Necklace chains do more than hold a pendant—they define your style. From the timeless cable chain to the bold Byzantine, each type offers something unique.
In this quick guide, you’ll discover 22 popular chain styles, with styling ideas to help you choose the one that suits you best.
Types of Necklace Chains
Cable Chain
A Cable Chain is one of the most popular and classic chain styles. It is made up of round or oval links that are connected to each other, creating a smooth and flexible design. The links are usually the same size, giving the chain a neat and even look. The structure of the chain allows it to lay flat, making it a great choice for holding pendants, charms, or other jewelry items.
- Occasions: Casual outings, everyday wear.
- Outfit pairing: Jeans and t-shirts, simple dresses.
- Style options: Looks good alone for a simple look or with a pendant for extra style.
- Pros and cons: It’s a durable and repairable chain that’s ideal for everyday use, but it might appear too plain for statement jewelry lovers and can sometimes twist if the links are very fine.
Curb Chain
A Curb Chain is a popular and stylish chain made up of links that are twisted or curved. These links are usually flat and interlock with each other in a way that makes the chain lay flat against the skin. Curb chains are often thicker and heavier than other chains, which makes them popular in men’s jewelry.
- Occasions: Works for both everyday and fancy events.
- Outfit pairing: Casual outfits, formal attire.
- Style options: Looks cool by itself or with a pendant for a personal touch.
- Pros and cons: It’s strong, lays flat for comfort, and makes a bold statement, but its heavier weight might not be ideal for everyone and can feel bulky with prolonged wear.
Figaro Chain
A Figaro chain is a stylish type of necklace chain that has a unique pattern. It usually features one long, flat link followed by two or three shorter links, and this pattern repeats along the whole chain. This design gives the chain a bold and modern look while still keeping a classic feel. Figaro chains are commonly used for necklaces and bracelets and are popular for both men and women.
- Occasions: Casual and formal occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Everyday wear, suits, dresses.
- Style options: Can be worn alone or with other chains for a trendy look.
- Pros and cons: It’s eye-catching and versatile, offering a great balance between bold and elegant, but the patterned links can be harder to repair if damaged and may catch on fabric if not properly polished.
Rope Chain
A rope chain looks like two or more metal strands twisted together to form a pattern that looks like a rope. The links are woven in a way that makes the chain look round and textured, with a spiral design running along its length. This gives the chain a strong, durable, and eye-catching appearance.
- Occasions: Casual to formal events.
- Outfit pairing: Everyday outfits, evening wear.
- Style options: Great alone to show its cool design or with other chains for more texture.
- Pros and cons: The rope chain is strong, visually striking, and perfect for both casual and formal settings, but its intricate design can make it heavier and more prone to wear and tear over time.
Box Chain
A box chain is made up of small square links that are connected to form a smooth and even chain. Because the links are shaped like tiny boxes, the chain has a clean, modern look with straight edges. The links are usually small and create a geometric design. This chain has a sleek and sturdy appearance, and because of its shape, it’s less likely to tangle.
- Occasions: Casual and formal occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Everyday outfits, business attire.
- Style options: Looks neat alone or with a pendant for extra class.
- Pros and cons: The box chain is sleek, doesn’t tangle, and works for many occasions, but its square links can feel stiff and too simple for those wanting a more detailed design.
Snake Chain
A snake chain has a smooth and sleek look, almost like the body of a snake, which is how it gets its name. Instead of open links like other chains, it’s made from tightly connected small rings or plates that form a flexible, round, or slightly square shape. This gives the chain a shiny, silky appearance and a soft feel. Snake chains don’t catch on things easily because of their smooth surface, and they’re great for wearing with pendants.
- Occasions: Formal events, special occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Elegant dresses, sophisticated outfits.
- Style options: Looks sleek alone or with other chains for a chic look.
- Pros and cons: The snake chain looks smooth and shiny, making it great for formal occasions. However, it can bend or kink easily and may not be as strong for everyday use.
Wheat Chain
A wheat chain is a beautiful and detailed type of necklace chain that looks like woven strands of metal. It’s made by twisting four thin strands together in a way that creates a pattern that looks like the tips of wheat stalks. The chain has a soft, braided look with small, oval links that are tightly connected. They’re perfect for wearing on their own and are popular in both men’s and women’s jewelry.
- Occasions: Everyday wear, formal events.
- Outfit pairing: Casual outfits, business attire, evening wear.
- Style options: Nice alone or with other chains for a more fancy style.
- Pros and cons: The wheat chain looks elegant and is great for any occasion, but it may wear out more quickly because of its delicate design.
Byzantine Chain
A Byzantine chain has a bold and complex design that looks very detailed and fancy. It’s made from small, round links that are woven together in a special pattern, creating a textured and almost rope-like appearance. The links are connected in a way that makes the chain look like a series of knots or loops, giving it a rich and elegant look.
- Occasions: Formal events, special occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Elegant dresses, sophisticated outfits.
- Style options: Cool alone or with other chains for a bold look.
- Pros and cons: The Byzantine chain looks fancy and stands out, but it can be heavy and may cost more because of its detailed design.
Rolo Chain
A Rolo chain has a simple yet stylish look, made up of round or oval-shaped links that are evenly spaced. The links are usually smooth and slightly thicker than those of a regular cable chain, giving the chain a more substantial feel. The pattern is uniform, with each link connecting to the next in a circular shape, which creates a neat, polished appearance.
- Occasions: Versatile for all occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Casual to formal wear.
- Style options: Looks nice by itself or with other chains for more style.
- Pros and cons: The Rolo chain is strong, easy to match with any outfit, and works well with pendants, but its chunkier look might not suit people who prefer something daintier.
Singapore Chain
A Singapore chain has a delicate and elegant look. It’s made of small, twisted links that are finely twisted and intertwined to create a sparkling, braided effect. The chain usually has a slightly curved shape, which allows it to catch the light beautifully, making it shimmer and shine as it moves. Singapore chains are usually thinner and more lightweight.
- Occasions: Versatile for various events.
- Outfit pairing: Casual to formal attire.
- Style options: Looks pretty alone or with other chains for more depth.
- Pros and cons: The Singapore chain shines beautifully and feels light to wear, but it can tangle easily and may not be as strong as thicker chains.
Bead Chain
A bead chain is made up of small, round beads that are connected together to form a delicate chain. The beads are usually smooth and evenly spaced, creating a simple but attractive design. Bead chains have a lightweight and subtle look, making them a great choice for minimalist jewelry styles. They are often used in necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
- Occasions: Casual outings, everyday wear.
- Outfit pairing: Jeans and t-shirts, simple dresses.
- Style options: Looks simple alone or with a pendant for a personal touch.
- Pros and cons: The bead chain is light and stylish for everyday use, but it can be less strong and might break more easily if pulled.
Herringbone Chain
A herringbone chain has a smooth, flat design made up of thin, angled metal plates that are arranged in a V-shaped pattern. The links are tightly connected, and the design resembles the bones of a fish, which is how it gets its name. This chain lies flat against the skin, giving it a sleek and polished look.
- Occasions: Formal events, special occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Elegant dresses, sophisticated outfits.
- Style options: Sleek alone to show off its style or with other chains for more flair.
- Pros and cons: The herringbone chain looks very stylish and shiny, but it can kink easily if bent and may need gentle handling.
Franco Chain
A Franco chain is made up of V-shaped links that are tightly interlocked, creating a smooth, sleek, and durable design. The links have a distinct angular pattern, where each V-shape aligns with the next to form a solid, flexible chain. They’re commonly used in both men’s and women’s jewelry and offer a bold, yet elegant, aesthetic.
- Occasions: Versatile for all occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Casual to formal wear.
- Style options: Looks modern alone or with other chains for extra fashion.
- Pros and cons: The Franco chain is strong, flexible, and stylish, but it’s usually heavier and can cost more than simpler chains.
Mariner Chain
A mariner chain is inspired by the design of the chains used to anchor ships. It’s made up of oval or rounded links, with each link featuring a bar running through the middle, which gives the chain a unique and distinctive look. The links are often evenly spaced and interlock in a way that creates a strong and sturdy structure.
- Occasions: Outdoor activities, casual outings.
- Outfit pairing: Casual wear, beachwear.
- Style options: Looks good alone to show its style or with other chains for more flair.
- Pros and cons: The mariner chain is strong and stylish, but it may feel a bit bulky for those who like lighter chains.
Omega Chain
Popcorn Chain
A popcorn chain has a distinctive design made up of small, round, bead-like links that are clustered together in a way that resembles popped popcorn. The links are typically smooth and tightly connected, giving the chain a textured and bumpy appearance. Despite its name, the chain is not bulky; instead, it has a delicate, lightweight feel.
- Occasions: Casual outings, everyday wear.
- Outfit pairing: Jeans and t-shirts, simple dresses.
- Style options: Looks unique alone or with a pendant for more style.
- Pros and cons: The popcorn chain is lightweight and eye-catching, but it can be delicate and may dent if handled roughly.
Serpentine Chain
A serpentine chain is made up of thin, S-shaped links that are tightly connected to form a smooth, flowing pattern. The design creates a twisting, wavy look that resembles the movement of a snake, which is how it gets its name. Serpentine chains are usually lightweight and flexible, making them comfortable to wear.
- Occasions: Formal events, special occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Elegant dresses, sophisticated outfits.
- Style options: Looks sleek alone or with other chains for a chic look.
- Pros and cons: The serpentine chain is flexible and comfortable to wear, but it may not be as durable as other chains due to its delicate design.
Elongated Cable Chain/Paperclip Chain
An elongated cable chain is a variation of the regular cable chain, but instead of small round or oval links, it has longer, more stretched-out oval links. These links are evenly spaced and connected in a simple, classic pattern. The longer shape gives the chain a more open and airy look, making it appear lighter and more stylish. Their clean design are popular in both men’s and women’s jewelry.
- Occasions: Casual outings, everyday wear.
- Outfit pairing: Jeans and t-shirts, simple dresses.
- Style options: Modern alone or with a pendant for more style.
- Pros and cons: The elongated cable chain has a sleek and light appearance, but it may feel less sturdy than traditional cable chains.
Waterfall Chain
A waterfall chain is a decorative and dramatic type of necklace that features multiple strands of chains or beads hanging at different lengths, creating a flowing, layered effect that looks like a waterfall. The strands usually cascade from a central point or a wide collar, gradually getting longer toward the middle and shorter at the sides.
- Occasions: Formal events, evening occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Elegant dresses, sophisticated outfits.
- Style options: Looks bold alone or with other chains for a dramatic look.
- Pros and cons: The waterfall chain offers a stunning layered look, but it may feel heavy and less comfortable for all-day wear.
Satellite Chain
A satellite chain is a delicate and stylish chain that features tiny metal beads spaced evenly along a thin chain. The base is often a simple cable or box chain, and the little beads (or “satellites”) add a bit of sparkle and texture to the design. Satellite chains are lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them a popular choice in minimalist and modern jewelry styles.
- Occasions: Casual outings, everyday wear.
- Outfit pairing: Jeans and t-shirts, simple dresses.
- Style options:Pretty alone or with other chains for more depth.
- Pros and cons: The satellite chain is light and shiny, but it might get tangled easily and isn’t as strong as thicker chains.
Cuban Link Chain
A Cuban link chain is a bold and heavy-looking chain made from round, closely connected links that are twisted into a sleek, uniform pattern. The links are thick and tightly packed, creating a smooth, flat surface that lies nicely against the skin. This gives the chain a chunky, luxurious look. Cuban link chains are strong and durable, often worn as statement pieces, especially in men’s jewelry.
- Occasions: Versatile for various events.
- Outfit pairing: Casual streetwear, formal attire.
- Style options: Looks strong alone or with other chains for more style.
- Pros and cons: The Cuban link chain is sturdy and stylish, but it can be heavy and may not be suitable for those who prefer lighter jewelry.
Mesh Chain
A mesh chain has a soft, flexible, and fabric-like feel, made by weaving fine metal strands together to create a smooth and detailed texture. The result looks almost like a piece of metallic cloth or netting. Mesh chains are often wider than other chains and can be used to create bold statement necklaces or bracelets.
- Occasions: Formal events, special occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Elegant dresses, sophisticated outfits.
- Style options: Edgy alone or with a pendant for a classic look.
- Pros and cons: The mesh chain is unique and comfortable, but it can be delicate and may require careful handling.
San Marco chain
A San Marco chain has a unique, rounded design made up of curved, tubular links that are connected in a way that looks like a row of puffed, sideways teardrops or macaroni shapes. The links are set closely together, creating a smooth and elegant curve that sits comfortably on the neck or wrist. San Marco chains have a classic, timeless style and are often used in more formal or vintage-inspired jewelry.
- Occasions: Formal events, special occasions.
- Outfit pairing: Elegant dresses, business attire.
- Style options: Looks cool alone or with other chains for a more intricate look.
- Pros and cons: The San Marco chain has a sleek, elegant look but can be fragile and may get scratched if not handled carefully.
