A Beginners Guide To Chain

The use of chain in jewelry design has never been more popular.  A quick look at our Projects and Inspiration page will give you some idea of the many ways in which chain can become an integral part of your overall design.  Most folks naturally think of incorporating chain as part of a necklace or bracelet design but why not earrings?  Think creatively about the uses of chain in your designs and you may be surprised in the direction it may go.Knowing that many of our customers like to be in the know about all things jewelry, I put together this small guide that includes pictures and definitions of some of the more popular types of chain that you'll find on our site. Click on the name of each chain that you see in red to be taken to a search result for that type of chain found on our site.  The guide is by no means exhaustive but we've included the most popular styles.  Hope you find it useful!As always, we welcome your comments.

	Bar Chain:  Just as the name implies each bar has eyes at either end that are each joined to the next with a link.  The bars themselves may be straight, curved, dapped etc.
	Ball Chain: Also know as Bead Chain, has round beads fixed along the length of the chain.  You may at times see this chain interspersed by short lengths of chain.
	Box Chain: The links of a box chain are square, creating a smooth square chain.  Another common name for this type of chain is Venetian chain.
	Cable Chain: A cable chain, also known as link chain, is made up of round or oval links of uniform sizes. This is the chain that most people think of when they think of "chains".
	Curb Chain:  A chain with oval links that are twisted to lie flat.  You will often see these links diamond cut.
	Figaro Chain: The Figaro chain, like the curb chain has flattened links. Unlike the curb chain, it does not have one uniform size links alone. Instead, it usually has 2 or 3 shorter links alternating with a longer link.
	Rolo Chain:   The links of a rolo chain may be round or oval but are always symetrically joined together as pictured.  This chain is perfect for hanging charms or pendants.
	Rope Chain:  The oval links of a rope chain are arranged so that the resulting pattern resembles a length of rope.  This is a very durable chain and quite popular for men's as well a womens jewelry.
	Snake Chain:  Snake chains are not made of links but rather of round curved metal plates that are joined together to form a flexible tube.  This slinky tube resembles a snake's skin.  Omega chain is a variation on the Snake Chain but is distinguished by the fact that it's round plates are straight and not curved.