by Jesús Zabala - 6 min read

Types of Bracelet Chains

Are you having trouble recognizing between the various links in a chain and their names? Chain bracelets are simple yet refined pieces of jewelry. However, with so many types of bracelet chains, it may be hard to differentiate between all of them. Understanding your options and the key features of chain bracelets will bring you one step closer to purchasing a piece of jewelry that you will love wearing and matches your style.

Let’s unlock the charm, reveal the types of chain link bracelets, and find you the perfect match.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Pixel-Shot

Types of Bracelet Chains

Chains have always been an aesthetically pleasing accessory. They come in a variety of styles, allowing you to choose one (or more) that will showcase your personality. From traditional designs like Cuban and Gourmette chains to sleek and contemporary options like box and snake chains, we’ll cover some of the most popular types of bracelet chains.

Cable chains

Cable chains fall into the group of classy bracelet chain types. When you think about a chain bracelet, a cable style will probably come first in your mind. They are made from oval or round uniform links with a single joint.

Cable chains are renowned for their consistency in style and minimalistic appearance. Their classic style makes them suitable for different settings. You can pair them with everyday or formal attire, wear them as a standalone jewelry piece, layer them with other chain bracelets, or add a pendant to them. Or better yet, choose refreshing options like our Kodrat bracelet with three onyx stones.

Besides the traditional look of cable chains, they come in different variations. You can find them as paperclip chains or trombone link chains, which look like the highly demanded Ula X chain link bracelet.

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Gourmette chains

Gourmette chains go under the name of curb chains. What distinguishes them from other twisted chain types is that they have slightly flattened rings.

Gourmette or curb chains have a distinct appearance as the links lay flat against each other. If you are a perfectionist but also want a comfortable chain bracelet, our curb-style Dara Twisted Chain is the one for you.

One advantage of curb chains is that they are highly versatile and available in a wide range of thicknesses. Besides the thicknesses, there are many variations including the double link (parallel chain) and Cuban chain you can choose from.

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Figaro chains

Many confuse figaro chains with curb chains. However, the main difference between the two is that figaro chains have a specific pattern of alternating link sizes. Typically, the figaro chain has one longer link after a series of short links with the same size. Most people wear figaro chains alone because they are stylish and distinctive enough to make a statement on their own.

One subtype of the figaro chain is the Figarucci chain. These chains are considered more durable because they have an additional bar within the link that reinforces the entire bracelet.

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Rope chains

Rope chains get their name because of their appearance – they look like braided rope. They are one of the rare types of bracelet chains with such rich textures, making them a popular choice for both men and women.

In the jewelry-making industry, we like to say that rope chains have a natural twist and an eye-catching design. Small oval or round-shaped rings constitute the chain, which is twisted to achieve a three-dimensional look.

Rope chain bracelets are a universal accessory. You can achieve a sophisticated look by wearing it alone, combining it with pendants or layering it with other types of jewelry or other rope chain bracelets.

One of the most popular rope chain styles is the French rope. It is vastly known for its tight appearance and higher weight than the classic rope chain.

Rope chains also come in five other types, including:

Solid rope chains
Hollow rope chains
Diamond cut rope chains
Twisted rope chains
Flat rope chains

When it comes to styling your rope chain, you can wear it in multiple ways. Because of their unique and breathtaking look, they are often worn as the only piece. However, many people like to add a personal touch by adding a pendant.

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Forçat chain

Forçat is another type of chain bracelet. The Forçat style is characterized by its links with rounded or square angles. These bracelets are unisex and can be made with different-sized links from a variety of metal options. One example is our Arka Chain bracelet, which many people love because of its minimalistic design.

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Box chains

Box chains have a sleek, geometric appearance. The links are square-shaped and typically made from thinner metal profiles. Generally, each link is shaped like a small box, which is how they got their name. You might also hear people refer to this type of bracelet chain as book and Venetian chains.

Thanks to their appearance, they can enhance any outfit with a stylish touch. They’re also celebrated for their durability and versatility. For a minimalistic and contemporary look, wear them alone. To make a bolder statement, pair them with charms or other types of jewelry.

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Snake chains

What makes snake chains a huge hit as a type of bracelets is their fluid design. The chain links are small and are connected in a unique manner that makes the bracelet look like a snakeskin, hence the name.

Snake chains have excellent features that make them highly demanded pieces of jewelry. Because of their form, they can lay flat and feel comfortable on the skin. Contrary to popular belief that chain bracelets must be thick and robust, snake chains are flexible and easy to wear.

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Byzantine chains

If you are a fan of ancient jewelry, you will love byzantine chain bracelets, also known as birdcage, idiot’s delight chains, fool’s dilemma, and Etruscan. Byzantine chains have a complex, yet beautiful interlocking pattern.

The two main characteristics of Byzantine designs are their rope-like texture and organic textural design. Most Byzantine variations have one link passing through four others, creating a complex look. They differ from box chain bracelets because their links alternate in direction.

Although we have seen people styling them differently, we don’t recommend pairing Byzantine chain bracelets with other pieces of jewelry. They are gorgeous just the way they are and don’t require any additional pieces of jewelry so you can have a complete, intricate, and luxurious look.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Georgy Volmiller

Herringbone chains

Herringbone chains have pointed links interlocked in a unique modern pattern. Typically, herringbone chains have a parallelly placed tapestry of V-shape links.

Many prefer them because of their sleek and flexible structure that lays completely fat on your wrist. Their texture will contour your wrist, unlike any other type of bracelet chain.

However, because of their chain pattern, herringbone styles are considered delicate. If you forcefully push the links together, they might easily bend and kink.

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Iordanis

Conclusion

Chain bracelets are some of the oldest jewelry styles. There is no wonder that there are so many types of bracelet chains, from classy cable chain bracelets to contemporary designs such as herringbone and byzantine chains. If you want to enrich your jewelry box with unique chain bracelets, we have the best handmade creations for you.