Chunky Chain Necklace

Chunky Chain Necklaces: Designs, Types, and Styling Ideas

The chunky chain necklace is back in full swing this summer despite daintier pieces dominating the jewelry market for some time. The wonderful thing about chain necklaces is they are available in various types, designs, and sizes that suit all styles.

Thickness, length, and clasp types

Regarding sizes, a chunky chain link necklace in thickness varies from 6 mm up to 21 mm. Due to the universal look of chain necklaces, men and women can choose thickness based on their preferences. 

Chunky chains with bigger thicknesses will be able to withstand the weight of a pendant better. This means you will not have to worry about your chain breaking. 

In terms of length, chunky chains can be short enough to wear as chokers or reach up to 31.5 inches. 

Plus, chunky chains have various clasp types that you can choose based on ease of use and preference. 

• Spring Ring Closure - This is one of the most common chain clasps. Larger spring ring clasps keep chunky chains more secure. 

• Lobster Claw Clasp - The lobster is another secure and easy-to-open and close clasp that keeps your chain around your neck safe.

• Box Necklace Clasp - This clasp is popular for bracelets but is also one of the most secure closures for chunky chains. The box clasp is wider than other clasps, so it is better for chunky chain necklaces.

• Layered Necklace Clasp - The layered clasp is great, especially with the chunky chain necklace trend of layering necklaces. The layered clasp allows you to experiment with your style and keeps necklaces from tangling due to the multiple hooks. 

Types of chunky chains

Chunky chains are available in various types, including:

• Anchor chain

• Rolo chain

• Cuban link chain

• Curb chain 

• Byzantine chain

• Figaro chain

• Paper clip link chain

Anchor 

The anchor chain imitates the style of the chains holding ships' anchors. The links in the anchor chain are usually oval with a dividing bar in the middle. The links of anchor chains can also be rounded or flattened and laid the same way. 

Due to their design, anchor chain necklaces give added strength to the chain. This means that chunky anchor chains are unlikely to break. 

Rolo

The rolo chain typically consists of round or oval and identical in size links. The chain links are joined in an alternating sequence. The simplicity of rolo chains makes them the perfect design for chunky style necklaces. 

Cuban link chain 

The Cuban chain link type is generally considered a mens chunky chain necklace. The Cuban chain link became popular in Miami with the trend of wearing hip-hop jewelry. This chain style consists of oval links intersecting in a rope pattern. Chunky Cuban link chains are great as men's statement necklaces. 

Curb

The curb chain is one of the most popular styles for chunky necklaces. The curb chain necklace is easily recognizable by the chain link, which interlocks when laid flat. Curb link chains have some of the greatest variety in sizes. 

Byzantine 

The Byzantine chain has one of the most intricate designs, mainly a women's chunky chain necklace. The design of the Byzantine chain involves rounded and bent links woven together in alternating patterns. The unique design gives the chain its looping and twisted look.

Figaro

The Figaro chain's pattern consists of two or three same-sized circular links followed by an elongated one. The chain first became popular in Italy due to the classic opera "The Marriage of Figaro". 

The opera's main character wore this design, which Italian jewelers started replicating. Figaro is one of the heavier chunky chains meaning it is also one of the strongest and less likely to break.

Paper clip link

The paper clip link chain is one of the newest designs. This type is also incredibly popular among influencers and younger people. The design consists of interlocking elongated links that look like paper clips. 

Chunky chains: Styling tips 

When it comes to jewelry styling, the best way to showcase your style is by wearing pieces based on your preferences. However, when you start experimenting with new looks or do not wear jewelry often, you may need some styling tips. 

• Keep it casual - You do not have to do much for everyday looks to achieve a bold look. Wear a simple black or white T-shirt and pair it with a chunky chain necklace. This is an especially easy way for men to achieve a bold yet masculine look.

• Layered look - To achieve an even bolder look, you can try layering a chunky chain with two or even three necklaces of varying sizes. Layered necklaces look great with summer dresses and are suitable for formal events and a fun day out. 

• Pendants - Wearing a bigger chunky chain necklace with a pendant creates a unique statement look without adding other jewelry pieces. Chunky chains with pendants are great for everyday casual looks.

• Chunky choker - Layer a chunky choker chain with daintier pieces for a bold yet feminine look. 

Chunky Chain Necklace Materials 

Our chunky chains come in various metals, including silver, gold, sterling silver, and a 24K gold-plated version. 

• Sterling silver: People most often decide to buy a sterling silver chunky chain necklace. This is because sterling silver, while more affordable than silver, is more durable and easier to style. 
• Silver: A pure silver chunky chain necklace is more expensive, but it is also a soft metal, which is prone to damage if not handled properly. 
• Gold-plated: As a more expensive option, a gold chunky chain necklace is great for a formal event, like a wedding or a cocktail party. What material you buy depends mainly on your tastes. 

Tips for cleaning and maintaining chunky chain necklaces

If you want your chunky chain to last a long time, you need to take proper care of it. It does not matter how expensive or durable a material is. Without cleaning, your necklace may tarnish and lose its shine. 

You can also take gold and silver chains to a professional jeweler for cleaning. You can clean your chunky chains by: 

• Prepare a bowl of warm water and add a few drops of non-abrasive dish soap. 

• Let your necklace soak in the solution for 10 minutes to loosen the dirt and grime. 

• After soaking, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush off any remaining specks of dirt. 

• Rinse the necklace under running water and dry it on a soft cloth. 

When you are done cleaning, you should store chains separately in airtight boxes. This way, you prevent them from tangling with each other and scratching. 

By regularly cleaning your chains and storing them properly, you will be able to wear them for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to determine the right thickness and width of a chunky chain necklace?

Chunky chains come in various sizes, so you should consider your style when buying one. A chunky chain is a great statement piece if you feel comfortable wearing bigger necklaces. 

Also, consider how the chain will complement your body. For example, if you are shorter, then choose a smaller chunky chain. 

Can I wear a chunky chain necklace with a pendant?

Yes, you can. A chunky chain with a pendant is great for achieving a bold look with a single jewelry piece. Our sterling silver Ukra Pendant Chain necklace is a great choice for those looking for a unique necklace they can wear daily. 

Can I adjust the size of a chunky chain necklace?

You can adjust the size of a chunky chain necklace by adding or removing chain links. You can adjust the size at home with pliers. But if you want to avoid accidentally damaging the chain, take it to a jeweler for size adjustment. 

What are the most suitable occasions to wear a chunky chain necklace?

You can wear chunky chains for any occasion, as they complement most styles. However, if you are attending a formal event like a wedding, you can wear a chunky gold chain. Sterling silver is a good choice for everyday wear. 

How to clean and maintain a chunky chain necklace at home?

You can easily clean your chunky chains at home by soaking them in a dish soap solution to remove dirt. Or, you can take the necklaces to a jeweler for professional cleaning. Professional cleaning is better for gold and silver pieces. 

Can I wear a chunky chain necklace if I have sensitive skin?

Choosing a gold or silver chunky chain necklace is better if you have sensitive skin. This is because gold and silver are hypoallergenic metals. 

If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction to any jewelry piece, you should contact a dermatologist. 

Are chunky chain necklaces prone to tangling?

Like every other necklace, chunky chains are also prone to tangling. Tangling is especially possible when the chain links are removable and not soldered. You can prevent tangling by storing your necklaces individually.

How to determine if the chunky chain necklace is genuine or high-quality?

Many online stores falsely claim that their chains are genuine to scam clients. You can identify if your chain necklace is genuine if it is marked. For example, genuine sterling silver chunky necklaces will have 925 authenticity stamps marked on them.