subject: Exploring Jewellery Chains [print this page] There is more to jewellery chains than just a bunch of links that hold pendants. Making jewellery chains is a significant part of jewellery making and it would be great to know the different types of jewellery chains. So here's a quick tour of the different types of jewellery chains:
1. Anchor Chain - This type of chain is very common and popular. The flat anchor chain is a stylish and elegant variation of this chain. Like the name suggests, the chain is designed after the chain that is used to attach and anchor to a vessel.
2. Bead Chain - Sometimes called a ball chain, the bead chain has round beads fixed along the chain, with some distance between each bead or with beads strung next to each other. Short chain lengths may be used to connect the beads together.
3. Box Chain - The look of the box chain makes it appear sturdy but sleek and simplistic. A box chain is made up of four square links. These are links that are wide and resembling the shape of a box that are connected to create a smooth chain.
4. Byzantine Chain - A Byzantine chain looks soft and flexible. It is very intricate and graceful. It is made up of a combination of oval and round links. The pairs are linked onto pairs to form the old-world textural design.
5. Cable Chain - A cable chain is also known as a link chain and is composed of round or oval links of uniform sizes. When people talk about "chains", they usually refer to cable chains.
6. Curb Chain - A curb chain is a type of chain made up of flattened tops.
7. Figaro Chain - The Figaro chain has 2 or 3 shorter links alternating with a longer link. It is similar to the curb chain because it has flattened links. However, not like the curb chain, it does not have a single uniform size.
8. Infinity Link Chain - This type of chain is made up of links that have the "8" or "infinity" loop.
9. Omega Chain - An omega chain is not like normal chains because instead of a series of linked rings, it is made up of smooth rounded metal plates which are side by side, on a wire or woven mesh.
Other chain types include the wheat chain, snake chain, rope chain, rolo chain and popcorn chain.
