Chain |
Image |
Description |
Anchor (I) |
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or Cable chain, copies the style of the chain that holds large anchors on ships. One of the simplest and most universal chains. The links are oval, made from round wire. Several versions have one or two of their sides ground flat and polished, giving the chain more sparkle through these facets. (pictured) This is called "Diamond cutting" of the chain. Anchor chains with very long and open links are often called Paperclip chains.[14][15][16] |
Anchor (II) |
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or Maritime, Marina or Stud link chain, this too copies the style of the chain that holds large anchors on ships but has an oval link with a dividing bar through the middle. The interlinking sections may be of a Curb or Trace style. There is also a version (pictured) of this style where only every other link is an anchor link.[16][15] |
Ball |
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or Bead chain, is formed of small balls of metal joined by small lengths of wire, not longer than each bead in between. Also has its own 'snap over the first link' fastening. Larger steel versions are more often used to hold ID cards than in jewellery, but finer ones may be found for the purpose.[17][16] |
Belcher |
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or Rolo, is similar to the Trace, but a Belcher chain link is wider than its thickness. Generally the links are rounded on the outside, but the shape of the link can vary.[16][18][14] |
Box |
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This is similar to the Venetian chain, but the links are looser and rectangular, whereas the Venetian's are always square and tighter.[16] |
Brick |
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or Serpentine chain, Cobra, Boston link, S-link, C-link or Flat link, is a semi-rigid chain, pressed so tightly that the links have almost fused into a solid band.[16][14] |
Byzantine |
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or Turkish, is an intricate design in which each link is connected to four other links, creating a woven appearance.[17][16] |
Curb |
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(cf. Curb chain), Cuban or Twisted is when the links interlock with each other when laid flat. Some more open-link curb chains can only be distinguished from a trace by this method, while the denser curb chain known as closed curb keep their appearance whichever way they hang. This style of chain has the greatest variety of widths available, from a few millimeters to over four centimeters. The links can be round, flattened or faceted in a large variety of ways.[19][17][20][14][15] |
Fancy |
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A fancy chain can be anything; any form of fine metal that can be replicated and joined onto each other to make a chain. Many fancy chains are variations of the standard styles, for example a trace chain formed of heart-shaped links or a curb chain with every other link set with a gemstone.[14] |
Figaro |
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Figaro is not really a style but a popular variation of the Curb chain. A number of standard links (usually three) precede an elongated link all the way through. This variation can be replicated by many of the styles mentioned.[17] |
Foxtail |
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This chain gets its intricate V-shaped pattern from two rows of oval rings connected by flat rings in the middle. It can be shaped, twisted and hammered to become more square or rectangular.[21][14] |
Franco |
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The Franco chain with a square cut, has a V-shaped pattern on two sides, with the other two more resembling a Curb chain. It is more open than a Spiga or Foxtail, while resembling them at a distance. It's named after the Italian jeweler who designed it.[15][22] |
Omega |
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or more correctly Omega necklace, is a pseudo-chain made by assembling metallic plates on a wire or woven mesh. The plates give the appearance of links in a chain.[23] |
Prince Of Wales |
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This is a loose Rope chain. This chain consists of a twisting chain made of small circular links, where each single link has no less than four others joining into it. It resembles the Singapore, but is more loosely interlocked.[24] |
Rolo |
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The links of a Rolo chain are usually identical and often round. It is the most basic form of a chain. The links joined in a simple alternating sequence.[17][25] |
Rope |
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Creates the effect of two twisting strands spiraled together, created by many small links which are not completely joined. One disadvantage of this otherwise strong chain is that, when one link does break, the rest of the chain might follow in succession.[16] |
Saturn |
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also called Station or Bobble chain, is a chain with evenly spaced beads, discs or ovals upon the chain.[15][14] |
Scroll |
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also called Snail, S type, Meander or even Greek key chain since its design resembles old meander ornamentation.[14][26][27] |
Singapore |
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This chain may also be called Twisted Curb, but the links are joined in such a way that, even when the chain is untwisted, there is always a natural curve to it. Usually this chain is sold very fine and has a liquid-like look to it.[16] |
Snake |
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Snake chain is a very tight-linked chain that has a round or square cross-section and has links that create a slight zigzag look.[16][14] |
Spiga |
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or Wheat, is formed of very long, thin teardrop-shape links that all point in the same direction. The join of each link is like a tiny hinge, meaning this style is not as flexible or liquid-like as some others. It forms a 3D chain that feels almost square, and looks as though the wire has been plaited.[16][14] |
Trace |
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A slender simple style version of the Cable or Anchor chain with small, uniform circular or oval links. Trace chains are typically very delicate, especially in finer widths.[18][15] |
Venetian |
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Venetian chains are very similar to Box chain, but the links are always square, whereas the Box chains are looser and rectangular.[18] |