Herringbone vs Snake Chain: How to Choose

Herringbone and snake chains can both look smooth from a distance. The useful difference is in their pattern and profile: herringbone has a flat, repeating angled pattern, while snake chain has closely joined sections that give it a continuous, cord-like appearance. Look at the individual design as well as its name, because width, length and added details change the finished necklace.

What is a herringbone chain?

A traditional herringbone chain uses rows of angled links that face in alternating directions. The links form a flat band, so the necklace reads as a ribbon of metal rather than a line of open loops. Jewellery supplier Rio Grande’s chain-style guide describes this construction and distinguishes it from snake chain.

The Oceana Herringbone Choker shows that flat, patterned look. Its product listing gives an approximate length of 39 cm plus a 5 cm extender and a chain width of 4 mm. Those dimensions describe this design; they are not standard measurements for every herringbone necklace.

What is a snake chain?

Snake chains have closely joined sections that create a smooth, continuous-looking surface. Construction varies: Rio Grande’s guide distinguishes traditional snake chain made with tightly joined curved plates from a seamed version made by compressing another link structure. A product photograph or the word “snake” alone does not identify the exact manufacturing method.

The Delja Beaded Snake Chain Necklace is a decorated example, with round beads spaced along a fine chain. The beads are part of Delja’s design, rather than a feature shared by all snake chains. Its listed length is approximately 45 cm plus a 5 cm extender.

How to choose between the two looks

• For a broad, uninterrupted band: compare Oceana’s flat herringbone profile with your preferred neckline. Its 4 mm width is listed on the product page.
• For a finer line with separate points of detail: look at Delja’s spaced beads and chain. Delja’s listing does not give a chain-width measurement, so the photographs should not be treated as a measured width comparison.
• For placement: compare the listed lengths before choosing. Oceana starts at 39 cm; Delja starts at 45 cm. Where either sits will depend on your neck, the extender setting and the garment you wear.

If you already have a necklace that sits where you like, lay it flat and measure its full wearable length, including the fastening. Compare that measurement with the listed base length and extender rather than relying on a model photograph. Our necklace layering guide explains how to plan spacing when wearing more than one piece.

Can you add a pendant?

Do not assume that a chain sold as a complete necklace is intended to hold an extra pendant. A pendant’s opening, weight and attachment need to suit the particular chain and its end fittings. Oceana and Delja are presented here as complete designs; if you want to add a separate charm, ask our team about compatibility before ordering.

Does one style need different care?

Follow the instructions for the complete piece. When putting a necklace away, fasten it and give it space rather than crushing it beneath other jewellery or forcing it into a tight fold. See Materials & Care for the store’s maintenance guidance and our travel packing guide for ways to separate pieces in a bag.

Which chain should you choose?

Choose herringbone if the flat, patterned band is the detail you want to highlight. Choose a snake-chain design if you prefer its continuous line, checking any added beads or decoration separately. For these two Reef & Rose examples, the practical decision is between Oceana’s shorter, 4 mm flat band and Delja’s longer, beaded design. Explore both in the necklaces collection and check the current product options before choosing.