Jewellery Chain Types: A Visual Guide to Five Patterns

Chain names are easier to understand when you look at the repeating pattern. Do you see long open links, a twisting line, flatter loops, a broad band or a fine continuous surface? Use this visual index to narrow your choice, then follow the detailed comparison that matches the two styles you are considering.

The five examples include necklaces and bracelets. A chain-style name describes the pattern; it does not, by itself, tell you the metal, finish, width, length or fit of the finished piece.

Start with the outline you prefer

• Paperclip: long, open links
• Rope: a spiralling outline
• Curb: linked loops with a flatter profile
• Herringbone: a flat patterned band
• Snake: a continuous-looking surface

Paperclip: long, open links

Paperclip chain has elongated links with an open centre. Look at the length of each opening as well as the thickness of the metal around it.

Lucienne Paperclip Bracelet is a current bracelet example with an open, repeating elongated-link outline.

Rope: a spiralling outline

Rope chain uses interlinked sections to create a twisting, rope-like pattern. The repeated spiral is the visual feature to look for.

Arlette Rope Chain Bracelet shows that continuous twisting pattern, rather than the long open spaces seen in paperclip links.

Curb: linked loops with a flatter profile

Curb links are shaped and turned so they lie flatter together. You can still see individual loops, but their arrangement differs from an open paperclip pattern.

Lulwa Pearl Shell Necklace is listed with a polished curb chain. Its shell, white pearl and sun cluster is an additional design feature; curb chains do not all include charms.

Herringbone: a flat patterned band

Herringbone chain has closely arranged angled rows that form a flat band. From a distance, it can read more like a ribbon than a series of open loops.

Oceana Herringbone Choker is the flat-band example here. Its appearance should be considered separately from its listed width and length.

Snake: a continuous-looking surface

Snake chain uses tightly adjoining curved sections to make a continuous-looking surface. Exact construction varies, so the style name alone does not establish a particular manufacturing method.

Delja Beaded Snake Chain Necklace adds spaced round beads to that fine-chain look. Those beads belong to this design; they are not a feature of every snake chain.

Continue with a closer comparison

• Paperclip vs rope bracelets compares Lucienne and Arlette when you are deciding between open links and a twisting pattern.
• Herringbone vs snake chain explores the flat-band and fine-chain looks in more detail.
• The necklace chain-width guide explains how listed widths differ from the chain-style name.
• Pendant vs charm necklaces looks at the details attached to a chain, rather than the chain pattern itself.

Check the finished design before choosing

Once you prefer a pattern, open the individual product page and compare its actual measurements, fastening, available finish and added details. A bracelet and a necklace may share a chain style while using different proportions. The close-ups here show the patterns at different magnifications, so use the listing for a physical size comparison.

Do not assume a complete necklace is suitable for an additional pendant or charm. The attachment and weight need to suit the particular chain and end fittings; ask our team about compatibility if that is your plan.

Browse current necklaces and bracelets once you have a pattern in mind. For a wider reference to standard chain names, see jewellery supplier Fire Mountain Gems’ chain-style chart.