Selecting the right pendant can be a challenging task in itself, but when you take into consideration all of the different necklace chain options, your decision becomes even more difficult. Chain selection is crucial to creating the perfect jewelry piece. Some chains can take away from the pendant while others are too delicate for the piece.

Here are some of the most popular necklace chain options that you’ll find in fine jewelry:

Bead chains feature evenly spaced round metal balls set along a single chain. While the distance between each bead can vary depending on the chain, most bead chain necklaces have very little space separating each metal ball. Considered by some to be a more masculine chain option, you may have noticed this style in dog tag necklaces and other men’s jewelry.

 

Box chains are commonly used to accentuate statement pendants. While most other necklace chains feature round or oval links, box chains have square shaped links. Their durability is just one reason why this style is popular paired with larger pendants.

 

Byzantine chains are one of the most intricately detailed chains available. With this style, you’ll usually notice two links grouped together and connected with other groups by interweaving single links. Due to their beauty, byzantine chains tend to be worn alone.

 

Cable chains are by far the most popular necklace chain. This style features interlocking oval links and is known for its simplicity.

 

Diamond cut chains are one of the most eye-catching chains available. Like the cut of a diamond, these chains feature angled facets that create a sparkle-like appearance. We usually like to pair these chains with diamond accented pendants to create the ultimate fashion accessory.

 

Figaro chains feature flattened links that vary in size. It’s common for a Figaro chain to have three round links set in between two elongated ones. Since most Figaro chains are generally large in size, they are usually worn without an attaching pendant.

 

Rolo chains feature interlocking round-shaped links. Each link alternates in direction, with some facing flat and others on their sides. Similar in appearance to cable chains, rolo chains usually feature rounder links and tend to be a little bit heavier than their counterpart.

Rope chains feature a braided pattern which closely resembles that of an actual rope. The smaller, more delicate rope chains are the ones that are usually paired with a pendant while the larger ones are usually worn alone.

 

Snake chains have closely fitting rings that create a smooth textured appearance. These chains tend to be very flexible and are solid instead of the usual open link variety found in other chains.

 

Wheat chains feature four oval and/or twisted oval linked strands woven together. Each braided link creates a textural look that is quite beautiful.