Since jewelry making has become a recent passion of so many people worldwide, the chains that are on offer to enhance our creativity has also increased in beauty and variety. And it is not always possible to identify these various chains as easily as one would hope.
Here is a brief list of chains with names and descriptions that might increase our knowledge and enhance our jewelry making adventures.
Types and Styles of Jewelry Chains
Anchor
Rings on this chain normally has a bisected loop (i.e. 2 holes per ring). These rings inter-link together to form the very classic and popular chain. It derives its name from the history of shipping vessels which had much larger but similarly looking chains, which attached to their anchors.
Basketweave
Less common but decidedly beautiful. The name comes from the fact that the chain has a construction that results in the appearance of woven basket plaits.
Ball
Also known as Bead Chain is thus named as it has little round beads affixed all along the chain. These little round beads could be right next to each other, or separated by usually short spaces between them.
Box
Also known as either the Square Link Chain or Venetian Chain is made up of square links that are normally quite tightly inter-linked. It has a square cross section. And while one might not think so, this kind of chaining produces a very fluid and shinny chain.
Byzantine
Very popular in chain mail technique. This chain has an air of old world romance about it. Its construction produces a very complex and intriguing look. Highly decorative and strong.
Link
Also less commonly known as Cable Chain. This is the most common of the chains, constructed with rings looped into each other in a single row. This is the chain that first comes to mind when people think of jewelry chains.
Curb
Is very similar to the Link Chain except that the rings on the curb chain have areas with flat surfaces, giving it an additional air of elegance.
Figaro
Is very similar to the Curb Chain except that instead of having uniformly sized rings, it normally comprises of two or three shorter rings alternating with one longer ring in-between. Like the Curb Chain, the rings have flattened polished segments.
Infinity Link
Less common but very beautiful. It features an "8" (or infinity symbol) all along the chain. These "8" shaped rings are normally joined together via a smaller round ring.
Rolo
Also known as Belcher Chain has been around for a long time and is as popular today as it ever was. It is the chain that is most used for hanging charms and dangles.
Snake
Or as it is more commonly known these days as Pandora Chain. It has had a revival in popularity due to the phenomenal success of the Pandora Charms.
There are infinitely more variety of chains than I have covered here. Knowing the names of chains (even if the names are not always universally adopted) ensures that you can find supplies for them easier when conducting a search. And with jewelry making, one never tires of trying new varieties to spur another phase of creative exploration!
I hope you have enjoyed this little sojourn into chains and a bit of their history and origins.
About the Author:
Helena Asmus Lim is obsessively and passionately devoted to jewelry making, arts and crafts. She regularly offers free jewelry patterns like Shooting Star: Beaded Necklace Tutorial.
She also has a vast amount of information related to Swarovski Elements. Get all her free articles and patterns at ClearlyHelena.com.
Article Source: Types of Jewelry Chains
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