Types of Chain Links: A Complete Guide to Jewelry Chain Styles

When you are designing jewelry, knowing the types of chain links helps you pick a chain that matches the look, weight, and feel of your piece. In short, jewelry chain links fall into three families: open link styles such as cable, curb, rolo, and rope; solid or woven styles such as box, snake, herringbone, and omega; and decorative variations like drawn, twisted, hammered, and diamond-cut links. Every chain carries a drape, surface feel, and character all its own, which means your pick should follow the piece you're crafting and the way you'd like it to hold up over time. 

Below, we break down the most popular chain link types, group them so they are easy to compare, and share simple tips for choosing the best one for your project. At Atlanta Findings Company, we supply premium plated link chain to designers and makers across the U.S., so this guide covers the most common chain styles, including those we stock and ship every day.

Use this table as a fast starting point, then read on for the full picture.

Open link chains are built from individual links that you can see and often open with pliers. They are the most common and the most versatile, which is why most makers reach for them first when exploring different chain links.

Often the go-to option, the cable design keeps things basic: a steady run of matching round or oval loops joined one after another. Cables are easy to work with, easy to lengthen, and pair well with almost any pendant. Our oval link cable chain is a reliable choice when you want a clean, classic base for a design.

Rolo chains, sometimes called belcher chains, use round links that are a little heavier and more uniform than a basic cable. The result is a chain with a nice presence that still feels light to wear. Rolo is a favorite for charm necklaces and layered looks. Take a look at our rolo link chain if you want a rounder, fuller link.

Curb chains are oval links that have been twisted so the whole chain lies flat against the skin. This gives a bold, interlocked look that reads as both classic and modern. Doubling the links adds even more weight and texture, as you will see in our double curb link chain.

Figaro is a popular variation on the curb family. Its rhythm comes from a recurring sequence where several stubby loops give way to a single elongated one. That rhythm gives the chain a distinctive look that works well on its own or with a pendant.

The rope chain is a braided assembly of links that twist together like the fibers of a rope. The braiding catches the light and creates lots of movement and sparkle, which makes rope a great pick when you want a chain that stands out.

Beyond the basics, many chains use shaped links such as hearts, crosses, teardrops, and bow ties. These are often called fancy or fantasy styles. They add character right out of the gate, with no pendant required. Our fancy cross-link chain is a good example of how a shaped link can carry a whole design.

These chain styles look smooth and solid rather than openly linked. The loops sit so closely interlocked that the chain looks like one unbroken, seamless surface, giving it a polished, refined feel. 

A box chain is made of square links that interlock tightly, forming a smooth, square profile. It is sleek, sturdy, and looks great in both fine and bold widths.

Snake chains are made from many small, curved plates that fit together into a flexible tube. The surface is smooth with no visible gaps, giving a fluid, almost liquid drape. Handle snake chains gently, since sharp bends can cause kinks.

Herringbone is a flat chain with a mirror-like surface created from a tight, slanted weave. It lies flush against the skin and has a dressy, eye-catching shine. Like snake chains, it is best stored flat to keep its smooth shape.

The omega is a stiffer, solid chain that holds its shape well, which makes it popular for collar-style necklaces and slides. It has a shiny, continuous surface with no open links.

Bead, or ball, chains use small spheres joined by short connectors. Bar chains use straight or curved bar-shaped links connected by tiny rings. Both bring a clean, geometric feel to a design.

Most open link chains can be altered with simple techniques to change their look. Understanding these variations rounds out your knowledge of the different types of chain links and helps you describe exactly what you want.

• Drawn or elongated: Links are stretched to create a longer, narrower shape. This is the look behind the popular paperclip chain.

• Twisted: Each loop is coiled or flattened at an angle, lending depth and a glint that plays off the light.

• Flat: Links are pressed flat to create more reflective surface area for extra shine.

• Hammered: The surface is textured by hammering, giving a faceted, handmade feel.

• Diamond-cut: Precise cuts add bright, light-catching facets to the metal.

• Corrugated: Links are given a rippled texture, like our corrugated oval link chain, for added depth.

You're also free to pick a finish that complements the look you're going for. We offer our link chain in silver, 22kt gold, rose gold, and black gold plating, so you can match the metal to the rest of your piece.

With so many different chain link styles to pick from, a few simple questions make the decision easier.

What are you attaching? For a heavier pendant, choose a sturdier style such as curb, double curb, or box. For a light charm or a stand-alone necklace, a fine cable, oval, or rolo works beautifully.

How do you want it to drape? Snake and herringbone lie flat and fluid. Cable and rolo move freely and feel casual. Rope adds the most movement and sparkle.

What is the mood of the piece? Cable and oval feel timeless and understated. Curb and Figaro feel bold. Fancy and shaped links bring a playful personality on their own.

Are you layering? Mix link sizes and styles for depth. A fine cable paired with a chunkier curb creates an easy, modern stack.

When you match the chain to the job, the whole design comes together. You can browse every option in one place in our link chain collection, sold by the foot, so you can buy exactly what your project needs.

One last practical note. Many chains have soldered links, which means each link is closed, so it cannot pull open under weight. Soldered chains are a smart pick for pieces that will carry a pendant or get daily wear. Unsoldered, or open, links are handy when you need to attach charms or connectors yourself, but make sure the links are strong enough for the weight they will hold.

Knowing the types of chain links gives you a real advantage when you design. Each style carries its own mood and purpose, from the clean simplicity of cable and oval, to the bold flatness of curb, to the smooth, fluid shine of snake and herringbone. Once you understand how each link looks, drapes, and wears, choosing the right one becomes simple.

The smartest move is to fit the chain to its intended purpose. Think about what you are attaching, how you want the piece to move, and the overall feel you are after. A fine cable suits a delicate pendant, a curb or box style supports heavier designs, and shaped links like cross or teardrop bring personality on their own. When the chain fits the design, the whole piece comes together.

At Atlanta Findings, we make that choice easier by stocking premium plated link chain in silver, 22kt gold, rose gold, and black gold, all sold in convenient 3-foot lengths for your projects. Browse everything we offer in our chain-link lineup, and enjoy free shipping on any order above $100. 

Still have questions about the different chain-link varieties. Contact our expert support team at info@Atlantabeadcompany.com or call +1 888-234-1234. Visit our blog for more insights.

Cable, curb, rolo, figaro, rope, box, and snake are among the most popular. Cable and curb are the most common starting points for everyday jewelry.

Curb, double curb, and box chains are known for being sturdy and well-suited to heavier pendants. Soldered links add extra security.

A simple cable or oval link chain is a classic, balanced choice for most pendants. For heavier pendants, step up to a curb or box style.

A paperclip chain is a drawn or elongated link style, with long, narrow links that look like a row of paperclips. It is a modern, on-trend look.

Yes. Our link chain comes in silver, 22kt gold, rose gold, and black gold plating, so you can match your design.