of your neck.
15) Barrel Chain
These chains have an oval shape that tapers into thinned links toward the ends of the chain. Many people choose this style because it gives them a wide range of sizes to choose from. Some have 16″ to 24″ lengths, while others can go up to 30″ or more. They work well with pendants that have a small surface area since the initial oval shape will easily cover all sides without any gaps; depending on its size and thickness, it can also provide enough room for you to place several pieces together around your neck
16) Figaro Chain
This chain has more of a flat outline in its design, which means it does not provide as much space for you to place several pieces of jewelry on at once. They come in 16″ to 24″ sizes. The links are usually soldered together tightly, so they work well with pendants that have small surface areas or need extra security from falling off your body when wearing this piece
17) Sexton Chain
These chains have an overlapping pattern because the initial link connects directly to the fourth link from itself. This style provides a unique look; but, it is not the most common chain out there. If you like this style and want something sturdy, then this chain will suit your needs perfectly. It comes in different lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, but it does not drape as well as other styles since the links are attached directly together in a row. You can also expect them to only work with pendants that have small surface areas.
18) Snake Chain
This chain has a very unique design, making it perfect to match several pieces together. Its links do not have an equal amount of spaces between them, but they flow from one link to the next with no long gap in between. It comes in different lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, but it does not drape as well as other styles since the links are attached directly together in a row. You can also expect it to only work well with pendants that have small surface areas
19) Solitaire Chain
This chain is similar to the rope chain, but instead of coming in a spiral shape at one end and going through another link toward the other end, this style is soldered together flat so you can place your wearable items on top of it without worrying about them falling off. This ensures that you will not lose your pendants when wearing this style around your neck. It comes in different lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, but it does not drape as well as other styles since the links are attached directly together in a row. You can also expect it to only work with pendants that have small surface areas.
20) Wheat Chain
This chain is the most popular style of all since it has an inner link that connects with another link, which gives this chain a rope-like appearance. This design is not only beautiful to look at but also makes it easy for you to place several pieces together around your neck. You can choose from different lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be
21) Zig Zag Chain
This chain offers an asymmetrical pattern in its links, giving it a zigzagged appearance. It works perfectly if you have a pendant that sits on top of your chest because it will provide more space between each consecutive link. You can choose from different lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be.
22) Diamante Chain
This chain is perfect for everyday wear if you love a subtle sparkle. It has small round rhinestones embedded into each link, giving it more of an elegant feel while still being subtle enough that it does not distract the eye much when wearing this style around your neck
23) Herringbone Chain
This chain is extremely popular and can be worn with just about any type of pendant. It has a unique design that includes two different inner links connecting together into one outer link. This keeps your pendants secure without having to worry about them falling off your neck when you wear this around. You can choose from different lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be
24) Singapore Chain
This chain has a modern look that is perfect for layering with other pieces. It has smooth links that connect directly together, giving the chain an overall sleek look. These chains come in a variety of lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be
25) Rollo Chain
This chain has a very unique and modern look that is great if you want a lightweight chain necklace. It looks like it seems by its name, meaning it comes in a cylindrical shape. This design does not have any clasp closures so make sure you choose the length of this chain carefully because once you cut it, that’s the only size it will be
26) Cluster Chain
This necklace chain features two different types of chains soldered together to form one piece. The outer links are jump rings, which resemble tiny metal circles that link together into larger circles, giving this style a lot more space between each circle than the other styles listed here. These come in lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be.
27) Omega Chain
You will love the unique look of this chain. It has long links that are spaced out evenly, giving it a boxy look. These come in lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be
28) Byzantine Chain
This chain is both bold and beautiful. It offers a unique pattern in its links that have a slight teardrop shape. These come in lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be
29) San Marco Chain
This necklace chain offers a classic look that is still trendy among today’s fashion trends. It has an overall smooth look with only slight variations in thickness throughout the link. These come in lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be.
30 ) Gucci Chain
This chain is one of the most popular chains sold in today’s jewelry industry. It has a very unique design that resembles an upside-down ‘V’. This necklace chain comes in lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be
31) Diamond Cut Chain
This chain is perfect for pairing with a diamond or any other gemstone-shaped pendant. It has an overall diamond shape that resembles the actual cut of diamonds. These come in lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be
32) Beveled Chain
This chain looks like it just came off your local jeweler’s store display case because of its beautiful, unique design. The links on this necklace are close together at first, then widen out as they approach the outermost link, which gives this chain a very distinct look. These come in lengths ranging 16″ to 24″, and they typically do not come with any clasp closures so you get to decide how big or small you want the opening in the back to be.
Chain Lengths & Chain Thickness
Although length and thickness affect how you perceive the quality of your necklace, they also take into consideration what type of pendant you plan on purchasing. This is because there are certain styles that look better with a specific size of chain around them, which affects how long or short the chain needs to be.
Here’s a list of the best sizes for several styles:
- Navette Link (Banana) Chain – 16″ – 22″
- Cluster Chain – 18 ” Wrap Chain – 24″
- Ball Chain – 12″ – 18″, but it needs to be longer if you plan on wearing a pendant with many links.
- Tapered Chain – 16″ – 22″
- Curb Chain – 12″ – 18″, but it needs to be longer if you plan on wearing a pendant with a small surface area.
- Wire-O Chain – 16″ – 24″, but it needs to be longer if you plan on wearing pendants that are stacked together/
- Lobster Claw Chain – 16″ – 24″, but it needs to be longer if you’re planning on stacking pieces and adding charms.
The thickness of your chain also plays an important role in how long or short the chain should measure. The thicker your chain, the shorter its length should be because bigger chains can fall off easily since they weigh more than smaller pieces. The right length for your chain is dependent on what type of pendant you’re planning to wear it with:
- Small Pendants – 16″ – 18″
- Medium Pendants – 19″ – 22″
- Large Pendants – 21 ” – 24″
Chain Thickness & Chain Quality
When choosing a necklace, the thickness of your chain matters since the bigger the links are in relation to its size, the heavier it will feel around your body. Therefore, thicker chains need to be shorter because they are heavy enough without dragging down your neck over time.
As far as quality goes, when considering price and appearance, buying a quality piece means that it won’t tarnish easily or break during normal everyday use. To make sure it is quality:
The gold or silver used to make the piece should be 14K or 18K gold and rhodium plated. It should also have an anti-tarnish coating applied to it. The best chains are made with round-cut links instead of flat ones because they look more elegant. The design needs to have a secure clasp and a lobster claw on the end.
Just remember that thicker chains need to be shorter if you don’t want them weighing your neck down over time. However, if you still plan on wearing pendants that can fit large stones and be very heavy, then your chain length will depend on how many pieces you want to layers together. In addition, always keep in mind where you go when shopping for chains and necklaces to create a complete look.
FAQs
Can I Wear a Chain Every Day?
Yes. Your chain can actually add to the style of your outfit, but there are certain tips you need to follow when wearing them every day:
Which Necklace Chain is the Strongest?
The strongest chains are the ones that have a thick link that’s also big in size. The links should be uniform and not open so they can support larger pieces like pendants and charms.
What Necklace Chain is Best for Everyday Wear?
If you plan on wearing one every day, your chain should have a decorative design such as hearts, stars, or flowers. Bigger chains are also good to wear because they add more detail to your outfit instead of being plain.
How Long Should My Chain Be?
To get the right length for your chain depends on if you’re planning to wear it alone or with other pieces. If you wear it alone then go ahead and choose any length between 12″ – 24″. However, if you want to layer it with other pendants then you’ll need around 24″ – 30″.
What Chain Type is Best for a Pendant?
For a pendant, the best chain type depends on the shape of it and what you want to layer it with. If you have a round-shaped pendant then wear a ball chain because they look classically elegant together. However, if you have something more square in shape then go for something that has big links so it does not get lost inside another bigger piece.
What Thickness Should I Go For?
The thickness is dependent on how big your jewelry pieces are or if you plan on stacking them together. If it’s going to be one large piece then choose an 18K gold thick chain instead of thinner ones like vermeil chains. A good rule of thumb is to select a thickness that will not weigh down your neck easily when worn over time.
How Much Does a Chain Cost?
The price of the chain depends on what type you go for. Chains made from metals like gold and silver cost more than chains that are plated with rhodium because they contain real gold inside them. Ball, rope, and box chain styles can come at a wide range of prices between $10 – $250 depending on whether it’s designer or not.
What is the Popular Necklace Length?
The most popular chain lengths are 12″ – 20″, 22″ and 24″. These lengths can be worn alone or layered with other pieces depending on what you want to achieve.
Conclusion
The necklaces we choose to wear says a lot about who we are. Necklace chains are a great way to express your style and individuality. These pieces can be worn alone or with other jewelry to complement your look.
No matter what design you’re looking for, there is one out there that will suit you perfectly. This article lists all the different types of chains so that you can make the perfect selection no matter what occasion or mood you’re in.
