Gold Chain Designs
Neck chains come in a variety of lengths and widths:
Box: each link is wide, square, and interconnects with the next.
Byzantine: An intricate neck chain design where two pairs of oval-shaped
links are linked together and then parted by a third, larger,
thicker link attached to each pair.
Cable: The typical chain, composed of round same-size rings, each
linked to the next.
Curb: oval-shaped links twisted and often diamond-cut to lie flat.
Figaro: alternates rectangular and circular links, typically one
long rectangle followed by three smaller round links.
Foxtail: sleek and elegant, an intricately woven chain fashioned
with two rows of oval links facing each other at a 45-degree angle
and connected by a center row of flat rings set flush with each
other.
Herringbone: One of the most popular chain designs, the herringbone
is a series of short, flat, slanted, parallel links in two or more
rows, with the direction of the slant alternating row by row.
Mariner
link: oval links with a bar dividing the middle of each
link. The figogucci is a variant of the mariner where links are
twisted and diamond-cut.
Omega: a flat chain made up of rectangular smooth rounded metal
plates side by side and crimped along the ends onto a strip of
metal mesh.
Rope: two thick strands woven together giving the appearance of
a spiral.
Serpentine: A series of small, flat, s-shaped links set closely
together and held in place by a twin set of links set below them.
Singapore: resembles a twisted herringbone wherein each link is
composed of a series of flat, diamond-cut, interwoven loops.
Snake: a series of round wavy metal rings joined side by side and
forming a smooth flexible tube.
Neck Chain Clasps
Finally, satisfaction with the clasp on a neck chain is essential!
The clasp needs to be strong enough to support the weight of longer chains while shorter chains need a clasp that is easy to fasten, especially if you don’t have an extra pair of hands that can help! Fortunately, today neck chains are fashioned with a variety of clasps.
Barrel: A square wire fits into a barrel-shaped tube and locks
into place. Some barrel clasps have an additional figure-eight
safety clasp on the side. Some barrels screw together providing
an even safer neck chain closure.
Lobster
claw: One of the most popular clasps today. The lobster
claw resembles its name. Although it hooks through a loop at the
other end of the chain, it’s rectangular and flat to give
you a better grip.
Spring
ring: A round clasp that opens with a coil spring. On better
neck chains, the spring ring is generally heavier and more durable
than the round loops of old.
