Fashionable chain jewellery

Timeless hoop earrings

April 1, 2019

Pearl settings – how to make jewelry with pearlsim

April 4, 2019

Update 19.10.2023

Chains are the foundation of many products and have served for centuries not only as jewellery but also as useful tools. The history of the chain dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was a symbol of social status. Gold and silver chains adorned the necks of pharaohs, and over time they became popular in many cultures, from ancient Rome to Victorian Britain. Traditionally, chains were used as ornaments, but they also had practical functions, such as holding pocket watches or keys. Modern chains are not only decorative findings but also essential jewelry making supplies. Both silver and gold chains can be delicate and subtle or large and bold, depending on style and needs.

For jewelry makers, chains offer endless possibilities. They can serve as basic accessories for bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, but they can also be the starting point for creating more complex designs, including body chain jewelry. Combining different types and sizes of links woven in various patterns offers countless combinations that allow expressing one’s own style and creativity. If you are a jeweler making chain jewelry, combine them with stones in a wide range of colours, beads for jewellery making, or other findings. Modern jewelry chains are proof that tradition and modernity can go hand in hand, letting to create something unique.

What are the type of chains?

In the world of jewellery, both silver and gold chains play a key role. These popular jewelry findings, used in various ways, allow designers to fully express their creativity. Here’s an overview of chain types tailored to different needs:

Necklace chains for jewellery making

Necklace chains

Necklace chains are designed for immediate use. They are usually equipped with jewelry clasps, such as a lobster claw clasp or bolt ring clasp. Some models also have a necklace extender and a hallmark tag. Just add a pendant or stone to create a ready-made necklace. For example, consider a striking chain design with a dense arrangement of anchor links. This silver chain has a bolt ring clasp and a hallmark plate, so all that’s needed is to mount jump rings for jewelry or bails with pendants to make a complete necklace. Another example includes chains for connectors, on which you can mount 1, 2, or 3 pendant connectors.

For convenience, these popular sterling silver findings are equipped with jump rings, so just match them with appropriate pendants or silver charms to create unique necklaces. These silver fixings are available in our shop in a wide range of designs and lengths. In this category, you’ll also find an asymmetrical silver chain and a double silver chain. An interesting option is also a sterling silver chain for beads, a double chain, or an adjustable silver chain. Some types of necklace chains can also be used in solo versions. For example, a braided ball chain necklace, a handmade royal chain, snake, coreana, or curb chain.

Chain bracelet ideas

In addition to necklace findings, we also offer jewelry parts for bracelet making equipped with clasps, most often of the bolt ring or trigger type, and some models also have an extension and a plate for engraving. Among the most popular are the connector bracelets, which are additionally equipped with jump rings, making it easy to match with appropriate jewelry connectors to create unique bracelets. If you opt for charm bracelets, we recommend one of our bracelet chain, through which you can thread charms or attach pendants.

Silver chains

Short chains

Chain earrings

Though chains might seem like an unusual choice for making earrings, they add elegance and movement. For example, threaded earrings, with tassels or chain pendants, move beautifully and shimmer with every movement. Additionally, some models have a cup for embedding stones or crystals, elevating your jewellery to an even higher level. Other models have rings on which you can hang silver pendants, as well as pearls, stones, or other jewellery pieces. Still, others can be treated as an extension of the earring, creating long dangling earrings. The possibilities are many, and most chains for jewellery can also be combined with earring making supplies like earring hooks or leverbacks.

Chains by the meter

Bulk chains are a true treasure for jewellery makers! They can be cut to any length, allowing for limitless creations. With them, one can craft unique layered jewellery, cascading necklaces, and experiment with body chain jewelry – adornments for various body parts, most often a belly chain, thigh chain or waist chain. The simplest to assemble are chain designs with larger links, since they can be easily connected using jump rings. Chains made of more massive links are most commonly used for creating extensions, earring findings, body chains, solo necklaces, or for hanging charms. For finer chain weaves, soldering is most commonly used, which involves connecting the chain to jewelry ends using silver solder. Thin chains are most often used for delicate necklaces with pendants, layered necklaces, bracelet designs for women, and tassels for earrings.

Choosing the right chain is crucial in the jewellery making process. It allows for the expression of individuality, adding character to the creation and producing a unique design. Whether you are crafting a traditional silver chain with a pendant or a modern body chain, the right chain will help transform your vision into reality.

What are the chain types?

For jewelry makers, chains are not just decorative findings but true creative tools. Familiarity with different styles of chains allows for tailoring designs to various styles and needs. Below, we present the most popular types of chain weaves:

1. Anchor chain imitates the classic rope tying technique used in sailing. In jewellery, the anchor chain is often used in bracelets and necklaces, giving the piece a distinctive maritime feel. Links in this weave are arranged alternately. The anchor chain consists of mostly oval and round links, but in our shop, you’ll also find a silver anchor made of rectangular links. It’s one of the strongest chains, often used in men’s jewelry. Besides the classic models, variations of the anchor weave include diamond cut chain, twisted chain, flattened, hammered chunky chain necklace, textured, anchor with balls chain, handmade paperclip necklace, and also decorated – resembling clover leaves and the sun. The anchor chain necklace is also available in the category of gold chains.

2. Curb chain also called cuban link chain is a flat weave consisting of densely arranged links that form a sturdy yet flexible structure. In jewellery, it’s one of the most popular and esteemed weaves, making it a frequent choice for both pendant necklaces and standalone decorative pieces like bracelets or necklaces. The durability of sterling silver curb chains and classic their appearance make them versatile accessories, fitting many styles. More massive versions, with full links, are often chosen by men as standalone neck or wrist mens silver curb chains. Among women, besides the classic models, the twisted silver cuban link chain, flattened gourmette chain, and silver curb chain with a pin for threading stone beads, pearls, or other jewellery beads are popular.

3. Rolo chain also called belcher chain is a type of trace chain. It is characterized by oval or round links arranged alternately. Due to their sturdy links, belcher chains come in various sizes and lengths and are excellent for hanging pendants. Their robust construction provides a perfect backdrop for various decorative findings, such as silver plaques, charms, gemstones, crystals, or other jewelry products.

4. Ball chain consists of small silver beads connected by links. This design results in a “string of beads” effect, explaining its name. Ball chains are not only durable but also aesthetic, making them perfect for crafting various jewellery pieces. The silver bead chain is also called a dog tag chain because it often complements the silver dog tags, which are identification pendants for soldiers. In fashion, this combination became stylish and recognizable, though originally it had a different, practical purpose. In jewellery making, the sterling silver ball chain can serve as both the primary decorative element and an addition to other jewellery pieces.

6. The singapore chain is characterized by a spiral pattern that creates the effect of a twisted rope. Although its name might suggest an origin from the city-state of Singapore, it refers more to the exotic and luxurious character of the weave rather than its actual place of origin. This attractive chain style beautifully serves as a silver chain necklace for pendants, but it also stands out as an independent decorative accent. In jewellery making, the singapore chain can achieve both classic elegance and a modern style.

7. The royal chain is characterized by its majestic appearance, setting it apart from other chains. This silver link chain consists of a dense, almost flat structure with prominently marked round links, which are hand-assembled, further enhancing its value and uniqueness. Using the royal chain in jewelry making not only ensures an aesthetic appearance but also durability and resistance to damage, resulting from the precise hand assembly of each link.

8. It is believed that the figaro chain is named after Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”. Although the direct connection between the chain style and the opera remains unclear, the name has become recognizable in the jewellery context. The silver figaro chain is characterized by smaller links interlaced alternately with larger ones, giving it a varied yet rhythmic structure. The figaro chain is versatile and elegant, making it a popular choice among both men and women.

9. The box chain, also known as the venetian chain or venetian box chain, is one of the most classic and elegant chain styles in the world of jewellery. Its name is derived from the Italian city of Venice, renowned for its rich tradition of goldsmithing and jewellery craftsmanship. The distinctive box chain resembles regular, tight rows of tiny cubes, giving it not just an attractive appearance but also exceptional durability. Due to its universality and elegance, it’s an excellent choice for creating both simple necklaces and more intricate jewellery products.

10. The rombo chain is an elegant and unique structure that stands out with its specific link arrangement resembling the shape of rhombuses, categorizing it among the more lavish chain designs. Its name is derived directly from its signature pattern, that mimics the geometric shape of a rhombus. The elongated and robust links ensure that both thin and thick chain beautifully presents itself as standalone decorative element, silver choker, as well as bases for silver or gold pendants, natural stones and other jewelry supplies.

In addition to the above, our offer also includes the cardano chain, coreana chain, sugar chain, heart chain, fox tail chain, snake tail chain, and hand-assembled chains with crystals. Wholesale sterling silver chains are available as silver chain in bulk, as well as ready-made bulk chain necklaces and bracelets. Each of these chains has its own unique features, giving jewellery various characters and styles. For jewelry creators, it’s essential to understand which chain will be best for a given project, whether it’s a subtle bracelet or a prominent necklace.

Which chain for necklace making?

The choice of necklace chains for jewelry making depends on individual preferences, the occasion, and the style you want to achieve. For instance, dainty chains pair perfectly with connector charms, which don’t overwhelm their subtle construction but add a refined character. Delicate versions are also chosen by creators planning to design a long silver necklace with a pendant. For layered and cascading necklaces, thin chains allow for a richer, multi-dimensional composition that, despite its richness, maintains lightness and subtle elegance.

Another type of chain includes robust models that instantly attract attention with their abundance and character. Massive chains are an excellent complement for those who want to add a touch of rebellion or extravagance to their style. Worn solo, these thick necklace chains are so distinctive that they don’t need additional elements to become the main attraction. Accompanied by several charms, they form a rich and complex accent, where each pendant adds additional character. In a layered version, combining multiple chunky chains can create an effect of depth and multi-dimensionality, which is perfect for bold styles. Silver chunky chains are also often used as a chain choker and chunky chain bracelet, adding a rock or urban character to the look. In every application, chains with substantial weaves are for those who want their jewellery to be noticeable and memorable.

Pendants

Which chain for christening necklace?

The choice of a chain for christening depends on several factors, such as tradition, culture, budget, and individual preferences. Gold and silver chains with delicate weaves, like anchor or box, measuring around 40–45 cm in length are the most popular. The chain often comes with a pendant in the form of a christening medallion and cross for a boy and an angel pendant, heart pendant, or also medallion for a girl. If you want to make the gift more personal, consider personalised necklace and choose engraving the baby foot pendant or a medallion – for example, the child’s name, christening date, or a short blessing. However, remember that even though the child’s chain has a delicate weave, it should be sturdy and have a safe chain clasp. Additionally, if the child wears the chain, ensure they are under constant supervision to avoid the risks of choking or strangulation.

Which chain for communion jewelry?

Similar to a christening, a chain for communion is a significant and symbolic gift, often serving as a memento of the special occasion. When selecting a religious pendant necklace for the First Holy Communion, consider opting for a silver, gold plated or gold chain. The most commonly chosen weaves are curb, box, anchor, and figaro for boys, and singapore and foxtail for girls. The lengths should be adjusted according to the child’s age and preferences. Often, a gold communion chain is complemented with a religious pendant, such as a cross pendant or a first communion medallion with the image of Jesus or Mary. To make the jewelry gifts more personal, consider engraving the pendant with the child’s name, communion date, or a short biblical quote.

925CRAFT silver chains are the canvas for your jewellery,

on which you’ll conjure the trendiest and simultaneously unique designs

that will amaze your clients.

The most popular applications for chains are necklaces and bracelets, but these jewellery making materials offer much more versatility. Some of the more popular examples of using chains by the meter include chain earcuff, ring bracelet, jewelry set, chain for glasses, back necklace, extender chain, or silver anklet.