Ball, Belcher, Box, Curb, Paperclip, Snake...
If you saw these words in a list, you might think they are Harry Potter spells (sorry, sorry, sorry... my kids were Potter heads for awhile, and I couldn't help it).
However, you already knew it from the title of this post: they're different types of necklace chain names.
Maybe you've never given it too much thought, usually when shopping for necklaces, you are focused on the charm, the pendant, the locket, the main piece. The necklace chain often times just comes with it and you don't always have a choice.
Or, perhaps you are searching for a statement chain, a piece to wear solo or stacked, but without a pendant. In this case, the style of chain becomes the main focus.
Here are some of the most common types of chains:
Mariner
an oval with a bar down the middle, reminiscent of an anchor chain
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Paperclip
long, uniform, modern
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Rope
links that appear twisted
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Satellite
evenly spaced orbs, circles, or boxes at intervals
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Snake
smooth, scale-like links that move together
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Wheat
twisted, textured oval links that look like wheat stalks
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It is important to keep in mind that all of the styles pictured above are just ONE example of that type of chain.
For each style, there are a myriad of variations on that same name.
For example, for a curb chain, there is also a Cuban curb, which is known for its rounded, thicker links that create a more substantial look. Standard curb chains are flatter, with more uniform links and can be thinner and more lightweight overall.
As for other examples, paperclip chains can have all different types of profiles, mariner chains can be puffy, satellite chains can have different style and spacing of orbs... And so on. The possibilities are endless!
And if all that variation is not enough, chains also come in different thicknesses, usually displayed in millimeters (mm). The size/width of the chain makes a huge difference! At 1mm, from far away, several of the styles may be difficult to differentiate. However, if you purchased the same chain at 5mm, it will give a completely different look at a larger scale.
In the real world...
Keep your eyes open, you'll notice different types of links and chains everywhere, not just in jewelry. Below, a mariner chain spotted (appropriately) near the waterfront in Bari, Italy. This was strung between two bollards to keep people and cars away from the edge.
Do you have a favorite style?
What types of chains are currently in your jewelry collection?
Let me know in the comments.
1 comment
I have found that rope and snake chains sometimes catch my hair and are more prone to kinking, while box chains are virtually indestructible for a fine chain. Lately, I love a paperclip chain.