Types of Chain and Which One to Buy

Puffed mariner chain

This is a unique 10k gold chain that is inspired by the nautical world. Called the Mariner/Anchor chain because of its similarity to the chains connected to anchors, this is a beautiful choice for anyone who is fond of the sea. Or just fond of a sturdy, strong necklace chain in general!

The mariner 10k gold chain is composed of interlocking ovals, with a bar across the center of each oval, giving it a distinct and intriguing appearance. You can find mariner/anchor chains in a variety of widths. The thicker mariner chains are more popular among men, while smaller, more delicate ones are commonly chosen by women.

Traditionally, mariner chains were flat, but a new trend is the puffed mariner chain. The mariner chain can be worn as a stand-alone accessory while smaller widths can be paired with a pendant for an eye-catching look.

Ball / Bead Chain

A ball / bead chain is composed of a series of tiny beads that are linked together to create a chain. The balls can be either connected very close together or have small spaces in between them to allow for some movement.

Ball chains are commonly worn with dog tags, and gives a cool, street smart look. This 14k gold chain necklace doesn’t perform well as a stand-alone accessory and looks best paired with pendants. The flip side of this beautiful chain is that they tend not to be as sturdy as some of the other chains mentioned here and can break relatively easily.

Box Chain

The box chain is made of square links, rather than ovals and rounds, which are connected to make a continuous smooth chain. Box chains are a very popular form of 14k gold chain necklace and worn by both men and women. They are found in a variety of widths, with the wider ones being popular among men.

Box chains are strong and don’t easily break. If a link does break, it can be replaced without difficulty. The chain can also be reattached without the broken link replaced, without affecting the design. You can choose the length of your box chain depending on your preference and to suit your outfit.

Cable Chain

Cable chains are among the most basic types of chains and looks very similar to common iron chains. They have been used for centuries for numerous functions, from anchoring ships to creating small and delicate pieces of jewelry.

A cable chain is possibly the most common form of necklace chain used in jewelry and consists of a series of identical oval links that are interconnected to form a functional and beautiful chain. You can find cable chains where the wire has been textured or flattened rather than left round to form a flat version of the chain.

On their own, delicate cable chains aren’t very eye-catching but are perfect when paired with a beautiful pendant. Cable chains are sturdy and because they are uncomplicated, it is easy to fix a broken or misshapen link. However, a 10k solid gold chain link can sometimes tend to come apart where it’s joined if the chain has not been properly crafted.

Curb Chain

This common chain design is a basic, timeless design, made of a series of interconnected, uniform links. These links are designed to lay flat even while interlocked.

Curb chains have been a top choice when it comes to necklace chains, and heavy, chunky curb chains have a masculine touch and are especially popular among men. Smaller, thinner curb chains are feminine and delicate, pairing well with pendants and are one of the most favorite 14k gold chain for women.

Curb chains are very sturdy and are easy to maintain and care for.

Figaro Chain

This very popular type of necklace chain is simple but fancier than cable chains. Originating in Italy, Figaro chains consist of an alternating pattern of flattened links in different sizes. Generally, the pattern is of one long link followed by either two or three shorter links.

Figaro chains are worn by both men and women, making it an ideal gender-neutral chain. This is a very sturdy chain as Figaro’s are generally made using thick wire, and it is easy to fix a broken link. However, due to the pattern of the chain, you cannot remove a broken link without replacing it, as it will mess the pattern up.

Rope Chain

A 10k gold rope chain is one of the most beautiful chain types, consisting of several metal segments that are connected to resemble a rope, with the pattern twisting around to give the appearance of a real rope. This solid chain is one of the most popular types and is worn around the globe.

10k gold rope chains are among the most durable and heaviest of chain types and possibly the most textural. They are perfect to wear with pendants as they are very strong, whether thick or thin, and don’t easily come apart. Delicate rope chains are perfect when worn with a pendant, while larger chains are ideal on their own, as a statement piece.

Because of the twisting pattern which reflects light from various angles, 10k goldrope chains tend to be quite lustrous and shiny.

Singapore Chain

The Singapore chain is a durable and strong chain that is made up of a series of interlinked segments. When stretched out, it is a beautiful and twisting open chain, that moves with almost a liquid touch.

Singapore chains are popularly chosen to hold pendants as they are very strong regardless of width. It is a classic, sleek chain that pairs well with a beautiful pendant and can be worn daily.

Snake Chain

It’s easy to see where the snake chain gets its name from; it looks like the body of a snake and moves with a similar flexibility. The snake chain is made up of a series of small rings, either plates or bands, that are connected tightly together to form a smooth, sleek chain. You cannot see the rings of a snake chain, as these are knit close together. Snake chains aren’t very textural, as compared to some other chain types listed here.

Snake chains are somewhat delicate, but they look stunning when paired with pendants. Because of their semi-rigid structure, they don’t tangle easily, nor do they catch on hair or other objects. Snake chains are also easy to maintain and clean, making them a good choice for an everyday accessory.

Spiga / Wheat Chain

Spiga (meaning wheat) chains, are generally made up of twisted oval links, that are plaited together in one direction, to create a delicate and symmetrical chain. A Spiga chain looks like a series of metallic fibers running into each other at their points, creating a beautiful textural appearance. The chain tends to look the tips of wheat stalks, hence the name Spiga / wheat. This semi-rigid chain is very durable and sturdy and can be worn with pendants or as is. This strong chain has a classic and timeless look.

Tennis chains

Diamond tennis chains are delicate, classy chains with a symmetric pattern of diamonds. They are also simply known as tennis chains. Traditionally, it was a gold chain fully set with connected diamonds. These days, however, there are countless variations in precious metals and settings. The thickness, too, can vary, with the possibility to choose between a thick or thin gold chain with smaller or larger diamonds.

By now, the tennis chain is a staple piece in many jewelry boxes because of the simple class of this delicate yet durable jewel. You might have several questions about tennis chains. We have answered below some of the most frequently asked questions about tennis chains.

Where does its name come from?

The name ‘tennis chain’ refers to professional tennis player Chris Evert who was highly successful between 1972 and 1989. She lost her diamond chain, designed by George Bedewi, during the US Open in 1978. The closure of the chain snapped, causing the chain to go missing. Evert promptly asked to suspend the game until her diamond chain was found. Incidentally, the pausing of the game had no negative impact on the outcome. Evert, second on the world ranking, won the tournament for a fourth time.

As of that day, this diamond chain was called a tennis chain. Many tennis celebrities today, such as Serena Williams, wear tennis chains as well. She asked to pause the game until it was found. A tennis chain – or eternity chain – is a good choice for active women whose life style doesn’t allow them to wear heavy jewels. This chain is quite light and flexible. Moreover, a tennis chain is perfect to make your tennis chain shine even more: subtle and dazzling at the same time.

How do I choose a gold chain that suits me perfectly?

A gold chain is an essential in every jewelry box. A subtle chain or an eye-catching statement? That depends fully on your personal style. If you want to highlight your appearance with different jewels, it is best to choose a simple and discrete gold chain that complements your look. Even if you don’t wear that many jewels because of your active lifestyle, the durable yet elegant tennis chain is a valuable acquisition. But what if I would rather make a statement? You could choose a more eye-catching gold chain that fits you to a T.

Where can I choose my perfect gold chain? How can I decide which tennis chain I want to buy? Ask the diamond experts for advice on how to find the perfect jewel.

Women love to buy a diamond chain for themselves. The tennis chain is one of their favorites. Stylish, but still practical. This chain doesn’t get in your way while you’re busy with your daily occupations, and moreover, it’s appropriate to wear in office. A classic tennis chain is completely set with diamonds and made of white gold and platinum. Though we notice that this classic becomes more and more original.

Add some color

If you’re planning to buy a diamond chain, but a classic tennis chain is not special enough for you, there are enough alternative models on the market. Colored diamonds and precious stones look very good in a tennis chain. The extravagant people among you can have the chain completely set with colored stones, but the combination with colorless diamonds is certainly something we really suggest.

Yellow and red gold

Most women buy a diamond tennis chain in white gold and platinum. The colorless diamonds come to their full potential here. Nowadays, yellow and red gold are getting tremendously popular. Yellow gold looks rather timeless and classic. Red gold makes a much stronger impression, which is perfect for women who want things to be just a little different.

 

If you are still not sure which gold chain will the best for you, you can get in touch with the experts for your next purchase at Hip Hop Bling.